have been coping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been coping" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing process of managing or dealing with a difficult situation or emotion over a period of time. Example: "Since the pandemic began, I have been coping with the stress of remote work and isolation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Other loved ones have been coping differently.

The New York Times

In Moneo's native Spain, builders have been coping with heat for eons.

The New York Times - Arts

Both teams have been coping with their most recent losses by looking ahead to Sunday's game.

The New York Times

People in other parts of the region have been coping with cabin fever as their vacations were rained on.

The New York Times

Like many other homeowners this winter, the Burnses have been coping with water damage caused by ice dams.

The New York Times

People have been coping with shortages since 2006, long before the death from cancer last year of the pro-socialist president, Hugo Chávez.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Internally, Assange had been coping with an organization in turmoil.

The New Yorker

I've been coping with PTSD ever since.

The Guardian - Opinion

The hardest aspect of all has been coping with tragedy.

The Guardian - Sport

They've got jobs and they've been coping, but this tipped them over the edge".

The Guardian

Sara Lee, like most food companies, has been coping with soaring costs for commodities like wheat.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been coping" to emphasize the ongoing nature of dealing with a challenge, rather than a one-time solution. It highlights the continuous effort involved.

Common error

Avoid using "have been coping" for actions that have already concluded. Instead, use a past tense verb to describe completed coping mechanisms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been coping" functions as a verb phrase, specifically in the present perfect continuous tense. It indicates an action that started in the past and continues into the present. This use is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correctness and provides examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been coping" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense. As confirmed by Ludwig, it aptly describes an ongoing process of managing difficulties, commonly appearing in news and media, but also relevant in scientific and formal business contexts. To ensure correct usage, remember that "have been coping" emphasizes the continuing nature of the action, differentiating it from completed actions that would require a past tense verb. When using alternatives such as "have been managing" or "have been dealing with", consider the nuances of each phrase to accurately reflect the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been managing

Focuses more on the active handling of a situation.

have been dealing with

Emphasizes the act of addressing or handling something.

have been handling

Highlights the ability to control or manage a situation effectively.

have been enduring

Suggests a prolonged experience of something difficult or painful.

have been withstanding

Implies resistance against something challenging or harmful.

have been navigating

Focuses on the process of finding a way through difficult circumstances.

have been confronting

Emphasizes direct engagement with challenges or problems.

have been grappling with

Highlights a struggle or difficulty in dealing with something.

have been adjusting to

Focuses on adapting to new or changed circumstances.

have been living with

Suggests an ongoing acceptance or tolerance of a situation.

FAQs

What does "have been coping" mean?

The phrase "have been coping" means managing or dealing with a difficult situation or emotion over a period of time. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of the process.

What can I say instead of "have been coping"?

You can use alternatives like "have been managing", "have been dealing with", or "have been handling" depending on the context.

How do I use "have been coping" in a sentence?

Use "have been coping" to describe an ongoing process of managing a difficult situation. For example, "Since the economic downturn, many families "have been coping" with reduced income."

Is it correct to say "had been coping" instead of "have been coping"?

The choice between "had been coping" and ""have been coping"" depends on the timeframe. "Had been coping" refers to a past action relative to another point in the past, while ""have been coping"" describes an action that started in the past and continues to the present.