Cope with means to deal with a difficulty and get through it: stress, a heavy workload, change, illness. The point isn't a brilliant result but that the person didn't break down and keeps going. Without an object, it's simply I can't cope: I'm not managing.
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cope with + stress/pressure/workload/change; cope with + -ing; can't cope
- Many first-year students find it hard to cope with living away from home.
- Our small team coped with twice the usual number of orders during the sale.
- She copes with stress by going for a long walk after work.
What changed
First versionI can't cope my workload this month.
RevisionI can't cope with my workload this month.
Before the thing you're dealing with, cope needs with. Without it, cope can't take an object: cope my workload is a mistake. The confusion often comes from manage, which doesn't need with: manage my workload.
Cope with says nothing about the result, only that you got through: I coped with the exam means you survived it and didn't panic, but whether you passed is unknown. For that, say passed the exam. Deal with is closer to handling or taking care of something: deal with a complaint.
Your turn
My new job is very demanding, and some weeks I can hardly ___ the pressure.
Show the answer
cope with — Before the thing that's hard to handle, you need with: cope with the pressure. Without with, the verb can't take an object, so cope the pressure is a mistake.
Write about a difficult period at work or in your studies. Say what was hard to cope with and what helped you.
During my final year at university, I coped with the stress of exams by studying with friends and going to the gym twice a week.
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