sort out differences

USAGE SUMMARY

"sort out differences" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing the act of resolving or finding a solution to disagreements or conflicts between people or things. Example: "The two siblings had a heated argument, but their parents stepped in to help them sort out their differences and come to a resolution."

✓ Grammatically correct

Health Research Policy and Systems

Cornell University

The New York Times - Sports

The Economist

The New York Times

Huffington Post

The New York Times

Harvard Business Review

The New York Times

The New York Times

Vice

BBC

BBC

Dose-Response

The Guardian

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The New York Times

The Guardian

The New York Times

The New Yorker

The Economist

The New York Times

The Guardian

The New York Times

The New York Times

The Economist

The New York Times

The Guardian

The New York Times

The New York Times - Health

The New Yorker

The Economist

The New York Times

The New York Times - Sports

The Economist

The Washington Post

The New York Times

The New York Times

Forbes

BBC

BBC

BBC

Environmental Systems Research

Science Magazine

Forbes

BBC

BBC

Huffington Post

HuffPost

Huffington Post

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

To sort out differences between estimates produced from different sources using different methods, UNICEF developed, in coordination with WHO, UNDP and the World Bank, a method that minimizes the errors embodied in each estimate and harmonizes trends along time [ 22].

Health Research Policy and Systems

Even in matters for which a court decision is compulsory, like divorce, mediation mechanisms can sort out differences before the case is filed.

Cornell University

He said he and several others intended to call a team meeting before Monday's game against the Dodgers in an attempt to sort out differences.

The New York Times - Sports

The only proven methods for reducing the incidence of war are institutional and economic development—ensure that combatants have more to lose and give them places to sort out differences easily.

The Economist

Already, internal efforts to sort out differences have slowed to a crawl, said the chairman, Lewis M. Eisenberg, a New Jersey appointee, and some other top officials have openly talked of the need for an outside study to see if major changes must be made in the compact or whether alternatives to the agency are needed.

The New York Times

It seems to me that the CDF, too, may follow this path to sort out differences because these men under the scanner are genuine and loyal to the Church and to the teachings of Jesus".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The hearing was the first aimed at sorting out differences between state and federal laws since Colorado and Washington State passed measures approving the recreational use of marijuana in November.

The New York Times

She was used to helping Shawn and Troy sort out their differences, but this time she was stuck.

Harvard Business Review

Instead, she said she preferred that Serbia and Montenegro sort out their differences in a democratic manner.

The New York Times

She has been crisscrossing northeastern Ohio, helping elderly residents sort out the differences when she visits community centers, high-end assisted living facilities and subsidized senior apartment complexes.

The New York Times

"We sort out our differences, we've gotten into debates, and it's very respectful," she said.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sort out differences", consider the context. It's best suited for situations where there's a need for a practical, collaborative resolution, not necessarily a formal or legal settlement.

Common error

While "sort out differences" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in highly formal documents like legal contracts. Opt for more formal alternatives like "resolve disputes" or "settle disagreements".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort out differences" functions as a phrasal verb used to describe the action of resolving disagreements or conflicts. As shown in Ludwig, it implies bringing clarity and resolution to opposing viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sort out differences" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrasal verb that describes the act of resolving disagreements or conflicts. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides examples across various contexts, including news, science and business. While it can be used in both formal and informal settings, it's best suited for situations where a collaborative resolution is desired. To avoid overuse in highly formal documents, consider alternatives such as "resolve disputes" or "settle disagreements". This phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources. Overall, "sort out differences" is a versatile and effective phrase for describing conflict resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve conflicts

Focuses more broadly on conflict resolution, without specifically mentioning differences.

settle disputes

Implies a more formal or legalistic approach to resolving disagreements.

iron out disagreements

Uses the idiom "iron out", suggesting smoothing or resolving minor issues.

work through issues

Emphasizes the process of addressing problems collaboratively.

mediate disagreements

Highlights the use of a third party to facilitate resolution.

reconcile differences

Suggests a restoration of friendly relations after a disagreement.

reach a compromise

Focuses on finding a mutually acceptable solution.

find common ground

Emphasizes identifying areas of agreement to overcome disagreements.

mend fences

An idiomatic expression meaning to restore good relations after a quarrel.

bury the hatchet

An idiomatic expression signifying the end of hostilities or disagreements.

FAQs

How to use "sort out differences" in a sentence?

You can use "sort out differences" to describe the act of resolving disagreements or conflicts. For example, "The company organized a meeting to "sort out differences" between departments".

What can I say instead of "sort out differences"?

You can use alternatives like "resolve conflicts", "settle disputes", or "iron out disagreements" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "sort out differences" or "sort the differences out"?

"Sort out differences" is generally preferred as it's more concise and common. "Sort the differences out" is also grammatically correct but less frequently used.

What's the difference between "sort out differences" and "manage conflicts"?

"Sort out differences" implies a direct resolution of disagreements, while "manage conflicts" suggests an ongoing process of dealing with disagreements, not necessarily resolving them completely.