difficult to cope with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to cope with" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is challenging or challenging to deal with or manage. Example: The loss of her father was extremely difficult to cope with, but with the support of her friends and family, she was able to get through the tough times.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The police found this difficult to cope with.

The Guardian - Sport

"He found it difficult to cope with both.

The Guardian

It is the now that is difficult to cope with.

The New York Times

And that can become difficult to cope with.

The Guardian

These are all very difficult to cope with.

The Guardian

It can be difficult to cope with while providing leadership.

The New York Times

"It's difficult to cope with Fabiano," Eriksson said.

The New York Times - Sports

Nicotine withdrawal can be incredibly difficult to cope with and it's not personal.

Columbia University

A reluctant star, Kirkbride found fame and press attention difficult to cope with.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I'm finding the situation really difficult to cope with, so I've started self-harming".

The Guardian

"It's difficult to cope with when you want to give one-to-one support.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to cope with", consider specifying the specific aspect or reason that makes something challenging. For example, instead of saying "The situation was difficult to cope with", you could say "The situation was difficult to cope with due to the lack of resources".

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to cope with" as a vague statement without providing context. Without specific details, the phrase can lose its impact and leave the reader wondering why something is challenging. Instead, follow up with explanatory information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to cope with" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing its challenging nature. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English. Its purpose is to highlight the degree of hardship in managing or enduring something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0.01%

Wiki

0.01%

Formal & Business

0.01%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult to cope with" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression widely used to describe situations or experiences that present significant challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and appropriate for written English, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While alternatives like "hard to manage" or "challenging to handle" exist, "difficult to cope with" effectively conveys the sense of strain and resilience required to navigate hardships. When using the phrase, clarity and context are key, to ensure the reader understands the precise nature of the difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to manage

Focuses on the management aspect of dealing with a challenging situation.

challenging to handle

Highlights the demanding nature of the situation, emphasizing the need for skill.

tough to deal with

Emphasizes the unpleasant or arduous nature of the situation.

strenuous to endure

Emphasizes the effort required to withstand the difficulty.

taxing to withstand

Focuses on the depleting effect of the situation on one's resources.

burdensome to bear

Highlights the heavy weight or responsibility associated with the situation.

onerous to overcome

Emphasizes the oppressive nature and the need to conquer the difficulty.

formidable to confront

Highlights the intimidating aspect of the situation.

trying to get through

Focuses on the aspect of surviving or passing a difficult time or situation.

not easy to stomach

Emphasizes the unpalatable or unacceptable nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult to cope with" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult to cope with" to describe something that is challenging to manage or endure. For instance, "The unexpected changes were "difficult to cope with" during the transition period".

What are some alternatives to "difficult to cope with"?

Alternatives include "hard to manage", "challenging to handle", or "tough to deal with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "difficult to cope with" formal or informal?

"Difficult to cope with" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality often depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

What makes something "difficult to cope with"?

Something is "difficult to cope with" when it presents significant challenges to one's ability to manage emotions, resources, or circumstances. This could be due to complexity, lack of support, or unexpected changes.