deal with something

USAGE SUMMARY

"deal with something" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the action of managing, addressing, or settling a situation, issue, or concern: "We need to come up with a plan to deal with the additional workload this month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Servicers were ill-equipped to deal with something so complicated.

The New York Times

How do you deal with something like that?

The New Yorker

"How do you deal with something like that?" he continued.

The New York Times

Tommy Haas never had to deal with something like that.

The New York Times - Tech

Then we have to deal with something less.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have to deal with something of substance".

The New York Times

"And I didn't know — I still don't know — how to deal with something like this".

The New York Times - Arts

"Anyone in any walk of life shouldn't have to deal with something like this," he says.

Independent

"No team has had to deal with something like this," Alicia Manning, a senior guard, said.

The New York Times - Sports

I think there are a lot of ways to deal with something like this.

Harvard Business Review

"The way you get people to deal with something is to saturate them with it.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "handle a situation" or "manage an issue" to avoid repetition and add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "deal with something" in close proximity. It can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, use specific verbs that describe the action more precisely, such as 'resolve', 'manage', or 'address'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deal with something" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action performed on an object. It signifies the process of managing, addressing, or resolving a particular matter. Ludwig provides many examples, demonstrating its versatility across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

19%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deal with something" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the action of managing or addressing a situation, issue, or task. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is versatile and appropriate for various contexts, from news and media to academia and general conversation. While it is widely accepted, varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "handle a situation" or "manage an issue" can enhance your writing style. Avoid overuse to maintain clarity and precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manage an issue

Focuses more on the act of managing a specific problem or issue.

address a problem

Emphasizes the act of confronting and dealing with a problem directly.

handle a situation

Highlights the ability to control or direct a particular set of circumstances.

resolve a matter

Implies bringing a situation to a conclusion or settlement.

tackle a challenge

Suggests facing and overcoming a difficult situation.

cope with a difficulty

Emphasizes the ability to endure and manage a challenging situation.

contend with a problem

Suggests striving or struggling to overcome a problem.

take care of something

Focuses on the responsibility and attention given to a specific task or issue.

attend to something

Highlights the act of giving attention and dealing with something promptly.

sort something out

Implies organizing or resolving a confused or problematic situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "deal with something" to describe how you manage or address a particular issue or situation. For example, "The company needs a new strategy to deal with the changing market conditions."

What are some alternatives to "deal with something"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "handle a situation", "manage an issue", or "address a problem". These phrases offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

Is it appropriate to use "deal with something" in formal writing?

Yes, "deal with something" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, you might consider using more precise synonyms like "resolve the matter" or "address the issue" to add sophistication to your language.

What's the difference between "deal with something" and "cope with something"?

"Deal with something" generally implies taking action to manage or resolve an issue. "Cope with something", on the other hand, suggests enduring or managing a difficult situation, often without necessarily resolving it. For instance, you might "deal with" a broken appliance by repairing it, but you "cope with" the stress caused by the breakdown.