Meaning trap
deal with
be about a topic
to be concerned with or focus on a particular subject or issue.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to be concerned with or focus on a particular subject or issue.
Another meaning of 'deal with' is 'handle a problem'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The documentary deals with climate change and its effects on wildlife.
Many university courses deal with topics that are relevant to modern society.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: The book deals about the war.
Say: The book deals with the war.
'Deal WITH' a topic — not 'deal about'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Deal with' is the natural verb for what a text/topic is about; 'is concerned with the subject of' is wordy.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
deal with + topic
- with the theme of...
- with issues
- with the question of...
- with history
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- deal with (handle a problem) — Another meaning of 'deal with' is 'handle a problem'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.