Sort out

USAGE SUMMARY

"Sort out" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to organizing, resolving, or clarifying something. Example: "I need to sort out my schedule for next week." Alternative expressions include "resolve," "organize," and "clarify."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sort out transportation.

WikiHow

Sort out the details.

WikiHow

Sort out costumes.

WikiHow

Sort out any needed paperwork.

WikiHow

Sort out available agreements for land financing.

WikiHow

Sort out manure flakes from clean shavings.

WikiHow

Sort out your corner and edge pieces.

WikiHow

Sort out your credit and debts immediately.

WikiHow

Sort out your savings and insurance.

WikiHow

He would sort out the logistics later.

The Economist

Such visits help sort out initial impressions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific synonyms like "resolve", "organize", or "clarify" if the nuance is important for your writing.

Common error

While "sort out" is versatile, it can sound informal in professional or academic writing. In such contexts, opt for more formal alternatives like "resolve", "rectify", or "arrange".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sort out" is that of a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "sort" with the particle "out" to create a new verb with a distinct meaning. Ludwig examples showcase this usage in various contexts such as organizing, resolving, or clarifying.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

41%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "sort out" is a versatile and frequently used expression that serves multiple purposes, including organizing, resolving, and clarifying. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. While it is acceptable in most contexts, it can be perceived as informal in some professional or academic settings, where more formal alternatives may be preferable. The most frequent contexts for this phrase are News & Media and Wiki sources, reflecting its common usage in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Straighten out

Suggests correcting something that is wrong or confused.

Resolve

Focuses more on finding a solution to a problem.

Figure out

Implies discovering or understanding something through thought or investigation.

Work out

Suggests finding a solution through effort or calculation.

Organize

Emphasizes arranging items or tasks in a structured way.

Iron out

Focuses on resolving minor difficulties or inconsistencies.

Set right

Implies correcting a mistake or injustice.

Clarify

Highlights making something easier to understand.

Put in order

Highlights the action of arranging in a specific sequence.

Tidy up

Refers to making something neat and orderly.

FAQs

How can I use "sort out" in a sentence?

You can use "sort out" in various contexts. For example, "I need to sort out my finances" or "The company is trying to sort out the supply chain issues".

What is the difference between "sort out" and "figure out"?

"Sort out" generally means to organize or resolve something, while "figure out" implies understanding or discovering something through thought.

What are some synonyms for "sort out"?

Alternatives to "sort out" include "resolve", "organize", "clarify", or "straighten out" depending on the intended meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "sort out" in formal writing?

While "sort out" is acceptable, it may be perceived as informal in some professional or academic settings. Consider more formal alternatives such as "resolve" or "rectify" for such contexts.