can be sorted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be sorted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to arrange items or data in a particular order, such as alphabetical or numerical order. Example: "The list of names can be sorted by last name for easier reference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That can be sorted out.

The Guardian

In time, it can be sorted.

The Guardian

Hopefully it can be sorted out.

The Guardian - Sport

All of this can be sorted out in negotiations".

The New York Times

Once we declare the liberation of Baghdad, Kirkuk can be sorted out soon afterwards.

The Guardian

But these are issues that can be sorted out as Stibbe's undoubtedly distinctive writing develops.

The Guardian - Books

This is a failure that can be sorted out over time by congressional inquiries.

The Guardian

Which is why emergency placement, until the truth can be sorted out, is essential.

The New York Times

We know that once we declare the liberation of Baghdad, Kirkuk can be sorted afterwards.

The Guardian

"I just hope things can be sorted out in the next few months".

The Guardian - Sport

The chart can be sorted by cost, return (annualised and over 20 years) or alphabetically.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be sorted", ensure that the criteria for sorting are clear and explicit. For example, specify whether items "can be sorted" alphabetically, numerically, or by another defined attribute.

Common error

Avoid using "can be sorted" without specifying how the items are to be sorted. Saying "The data "can be sorted"" is less helpful than saying "The data "can be sorted" by date, name, or relevance."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be sorted" functions as a passive verb phrase. According to Ludwig, it indicates the possibility or ability for items to be arranged or organized according to specific criteria. It is commonly used to describe features in software, databases, or lists.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be sorted" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the ability to arrange items or data in a specific order. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage across various domains, including news, science, and business. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts. To enhance clarity, always specify the criteria for sorting to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like ""can be classified"" or ""can be organized"" offer similar meanings depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be classified

Focuses on grouping items based on shared characteristics, rather than arranging in a specific order.

can be categorized

Similar to 'classified', but implies a more structured and defined system of categories.

can be arranged

Emphasizes the action of putting things in a particular order or position.

can be ordered

Highlights the sequence or arrangement of items, often numerically or alphabetically.

can be grouped

Focuses on assembling items into collections based on similarity or shared attributes.

can be organized

Implies a systematic approach to arranging or structuring items for efficiency.

can be indexed

Suggests the creation of an index for easy retrieval and organization of information.

can be cataloged

Involves creating a detailed record or list of items, often with descriptions and classifications.

can be filed

Emphasizes the action of placing documents or items into a specific storage system.

can be structured

Highlights the imposition of a specific format or organization onto something.

FAQs

How to use "can be sorted" in a sentence?

You can use "can be sorted" to indicate that items or data have the ability to be arranged in a specific order or category. For example, "The search results "can be sorted" by price or rating." or "These files "can be sorted" into different folders".

What can I say instead of "can be sorted"?

Alternatives to "can be sorted" include "can be classified", "can be categorized", or "can be organized", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be sorted by" or "can be sorted with"?

"Can be sorted by" is generally the correct phrasing when specifying the criteria for sorting. For example, "The list "can be sorted" by date.". Using "can be sorted with" is less common and may sound awkward.

What's the difference between "can be sorted" and "is sortable"?

"Can be sorted" is a verb phrase indicating the capability to sort, while "is sortable" is an adjective describing something that has the property of being able to be sorted. They are often interchangeable, but "is sortable" may be preferable when emphasizing the property itself. For example, "This table is sortable" is equivalent to "This table "can be sorted"".