1
Core action
Make a sustained effort to understand or deal with a difficult problem, question, or situation.
Example
The essay grapples with the contradiction between access and preservation.
grapple with
/ˈɡræpəl wɪð/ · GRAP-ul withverb phrase
Make a sustained effort to understand or deal with a difficult problem, question, or situation.
Use grapple with to express this relationship precisely: make a sustained effort to understand or deal with a difficult problem, question, or situation.
What grapple with Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
Researchers continue to grapple with how the effect should be measured.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
The novel grapples with the consequences of rapid social change.
Use grapple with Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The essay grapples with the contradiction between access and preservation.
Researchers continue to grapple with how the effect should be measured.
The novel grapples with the consequences of rapid social change.
Precision Matters
Grapple with overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
grapple with
vs.Means make a sustained effort to understand or deal with a difficult problem, question, or situation.
take issue with
Means disagree with or challenge a claim, interpretation, or action.
grapple with
vs.Means make a sustained effort to understand or deal with a difficult problem, question, or situation.
appraise
Means assess the value, quality, condition, or significance of something.
grapple with
vs.Means make a sustained effort to understand or deal with a difficult problem, question, or situation.
scrutiny
Means close, careful, and often critical examination.
grapple with
vs.Means make a sustained effort to understand or deal with a difficult problem, question, or situation.
ruminate about
Means think deeply, repeatedly, and at length about a question, experience, or problem.
Test grapple with in Context
The authors make a serious effort to understand and deal with a difficult problem.
1
Rather than ignore the conflicting results, the authors ___ their implications throughout the discussion.