deal with

USAGE SUMMARY

"deal with" is a common expression in written and spoken English.
It is an informal verb phrase that means to take care of, handle, or manage something. For example: "I need to deal with this problem before it gets worse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Same deal with Quick".

The New York Times - Sports

Same deal with violence.

The New Yorker

Same deal with books.

The New York Times

Deal with it, again.

The New York Times

We'll deal with it.

The New York Times - Sports

I deal with criticism".

The New York Times

Couldn't deal with it.

The New Yorker

So deal with it.

The New York Times

They deal with it".

The New York Times - Sports

We deal with reality".

BBC

Deal with me".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone you want to convey. "Deal with" is versatile but can be replaced with more specific verbs (e.g., "resolve", "manage") for nuanced communication.

Common error

While "deal with" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound less sophisticated. Replace it with more precise verbs such as "address", "manage", or "resolve" to enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

Linguistic Context

"Deal with" functions as a transitive verb phrase, meaning it requires an object. It describes the action of addressing, managing, or handling something. Ludwig AI's analysis and the provided examples show its versatility in various contexts, from managing problems to handling daily tasks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

News & Media

31%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb phrase "deal with" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe the action of handling, managing, or addressing a situation or problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely employed across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and general communication. While "deal with" is generally neutral to informal, you should opt for more precise verbs like "address", "manage", or "resolve" to convey enhanced clarity and professionalism in more formal or professional writing. Remember to use the base form "deal" with future tenses and be mindful of the tone you want to convey, by considering context-specific alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

handle

A more general term that means to manage or control something.

manage

Implies skill in controlling resources or personnel.

address

Suggests focusing on and taking action to resolve an issue.

cope with

Emphasizes the ability to overcome difficulties.

contend with

Highlights a struggle or challenge in managing something.

take care of

Focuses on providing attention and support.

tackle

Suggests a direct and energetic approach to a problem.

resolve

Implies finding a solution or ending a problem.

sort out

Suggests organizing or clarifying something to manage it effectively.

take on

Implies accepting responsibility for something.

FAQs

How can I use "deal with" in a sentence?

You can use "deal with" to describe how someone manages or handles a situation, for example, "The company needs to deal with the customer's complaint promptly".

What's a more formal alternative to "deal with"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "address", "manage", or "resolve" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I will dealt with it"?

No, the correct form is "I will deal with it". "Dealt" is the past participle form and requires an auxiliary verb like "have" or "had". For the future tense, use the base form "deal".

What is the difference between "cope with" and "deal with"?

"Cope with" implies managing or enduring something difficult, while "deal with" is more general and can refer to handling any situation, positive or negative. For example, you might "cope with" stress but "deal with" a routine task.