struggling

Everyday

1. Struggling means trying very hard to do something that is difficult («struggling with maths»). tree →
2. Struggling means fighting or twisting your body to get free («The bird was struggling in the net»). tree →
3. As an adjective, struggling describes people or things having a hard time, such as a struggling business or team. tree →

In the lessons

In school it is normal to say «I'm struggling with this» and ask for help; teachers want to know. In everyday life and safety someone struggling in water needs help from an adult or lifeguard (shout, throw something that floats, do not jump in). In stories it shows effort and difficulty. Phrases: «struggling with», «struggling to», «struggling for breath».

Examples

• I'm struggling with my long division. tree →
• The swimmer was struggling, so the lifeguard threw a ring. tree →
• The cat was struggling to get out of the box. tree →
• He is struggling to make friends at his new school. tree →
• They were struggling up the steep hill on their bikes. tree →
• If you are struggling, ask for help. tree →
• The struggling shop closed last month. tree →
• The fly was struggling in the spider's web. tree →
• Then suddenly a dove was struggling in her arms, and almost flew away. tree →

Note

From «struggle» (drop the e before -ing). Followed by «with» + noun or «to» + verb. Safety: if someone is struggling in water, call for help and throw a float; do not jump in yourself.