What are the definitions of “reckon with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To deal with or confront someone or something.
If he threatens you again, he’ll have me to reckon with.
- 2To take into consideration or deal with.
Napoleon had not reckoned with the severity of the Russian winter.
- 3To deal with or face a difficult situation or problem.
Yes, it was all there, this sexual pleasure, though now I must reckon with remorse, for we were careless.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “reckon with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb reckon with is to deal with or confront a situation, problem, or person. It often implies facing a challenge or taking something into consideration. For example, it can mean dealing with a difficult person, facing a tough situation, or considering an important factor.
What are the different verb forms of “reckon with”?
| Root Verb | reckon with |
| Third Person Singular Present | reckons with |
| Present Participle | reckoning with |
| Simple Past | reckoned with |
| Past Participle | reckoned with |
Example
If you don't study, you'll have to reckon with the consequences.
Example
She reckons with the challenges of her new job every day.
Example
They are reckoning with the impact of the pandemic on their business.
Example
He reckoned with the difficulties of living alone for the first time.
Example
The team had reckoned with many obstacles before achieving success.
What kind of phrasal verb is “reckon with”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“reckon with” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She reckoned with the challenges of her new job.
Example
He reckoned with the difficulties of living alone.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“reckon with” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She reckoned with the challenges of her new job.
Example
He reckoned with the difficulties of living alone.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “reckon with”?
Reckon with the consequences
To face or deal with the results of one's actions, especially when they are negative.
Example
If you don't study, you'll have to reckon with the consequences.
Force to be reckoned with
A person, group, or thing that is powerful, influential, or difficult to deal with.
Example
Their new product is a force to be reckoned with in the market.
Reckon with the fact
To accept or deal with a particular reality or situation.
Example
We need to reckon with the fact that our resources are limited.
Good things to know
Does “reckon with” have an informal or formal tone?
Reckon with is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is suitable for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
