forced to cope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forced to cope" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is compelled to deal with a difficult or challenging circumstance. Example: "After the sudden loss of her job, she felt forced to cope with the uncertainty of her future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pets are also being forced to cope.

The New York Times

Most businesses worldwide have been forced to cope with this information-driven revolution.

MIT Technology Review

Americans were suddenly forced to cope with this second category, extreme uncertainty.

The New York Times

Now, as they near the midpoint of the season, they are forced to cope with another.

The New York Times - Sports

I'll say yes, as long as we are forced to cope with the current financial situation.

The New York Times

But it will be another week before the market participants will be forced to cope with the fresh supply.

The New York Times

They blame a catalogue of weaknesses in an air system forced to cope with ever-soaring levels of traffic.

The Guardian - Business

Bought and sold, physically and mentally confined, and often starved or abused, slaves in America were forced to cope with ever more restrictive conditions.

Cornell University

Being forced to cope with the roommate they've been assigned to, he argues, will teach them to appreciate their differences and provides good training for marriage.

The New York Times

She and her husband are forced to cope with its physical presence and decay in a series of blackly comic vignettes.

The New York Times - Books

They've been forced to cope with extra bag checks, closer scrutiny of their identification, and full body pat-downs that include children as well as adults.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional tone when using "forced to cope". It often carries a sense of resignation or struggle, so ensure it aligns with the intended message and context of your writing.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive voice when using "forced to cope". While the phrase itself is passive, ensure the surrounding sentences maintain a balance to avoid sounding overly detached or lacking agency. For example, instead of "Mistakes were made and therefore we were forced to cope with the consequences", consider "Because we made mistakes, we were forced to cope with the consequences".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forced to cope" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone or something is compelled to deal with a difficult situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It highlights a lack of choice in addressing a challenge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "forced to cope" is a common verb phrase used to describe situations where individuals or entities are compelled to deal with challenging circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media, conveying a sense of imposition or lack of control. Alternatives like "compelled to deal with" or "obliged to manage" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compelled to deal with

Emphasizes the element of compulsion in managing a situation.

obliged to manage

Highlights the sense of duty or obligation in handling circumstances.

had no choice but to handle

Focuses on the lack of alternatives in addressing a situation.

left with no option but to endure

Stresses the unavoidable nature of suffering through a difficult experience.

required to navigate

Implies a need for skill and strategy in dealing with complexity.

constrained to confront

Highlights the limitations and the act of facing something directly.

necessitated to grapple with

Emphasizes the struggle and effort involved in understanding or solving a problem.

driven to address

Suggests a strong external force pushing one to take action.

pushed into handling

Indicates a more passive role where one is influenced by others.

made to contend with

Focuses on the act of struggling to overcome difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "forced to cope" to describe situations where individuals or groups are compelled to deal with difficult or challenging circumstances. For example: "Due to budget cuts, the school was "forced to cope" with fewer resources".

What are some alternatives to "forced to cope"?

Alternatives include "compelled to deal with", "obliged to manage", or "had no choice but to handle" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "forced to cope with" or "had to cope with"?

"Forced to cope with" emphasizes the lack of choice or external pressure, while "had to cope with" is a more neutral statement. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "They were "forced to cope with" the sudden change" implies less agency than "They "had to cope with" the sudden change".

What does it mean when someone says they are "forced to cope"?

It means they are in a situation where they have no other option but to deal with difficulties, challenges, or unwanted circumstances. It suggests a sense of obligation or lack of control over the situation. It's similar to saying they were "compelled to manage" a difficult situation.