sort out the difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort out the difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to resolving or addressing a problem or challenge. Example: "We need to sort out the difficulty we are facing with the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

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

This article presents a theory of customary international law ("CIL") that seeks to sort out the many well-known difficulties with standard accounts of CIL.

Harvard University

He would sort out the logistics later.

The Economist

The key challenge is to sort out the latter effect.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Sort out the details.

WikiHow

They'll sort out the pairings themselves.

WikiHow

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

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

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

On Wall Street, traders had difficulty sorting out the Fed's message and by the end of the day still seemed convinced that the Fed was keeping the door open to a rate cut later this year.

The New York Times

Accounts describing the thickness of the tephra deposited at Kodiak on 6 9 June 1912 illustrate the difficulties in sorting out the influences of compaction, erosion and redeposition.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sort out the difficulty", ensure the context clearly defines the specific difficulty being addressed. This makes the communication more precise and effective.

Common error

Avoid using "sort out the difficulty" without specifying the nature of the difficulty. Vague references can lead to confusion and hinder effective problem-solving. Be specific.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort out the difficulty" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of resolving or addressing a challenging situation. It's used to convey the need to clarify or find a solution to a problem. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sort out the difficulty" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the action of resolving or addressing a challenging situation. Although Ludwig indicates its grammatical correctness, there are no exact examples available to analyze its usage in different contexts. Alternative phrases such as ""resolve the problem"" or "address the issue" can be used depending on the specific context. It's important to specify the nature of the difficulty when using this phrase to ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve the problem

Focuses on finding a solution to a specific problem.

address the issue

Highlights the act of dealing with a particular issue or concern.

iron out the problem

Suggests smoothing out the rough edges of a problem to make it manageable.

rectify the situation

Emphasizes correcting or setting right an undesirable situation.

fix the issue

Implies a quick and direct solution to the problem.

remedy the problem

Suggests providing a cure or relief to a problem.

untangle the problem

Focuses on simplifying a complex problem to understand and solve it.

straighten out the issue

Emphasizes clarifying and resolving a confusing or tangled issue.

work through the difficulty

Highlights the process of actively addressing and overcoming a challenge.

deal with the problem

Implies handling or managing a problem effectively.

FAQs

How can I use "sort out the difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "sort out the difficulty" to describe resolving a challenging situation, such as, "We need to "resolve the problem" before moving forward."

What can I say instead of "sort out the difficulty"?

Alternatives include "address the issue", "iron out the problem", or "fix the issue", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "sort out the difficulty" or "resolve the difficulty"?

Both phrases are correct, but "resolve the difficulty" might sound slightly more formal. The choice depends on the context and your desired tone.

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

"Sort out the difficulty" often implies a process of clarifying or organizing to address a problem, while "solve the difficulty" suggests finding a direct solution. They are often interchangeable, but the nuance differs.