ability to cope

USAGE SUMMARY

'ability to cope' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the phrase to refer to a person's capacity or capability to handle a difficult or challenging situation. For example, "With his exceptional determined attitude and ability to cope, he was able to overcome his financial struggles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ability to cope.

The New York Times - Sports

This affected his ability to cope with the interview".

The Guardian

Their ability to cope with debt was therefore limited.

The Guardian

And nature has this phenomenal ability to cope with the actual impacts.

Harvard University

The ability to cope with some of these problems; I think that's extremely important.

Yale University

Unfortunately, there are limits to the placenta's ability to cope with external stresses.

Yale University

Your child's ability to cope with any part of a medical visit.

Harvard University

Giving your body and mind a break can boost your ability to cope with stress.

Columbia University

On the one hand I didn't doubt my ability to cope, and I really wanted children.

The Guardian

These were the things that shaped my character and my ability to cope all my life".

The New Yorker

And yet he seemed to have a special ability to cope with risk.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing an individual's resilience, specify the context in which they demonstrate the "ability to cope" to provide a clearer and more impactful message. For example, "Her ability to cope with high-pressure situations makes her an invaluable asset to the team."

Common error

Avoid vague statements about someone's "ability to cope" without providing concrete examples. Instead of simply stating someone 'copes well', illustrate specific behaviors or strategies they employ to manage challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to cope" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a general capacity or skill. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ability to cope" is a commonly used noun phrase referring to the capacity to handle difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts. Its frequency in news, academic, and scientific sources reflects its broad applicability. When writing, focus on specifying the context in which this ability is demonstrated and providing concrete examples of coping mechanisms. Related phrases, like ""capacity to adapt"" and "resourcefulness in adversity", can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to adapt

Focuses on the adaptability aspect of dealing with challenges.

skill in managing difficulties

Emphasizes the skillful handling of difficult situations.

resourcefulness in adversity

Highlights the quality of being resourceful when facing adversity.

strength to overcome obstacles

Focuses on the strength and resilience required to overcome challenges.

resilience in challenging times

Highlights the ability to bounce back and remain strong during difficult periods.

effectiveness in crisis management

Focuses on the effectiveness in handling crisis situations.

aptitude for problem-solving

Highlights the natural ability or talent for solving problems.

talent for navigating hardships

Emphasizes the talent or innate skill in navigating difficult situations.

potential for weathering storms

Highlights the potential to endure and survive difficult times.

preparedness for handling stress

Focuses on the state of being prepared to manage stressful situations.

FAQs

How can I use "ability to cope" in a sentence?

You can use "ability to cope" to describe someone's capacity to handle difficulties. For instance, "His "capacity to adapt" allowed him to thrive in stressful environments."

What are some synonyms for "ability to cope"?

Alternatives to "ability to cope" include phrases like "skill in managing difficulties", "resourcefulness in adversity", or "strength to overcome obstacles".

Is it better to say "ability to cope" or "capacity to cope"?

"Ability to cope" and "capacity to cope" are largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on the specific nuance you want to convey; "ability" suggests a developed skill, while "capacity" implies potential.

What influences a person's "ability to cope"?

A person's "ability to cope" can be influenced by factors such as their personality, past experiences, social support, and access to resources. Cultivating "resilience in challenging times" also plays a significant role.