deal with

Meaning

This expression means to take action to solve a problem, handle a situation, or cope with a difficult person or emotion. It is highly versatile and used in both professional and casual contexts. The tone is neutral and practical.

Examples

• I have to deal with a lot of difficult customers in my current job.

  I have to deal with a lot of difficult customers in my current job.

• Don't worry about the scheduling conflict; I'll deal with it tomorrow.

  Don't worry about the scheduling conflict; I'll deal with it tomorrow.

• She is finding it hard to deal with the stress of her exams.

  She is finding it hard to deal with the stress of her exams.

• How do you deal with noisy neighbors when you're trying to sleep?

  How do you deal with noisy neighbors when you're trying to sleep?

• We need to deal with this budget issue before we can sign the contract.

  We need to deal with this budget issue before we can sign the contract.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to deal this problem.

  ✓ I need to deal with this problem.

  'Deal' is an intransitive verb in this context and always requires the preposition 'with' to connect to an object.

• ✗ He is good at dealing about difficult clients.

  ✓ He is good at dealing with difficult clients.

  Learners often use 'about' instead of 'with' due to native language interference.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I can't ___ this computer issue right now; I'm too busy.

  💡 handle or take care of

  Show answer

  deal with

• Our manager is really good at ___ customer complaints.

  💡 remember to use the -ing form after a preposition

  Show answer

  dealing with