can be sorted out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be sorted out" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that a situation can be resolved or organized in a satisfactory way. Example: The issue with the missing paperwork can be sorted out by contacting the human resources department.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The contribution of variable enrichment of a cell population in a sample can be sorted out by combining cell sorting or histology with expression profiling experiments.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

That can be sorted out later.

The Washington Post

Everything else can be sorted out later.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

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

The Guardian - Sport

Such complications can be sorted out by the DNN rather than by device improvement.

Nature

Or that a little girl's self-esteem can be sorted out by a glamorous day out in London.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be sorted out" when you want to express that a situation, problem, or issue is capable of being resolved or organized, often implying that it may require some effort but is ultimately manageable.

Common error

While "can be sorted out" is grammatically correct, over-reliance on passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider active voice alternatives where appropriate to make your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be sorted out" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating the possibility or capability of resolving a problem or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

19%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be sorted out" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating that a problem or situation is manageable and capable of resolution. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific writing. While alternatives like "can be resolved" or "can be managed" exist, "can be sorted out" often implies a more hands-on or organizational approach to finding a solution. When writing, it's essential to be mindful of overusing the passive voice and consider active alternatives for a more engaging and direct style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be resolved

Focuses on the act of finding a solution to a problem, similar to "can be sorted out".

can be fixed

Emphasizes the repair or correction of something that is broken or not working properly.

can be arranged

Highlights the act of organizing or making arrangements to handle a situation.

can be managed

Focuses on the ability to control or handle a situation effectively.

can be handled

Similar to 'can be managed', it emphasizes the ability to deal with something successfully.

can be straightened out

Implies that something is currently disorganized or chaotic and needs to be put in order.

can be cleared up

Suggests that there is confusion or misunderstanding that needs to be resolved.

can be taken care of

Indicates that someone will handle the situation and ensure it is resolved.

can be rectified

Implies that a mistake or error can be corrected.

can be put right

Focuses on correcting an injustice or wrong.

FAQs

What does "can be sorted out" mean?

The phrase "can be sorted out" means that a problem or situation /s/can+be+resolved in a satisfactory way. It implies that the issue is manageable and fixable, even if it requires some effort.

How can I use "can be sorted out" in a sentence?

You can use "can be sorted out" to indicate that an issue is not insurmountable. For example: "The scheduling conflict /s/can+be+resolved with a bit of coordination".

What are some alternatives to "can be sorted out"?

Alternatives to "can be sorted out" include phrases like "can be resolved", "can be fixed", or "can be managed", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "can be sorted out" or "can be resolved"?

Both "can be sorted out" and "can be resolved" are correct, but "can be sorted out" often implies a more hands-on or organizational approach to solving the problem, while "can be resolved" is more general.