What does the phrasal verb “deal with” mean?

What are the definitions of “deal with”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Handle or take care of.

  I spent the morning dealing with my emails.

• 2. Handle or address a problem or situation.

  The government must now deal with the problem of high unemployment.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “deal with”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb deal with is to handle or take care of a situation, problem, or task. It means to manage or address something that needs attention or action.

What are the different verb forms of “deal with”?

Root Verb	deal with
Third Person Singular Present	deals with
Present Participle	dealing with
Simple Past	dealt with
Past Participle	dealt with

Example

She needs to deal with her financial issues.

Example

He deals with customer complaints every day.

Example

They are dealing with a difficult situation at work.

Example

Yesterday, I dealt with all the paperwork.

Example

The issue has been dealt with and resolved.

What kind of phrasal verb is “deal with”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“deal with” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She dealt with the problem quickly.

Example

He dealt with the situation effectively.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“deal with” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She dealt with the problem quickly.

Example

He dealt with the situation effectively.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “deal with”?

Deal with someone

Interact or work with a specific person, often in a challenging or difficult context.

Example

I don't know how she deals with her difficult boss every day.

Deal with something

Face or confront a difficult or unpleasant situation.

Example

He needs to deal with his fear of public speaking.

Deal with it

A phrase used to tell someone to accept or handle a situation, often when they are complaining or expressing dissatisfaction.

Example

You don't like the new rules? Well, you'll just have to deal with it.

Good things to know

Does “deal with” have an informal or formal tone?

Deal with is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “deal with”?

Synonyms

• manage
• address
• tackle
• confront
• face
• resolve
• handle
• attend to
• take care of
• cope with

Antonyms

• ignore
• avoid
• neglect
• overlook
• dismiss
• postpone
• evade
• sidestep