sort out difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort out difficulties" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to resolve or handle any problems or challenges that arise. Example: The team had to work together to sort out difficulties during the project, but ultimately, they were able to deliver it on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Many parents can't resist the urge to fix even older students' problems for them instead of giving the child a chance to sort out difficulties on his own, says Kevin Skelly, a father of four and the superintendent of the Palo Alto Unified School District, which serves the offspring of Silicon Valley executives and a small percentage of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

What is needed to sort out these difficulties is a comprehensive theory of refereeing, which is inextricably tied to a conception of soccer at its best.

The New York Times

At one point, Dmitri Rogozin, an influential parliamentarian, had suggested that both Serbia's contenders for power were en route to Moscow and would soon sort out their difficulties.

The Economist

It is time we stood back and observed as the region tries to sort out its difficulties, however painful the spectacle.

The New York Times

And that, it is now clear, crucially depends on what happens in Spain.Europe's rescue plan is based on the idea that Ireland and the rest just need to borrow a bit of cash to tide them over while they sort out their difficulties.

The Economist

A BBC correspondent says another meeting will have to be called to sort out the difficulties but it is unclear how differences will be resolved.

BBC

Therefore, this approach is unsuitable for routine clinical application, and several attempts have been made to sort out these difficulties.

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

Now, six months later, the company claims it has sorted out its difficulties and the campaign is returning to our screens.

The Guardian

He immediately visited units serving on the front lines in Pakistan's tribal areas, and said that sorting out the difficulties plaguing western Pakistan was a priority, a Western military official said.

The New York Times

Rather than simply push products at customers, the new approach means sorting out customers' difficulties using whatever mix of services, software and hardware leads to the best outcome.One important part of this is especially relevant to the threat posed by India.

The Economist

And lucky is the overly-sensitive child who has a Bull for a mother -- not only is this one patient woman, able to sit and sort out life's little difficulties, she's also stubbornly devoted to her own kids!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sort out difficulties", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific difficulties are being addressed. Providing context enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "sort out difficulties" as a generic phrase without specifying the nature of the difficulties. Vague language reduces the impact of your writing. Instead, be specific about what needs resolving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort out difficulties" functions as a phrasal verb, where "sort out" is the verb and "difficulties" is the object. It describes the action of resolving or addressing problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and grammatically sound usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

26%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sort out difficulties" is a versatile phrasal verb that is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe the process of resolving or managing problems. Ludwig AI confirms this. As a neutral phrase, it fits well in news reports, professional documents, and general writing. While effective, ensure clarity by specifying the difficulties being addressed. Related phrases such as "resolve problems" or "address challenges" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. By understanding its function, purpose, and usage patterns, you can confidently incorporate "sort out difficulties" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve problems

This alternative focuses on finding a solution to the difficulties.

handle problems

Focuses on managing and dealing with existing difficulties.

address challenges

This alternative highlights the act of facing and dealing with difficulties.

iron out issues

Suggests a smoothing or refining process to eliminate difficulties.

work through issues

Highlights the process of methodically solving difficulties.

overcome obstacles

Stresses the act of successfully dealing with difficulties that impede progress.

fix snags

Implies correcting small unexpected difficulties.

rectify troubles

Emphasizes correcting or setting right any difficulties.

untangle complexities

Focuses on simplifying complicated difficulties.

tackle predicaments

Implies a direct and forceful approach to dealing with difficult situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "sort out difficulties" to describe the process of resolving problems or challenges. For example, "The team worked diligently to sort out the difficulties that arose during the project".

What are some alternatives to "sort out difficulties"?

Alternatives include "resolve problems", "address challenges", or "handle problems", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "sort out difficulties" or "sort the difficulties out"?

Both "sort out difficulties" and "sort the difficulties out" are grammatically correct. The choice often depends on style and rhythm. In general, "sort out difficulties" is more common when "difficulties" is a general concept, while "sort the difficulties out" is used when referring to specific difficulties.

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

"Sort out difficulties" often implies a process of organization or clarification to address the problems, while "solve difficulties" focuses more directly on finding a solution. "Sort out" might involve understanding the root causes, while "solve" is about immediate resolution.