deal with — handle a problem
phrasal verbB1IELTS 5+neutralcore
to take action to solve a problem or manage a difficult situation.
Say it like a native
Textbook I must address this problematic situation immediately.
Native I'll deal with it right now.
'Deal with' is the everyday verb for handling problems. 'Address a problematic situation' is report-speak, not conversation.
Pattern: deal with + noun/pronoun
In use
- She had to deal with a lot of stress at her new job.daily life
- In my opinion, learning how to deal with difficult people is an important life skill.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Don't worry, I'll deal it.
✓ Don't worry, I'll deal with it.
Always 'deal WITH' + object — never drop 'with' (bare 'deal' means hand out cards).
Common collocations
deal with + challenge— a problem, stress, customers, the situation
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'deal' (to give out cards) or 'deal in' (to trade).
Related
- deal with (be about a topic) — Another meaning of 'deal with' is 'be about a topic'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.