cope

Everyday

1. To cope means to deal well with a hard problem or situation, and to keep going. tree →
2. To cope with work or a job means to manage to do it. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and wellbeing lessons, children learn ways to cope with worry, anger, change or loss: talk to someone, breathe slowly, take a break. In stories a character copes with a disaster or a new school. Phrases: cope with, can't cope, learn to cope, coping skills.

Examples

• She coped well with moving to a new school. tree →
• How do you cope with being nervous before a test? tree →
• Mum couldn't cope with all the noise. tree →
• The small hospital could not cope with so many patients. tree →
• Talking to a friend helps me cope when I'm sad. tree →
• The bridge could not cope with the heavy trucks. tree →
• We are learning coping skills in class. tree →

Note

Regular verb: coped, coping (drop the e). Usually «cope with» something. It is all right to say «I can't cope» and ask for help.