ENGLISH
REFERENCE

deal with sth

phr. v..
A2 Elementary Oxford

phr. v.. 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.

phr. v.. To take appropriate action to manage a task, problem, or person. Can also mean 'to be about' or 'have as a subject'.


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.

Particles
with
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
deal + with + object
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).

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