What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grappled
Example
The two wrestlers grappled fiercely for the championship title. [grappled: verb]
Example
She grappled with the complex math problem for hours before finally solving it. [grappled: past tense]
struggled
Example
He struggled to break free from his opponent's grasp. [struggled: verb]
Example
She struggled with depression for years before seeking help. [struggled: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Struggled is more commonly used than grappled in everyday language. Struggled is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while grappled is less common and refers to a more specific type of physical struggle or mental/emotional challenge.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grappled and struggled?
Both grappled and struggled are relatively informal words, but grappled may be more associated with sports or martial arts contexts, while struggled is more general and can be used in various formality levels.
