Phrasal verb
deal with sth
Definition
phrasal verb. To take action to solve a problem or manage a situation. It can also mean that your job or a book is about a certain topic.
phrasal verb. To take appropriate action to manage a task, problem, or person. Can also mean 'to be about' or 'have as a subject'.
Examples
“You need to deal with this problem now.”
“As a manager, she has to deal with many different types of people every day.”
“The report deals with the complex effects of climate change on global food supply chains.”
Examples
simple
“You need to deal with this problem now.”
contextual
“As a manager, she has to deal with many different types of people every day.”
complex
“The report deals with the complex effects of climate change on global food supply chains.”
Usage
Often followed by a noun representing a problem, a task, or a topic.
Teaching tip
Contrast 'deal with' (taking action on an external issue) with 'cope with' (managing one's internal emotional response to a difficult situation).
Pitfall
I can't deal this situation alone.
I can't deal with this situation alone.
The preposition 'with' is required; 'deal' alone has a different meaning (e.g., to give out cards in a game).
Phrasal verb
Particles
with
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
deal + with + object