"how to deal with the problem" vs "what to do with the problem" [closed]

Solution 1:

Both possibilities amount to the same thing: being aware of the various steps to be taken amounts to knowing how to deal with the problem and vice-versa. However, in the second sentence, on top of the change of verb, I would use a different preposition.

For instance (there are others)

• He knows what to do about the problem.
• He knows what to do regarding the problem.

Solution 2:

He knows how to deal with the problem.
He knows what to do *with (sic) the problem.

There are grammatical issues here. Apart from that, they do not mean the same thing; there is a nuanced difference in usage of adverbs in these two cases.

How is an adverb meaning "the manner in which".

What describes the exact action, object, or idea.

Example:

The LORD shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish.
Deuteronomy 28:22

"God will smite you." describes the action. i.e. "What" he will do.

How will he smite you?

"...with consumption, and with a fever, etc.." describes the manner. i.e "How", or the fashion in which he will do it.

A more recent example is seen in the ultimate resolution of "the Jewish Problem".

Hitler mandated the removal of all "mongrel races" from German national territory. He determined "what to do", but he built a layer of flunkies to insulate himself from his nefarious actions.

Himmler, and especially Heydrich, decided the most economic means i.e. the gas showers, hence the "How to do it".

In this century, Mark Zuckerburg might describe the direction he wants FaceBook to go, but it is left up to many subordinates to choose the method, if you believe what comes out of Face Book PR...