deals with

USAGE SUMMARY

"deals with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone or something is discussing, managing, or solving a problem or situation. For example: "The committee deals with issues related to recycling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It deals with Isis.

Independent

He deals with it.

The New York Times

C.P.S. deals with acute issues.

The New York Times - Science

The novel deals with that.

The New York Times - Books

They made deals with it".

The New York Times

Update?" deals with Postmodernist appropriation.

The New York Times - Arts

"It deals with crises.

Princeton University

They were just deals with issues.

The New York Times

Working Group III deals with mitigation.

The Economist

And opera deals with excess well.

The New York Times - Arts

The last phase deals with the penalty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deals with", ensure the subject clearly connects to the topic being addressed. For example, instead of "The report deals with issues", specify "The report deals with issues related to climate change mitigation".

Common error

Avoid using "deals with" as a vague placeholder. Provide specific details about how the subject is addressing or managing the topic. Instead of "The software deals with data", clarify "The software deals with data by automatically sorting and analyzing it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deals with" functions as a verb phrase, indicating how a subject manages, addresses, or interacts with a specific topic or issue. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. The examples provided illustrate its versatility across various subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "deals with" is a versatile and common verb phrase used to describe how a subject manages, addresses, or interacts with a specific topic or issue. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in various contexts. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic sources. While generally neutral in register, it’s essential to ensure clarity and specificity when using "deals with", avoiding overly broad applications. Consider alternatives such as "addresses the issue of" or "concerns itself with" for added precision or formality. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "deals with" into your writing while maintaining clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerns itself with

Replaces "deals with" by emphasizing the aspect of focusing or centering attention to particular subject.

addresses the issue of

Emphasizes a direct confrontation or tackling of a problem or subject, creating a more focused context compared to just dealing.

handles the matter of

Indicates a management or control aspect, suggesting more responsibility than just dealing.

is concerned with

Shifts the focus to the state of being related to or interested in something, changing from action to state.

takes into consideration

Highlights the act of considering specific aspects, which is part of dealing with something but not the entire action.

engages with

Implies an active participation or interaction, adding a layer of involvement beyond just dealing.

is about

Simplifies to merely indicating the subject or topic, losing the connotation of management or problem-solving.

copes with

Focuses specifically on managing or overcoming difficulties or challenges, adding an element of struggle.

navigates the complexities of

Emphasizes skillful movement through a complex situation, adding a dimension of intricacy.

administers

Highlights the management and distribution aspect, indicating a systematic oversight.

FAQs

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

You can use "deals with" to indicate how a subject addresses or manages a specific issue. For example, "This book "deals with" the complexities of human relationships", or "Our customer service team "deals with" complaints promptly and efficiently".

What's a more formal way to say "deals with"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "addresses", "concerns itself with", or "handles the matter of". These phrases provide a similar meaning but convey a higher level of formality.

What are some common synonyms for "deals with"?

Common synonyms include "is concerned with", "is about", "engages with", and "addresses the issue of". The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "deals with" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "deals with" is generally appropriate for academic writing, but it's essential to ensure clarity and specificity. Use it to accurately describe how a study, theory, or argument engages with its subject matter. Overly frequent or vague use should be avoided in favour of more precise language.