hash it out

USAGE SUMMARY

"hash it out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to discuss or work out an agreement or solution to an issue or problem. Example: We need to hash out a plan for reorganizing the office.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Come over Thursday, we'll hash it out".

The New Yorker

"I think we will hash it out," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

Watching the Danes hash it out in our stead is something of a relief.

Independent

So we finally said we'd all fly to Boston and get together for two days, just sit in a room and hash it out".

The New York Times

Can't wait to come and hash it out with you guys!" Bullen arrived in the conference room with a laptop and the kernel of an idea: What if the girl's wish was really about having different parents?

The New Yorker

On some statistical level, if you hash it out to the fourth decimal point, one airline or type of plane may be less safe than the other, but that doesn't mean the same thing as unsafe.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

"We talked it all out and hashed it out during spring training," Clemens said.

The New York Times - Sports

After four hours of hashing it out, I got up and opened the door".

The New York Times - Health

"It was everyone hashing it out, making every possible argument, the living, breathing essence of democracy," said Schneiderman.

The New York Times

"Sometimes they'll have a different opinion and they are very comfortable hashing it out between themselves," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

I fleshed out the characters; I did most of the writing, and then we hashed it out together".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hash it out" when you want to convey a sense of informal but direct discussion aimed at resolving differences.

Common error

Avoid using "hash it out" in highly formal or professional documents. Opt for more neutral phrases like "resolve the issue" or "discuss the matter" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "hash it out" functions as a verb phrase that typically appears in the predicate of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it's used to describe the act of resolving a dispute or reaching an agreement through discussion. The phrase suggests a direct and possibly intense conversation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "hash it out" is a common expression used to describe the process of resolving a dispute or reaching an agreement through direct and often intense discussion. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. While prevalent in News & Media, its informal tone makes it less suitable for formal contexts, where alternatives like "resolve the issue" or "discuss the matter" may be more appropriate. Understanding its connotations and register helps ensure its effective use in various communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thrash out the details

Suggests a more vigorous and detailed discussion.

iron out the differences

Highlights smoothing over disagreements.

talk things over

A more casual expression for discussing a situation thoroughly.

resolve the issue

Focuses on the outcome of solving a problem, more formal.

settle the dispute

Specifically addresses resolving a disagreement or conflict.

clear the air

Focuses on resolving tension or misunderstandings.

sort things out

A more general way of saying to resolve a confusing or problematic situation.

work through the problem

Emphasizes the process of dealing with a difficulty.

come to terms

Implies reaching an agreement or acceptance after a negotiation.

reach a consensus

Indicates that a group has come to a unified decision.

FAQs

How to use "hash it out" in a sentence?

You can use "hash it out" to describe a situation where people need to discuss and resolve a problem, for example: "Let's "hash it out" and find a solution that works for everyone."

What can I say instead of "hash it out"?

You can use alternatives like "resolve the issue", "work through the problem", or "iron out the differences" depending on the context.

Is "hash it out" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "hash it out" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use phrases like "resolve the matter" or "address the issue".

What's the difference between "hash it out" and "discuss"?

"Discuss" is a general term for talking about something. "Hash it out" implies a more intensive discussion aimed at resolving a disagreement or problem. It suggests a more direct and potentially confrontational approach than simply "discussing" something.