sort out a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort out a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to figuring out a solution to an issue or difficulty. For example: I need to sort out this problem before the presentation next week.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

He understands how to sort out a problem at the passport office.

Yale University

We are always happy to sort out a problem by having a conversation with you.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It was one of many trips he has made over the past year to sort out a problem over disability payments dating to 2010.

The Washington Post

It could be anything from social services helping to sort out a problem to an extension to a house for a disabled child.

The Guardian

But in the case of Greece, speedy action has been thwarted both by the original insistence that IMF participation was not required to sort out a problem within the eurozone family, and by Germany's tough stance.

The Guardian - Opinion

A few weeks after the liberation of Kirkuk, in April, 2003, Jordan Becker, a twenty-four-year-old lieutenant with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, was told by his company commander to sort out a problem in Arrapha, the neighborhood where Luna Dawood lives.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

He has given the government a fighting chance of sorting out a problem that has been allowed to fester for too long.

The Economist

But we don't have much time to talk – especially when I'm doing tasks in another room or spending an unexpected 10 minutes on the phone sorting out a problem with his prescriptions.

The Guardian

This week's programme focuses on the language that you might use when sorting out a problem with your computer.

BBC

Instead of sorting out a problem by starting with the words, start with the attitude.

HuffPost

As Dr. Watson, Holmes' faithful assistant and the narrator of the "Final Adventure," Mitchell Nunn brings a tone of literate authority to his second banana character, traditionally a step or two behind the master in sorting out a problem.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sort out a problem" in formal writing, ensure the context is appropriate. While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "resolve an issue" or "address a challenge" for increased precision.

Common error

Avoid using exclusively phrasal verbs like "sort out" in highly formal or academic contexts. Mixing styles can undermine the authority of your work. Balance with more formal synonyms where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort out a problem" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and commonly used. It describes the action of resolving, fixing, or dealing with a difficulty or issue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sort out a problem" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for describing the act of resolving a difficulty. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and utility in various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it may be more suitable for less formal settings compared to academic or scientific writing, where alternatives like "resolve an issue" may be preferred. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve an issue

Focuses more directly on finding a resolution.

fix a problem

Implies a more straightforward or immediate solution.

address a problem

Highlights the act of acknowledging and dealing with the problem.

rectify a problem

Suggests correcting something that is wrong.

tackle a problem

Emphasizes taking on a problem with effort and determination.

handle a problem

Focuses on managing or dealing with the problem effectively.

resolve a difficulty

Replaces "problem" with a more general term for challenge.

iron out a problem

Suggests smoothing out the difficulties.

work through a problem

Emphasizes a process of dealing with the problem.

clear up a problem

Implies removing the problem completely.

FAQs

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

You can use "sort out a problem" to describe the act of resolving or addressing a difficulty. For example, "The team worked diligently to "sort out a problem" with the software before the deadline".

What are some alternatives to "sort out a problem"?

Alternatives to "sort out a problem" include "resolve an issue", "fix a problem", or "address a problem". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "sort out a problem" in academic writing?

While "sort out a problem" is generally understood, it leans towards informal. In academic writing, consider using more formal alternatives like "resolve an issue" or "address a problem" to maintain a scholarly tone.

What's the difference between "sort out a problem" and "solve a problem"?

"Sort out a problem" often implies a process of clarification or organization to resolve the issue, whereas "solve a problem" focuses more directly on finding a solution. "Solve" suggests a more immediate and definitive resolution.