phrasal verb 'deal with'
Phrasal verbMain meaning
deal with
[diːl wɪθ]
to handle or address something/someone

Other meanings

  • o be about; concern (of a text/topic)
  • to take action against; confront
  • to do business with; serve
  • to cope with; manage (a difficulty, emotion)
  • to treat/behave toward (someone)

Example Sentences Using the Phrasal Verb "deal with"

  • How will you deal with the backlog of emails?
  • We need to deal with this leak before it ruins the floor.
  • The book deals with the history of aviation.
  • I can't deal with this noise right now.
  • Security will deal with anyone who refuses to leave.
  • We don't deal with cash here.

Features of Using "deal with"

Separability:Inseparable Transitivity:Transitive Level:A1

Inseparable: say “deal with it,” not “deal it with.”

With texts/topics, deal with ≈ “be about.”

Tone can be firm or even threatening in “I’ll deal with you.”

Compare: deal in (= trade) vs. deal cards.