Phrasal Verbs Related to Problems

Phrasal Verbs Related to Problems

Hello English learners! Problems are part of everyday life, aren’t they? Whether it is a small difficulty like a broken coffee machine or something bigger such as financial or relationship troubles, we all need the right words to describe these situations. In English, native speakers often use phrasal verbs when talking about problems — expressions like deal with, run into, or wrestle with. These phrasal verbs make your speech more natural and fluent, and they are especially useful in conversations, exams, and even business settings. In this lesson, we’ll look at some common phrasal verbs related to problems, with clear meanings and practical examples to help you use them confidently.

Deal with

Meaning: to take necessary action in order to solve a problem.

• We must deal with this problem now before it becomes bigger.
• You have to learn how to deal with all kinds of problems if you want to progress in life.

Run into

Meaning: to experience a problem unexpectedly.

• The company ran into some serious financial problems and went bankrupt in a year.
• If you run into difficulties while operating this machine, call the mechanic immediately.

Run up against

Meaning: when you have to deal with an unexpected problem.

• After they launched the new product, they ran up against some unexpected problems.
• When Lorna tried to discuss the problem with her husband, she ran up against silence.

Phrasal Verbs Related to Problems

Knuckle down

Meaning: to begin to work on something in order to solve a problem.

• The police knuckled down to the task of investigating the details of the robbery.
• If we knuckle down really hard, we’ll have this presentation ready by the end of next week.

Wrestle with ( a problem)

Meaning: to try hard to deal with a problem or reach a difficult decision.

• Sam had a hard time wrestling with the problems in her marriage – should she divorce or not?
• Sara spent most of the afternoon wrestling with her Math homework.

Talk something over

Meaning: to discuss a problem with someone before making a final decision.

• First, I need to talk it over with my husband, and if we decide to buy a house, we’ll contact you.
• If you experience digestive problems, talk it over with your doctor.

Phrasal Verbs Related to Problems

Come up against

Meaning: to face a difficult situation or obstacle.

• During the project, we came up against several unexpected delays.
• Students often come up against financial difficulties when studying abroad.

Put up with

Meaning: to tolerate or accept an unpleasant situation.

• I can’t put up with this noise any longer!
• She had to put up with her boss’s bad temper for years.

Sort out

Meaning: to successfully deal with or solve a problem.

• Don’t worry, I’ll sort out the problem with your computer.
• They finally sorted out their misunderstanding after a long talk.

Phrasal Verbs Related to Problems

Break down

Meaning: to stop working (often machines, but also can describe people emotionally).

• My car broke down on the way to work, which caused a big problem.
• He broke down in tears after struggling with personal problems for months.

Iron out

Meaning: to remove or resolve small difficulties or disagreements.

• Before signing the contract, we need to iron out a few details.
• The teacher and parents ironed out the issues concerning homework.

Run out of

Meaning: to have no more of something, which creates a problem.

• We ran out of time before finishing the exam.
• The shop ran out of milk, so I had to go elsewhere.

Fall apart

Meaning: to stop working properly or collapse under pressure.

• Their marriage fell apart after years of constant arguing.
• The plan fell apart when the investors pulled out.

Phrasal verbs related to problems

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