Quick Definition
Deal With — To handle a situation, problem, or person; to be about a particular subject.
Meanings of Deal With
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Handle a problem | I'll deal with the complaint first thing tomorrow. | I'll handle/address it. |
| Be about (topic) | The report deals with climate change. | The report is about climate change. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| I'll deal with the complaint first thing tomorrow. | I'll handle/address it. |
| The report deals with climate change. | The report is about climate change. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll deal with it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
| She decided to deal with the whole situation. | Applying the phrasal verb in context. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: inseparable | Transitivity: transitive
Inseparable. Always followed by a noun or pronoun: deal with it, deal with the issue.
How to Use Deal With
Neutral to formal. Very common in business, customer service, and academic writing.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | I'll deal with the complaint first thing tomorrow. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Deal With
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Deal With
What does "Deal With" mean?
"Deal With" means: To handle a situation, problem, or person; to be about a particular subject. It is a transitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B1.
Is "Deal With" separable or inseparable?
"Deal With" is inseparable. Inseparable. Always followed by a noun or pronoun: deal with it, deal with the issue.
How do I use "Deal With" in a sentence?
I'll deal with the complaint first thing tomorrow. -- in this example, 'Deal With' means i'll handle/address it.
What is the register of "Deal With"?
Neutral to formal. Very common in business, customer service, and academic writing.
What CEFR level is "Deal With"?
"Deal With" is typically taught at CEFR B1 — Intermediate level. It appears frequently in neutral to formal contexts.
What is the difference between "Deal With" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Deal With" specifically means: To handle a situation, problem, or person; to be about a particular subject. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Deal With" be used formally?
Neutral to formal. Very common in business, customer service, and academic writing. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Deal With" take an object?
"Deal With" is transitive. Inseparable. Always followed by a noun or pronoun: deal with it, deal with the issue.
How can I practise "Deal With"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Deal With' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Deal With" used in British or American English?
"Deal With" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Neutral to formal. Very common in business, customer service, and academic writing.