not sorted out

USAGE SUMMARY

"not sorted out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation that is chaotic, complicated, or disorganized. For example, "We still have a lot of paperwork that needs to be finished, but the files are still not sorted out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"If it is not sorted out on Monday, he will stay and everyone will be happy".

Independent

Murphy acknowledges he has not sorted out all the contradictions and challenges that flow from his analysis.

The Washington Post

A few weeks later comes Bonnaroo's announcement, for early June, and we have still not sorted out Coachella.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Doswell said the boat could be put out of commission if the money is not sorted out by next year.

The New York Times

"The biggest lesson of Kosovo is that independence can open a lot of problems if they are not sorted out in advance and can spoil independence," she said.

The Guardian

It just happens that come the final weekend of the league's first season, these two teams have not sorted out who that is.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

They said that they could not sort out this matter, as it is political.

The New Yorker

" 'We should not sort out relations like this,' " Mr. Dorenko recalled Mr. Putin as saying.

The New York Times

It will not sort out the Syrian tragedy to join the Saudis in demonising the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Guardian - Opinion

Its power and effectiveness lie in the likelihood that the voter will not sort out the details of the accusations.

The New York Times

The rules official walking with the group could not sort out where she should take her drop, so Alexander was summoned.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not sorted out" when you want to convey that something is in a state of disorder or has not been resolved. Ensure the context makes it clear what is disorganized or unresolved.

Common error

Avoid using "not sorted out" in highly formal or professional writing where more precise language might be preferred. Alternatives like "unresolved" or "unsettled" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not sorted out" functions as a descriptive phrase indicating a state of disarray, lack of resolution, or incomplete organization. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is usable in written English, indicating that it serves to describe a chaotic, complicated, or disorganized situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not sorted out" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing situations that are disorganized, unresolved, or unclear. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for general use. While it appears most often in News & Media, it's also present in Scientific and Formal & Business contexts. Although common, writers should consider whether more precise language might better suit formal writing as Ludwig explains. Related phrases include "unresolved", "unsettled", and "disorganized", each offering a slightly different nuance. Overall, "not sorted out" serves as a versatile and understandable way to communicate that a situation is not yet in order.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unresolved

Implies a lack of resolution or decision on a matter.

not organized

A direct and simple way to express the lack of organization.

unsettled

Suggests a state of being not finalized or agreed upon.

in disarray

Emphasizes a state of chaos or disorder.

unsettled issues

Highlights unresolved problems or topics.

disorganized

Highlights the lack of structure or order.

up in the air

Indicates that the outcome is uncertain or undecided.

needs clarification

Highlights the need for further explanation or understanding.

unarranged

Focuses on the lack of arrangement or systematic placement.

in a state of confusion

Focuses on the confused or muddled nature of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "not sorted out" in a sentence?

You can use "not sorted out" to describe situations that are disorganized or unresolved, such as "The files are still "not sorted out"" or "The details of the agreement are "not sorted out" yet".

What are some alternatives to "not sorted out"?

Alternatives include "unresolved", "unsettled", or "disorganized", depending on the specific context.

Is "not sorted out" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "not sorted out" may be too informal for certain contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "unresolved" or "unsettled".

What does it mean when something is "not sorted out"?

It means that the matter is not yet resolved, organized, or clarified. The situation is in a state of disorder or uncertainty.