sort out the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"sort out the problem" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is typically used when discussing a problem that needs to be resolved. For example: "The team needs to work together to sort out the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Can "sortition" sort out the problem of political ignorance?

The Washington Post

We are trying to sort out the problem.

The Guardian - Books

It was no longer a matter of just seeing if we could sort out the problem.

Stanford University

"I asked them to sort out the problem, but they have created a bigger problem".

The New York Times

The CPG has left it to the government to sort out the problem.

Independent

You would be expected to sort out the problem," he said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Finally, we're being given the means to sort out the problems we created.

Independent

It is going to take time to sort out the problems at Colchester hospital".

The Guardian

Trouble is, none of this will sort out the problems facing Greece or the eurozone.

The Guardian - Opinion

The government says that it will take weeks to sort out the problems.

The Guardian - Opinion

This letter is utopian: the inmate lists everything he would do to sort out "the problems of the world".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sort out the problem" in writing, ensure the context clearly defines the problem being addressed. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

While "sort out the problem" is widely understood, it can sound too informal in highly professional or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "resolve the issue" or "address the problem" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort out the problem" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of resolving or fixing a specific issue or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is commonly used and understood across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sort out the problem" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of resolving an issue. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely accepted and understood, spanning across various contexts such as News & Media, Academia, and Science. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "resolve the issue" in certain professional settings. The examples from Ludwig show that this phrase is versatile and practical for expressing the intention or need to address and correct undesirable situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve the issue

Focuses on formally concluding the problem.

fix the problem

Emphasizes a quick and practical solution.

address the problem

Highlights the act of acknowledging and dealing with the problem.

rectify the situation

Suggests correcting something that is wrong or unfair.

remedy the problem

Implies providing a cure or solution to a problem.

iron out the difficulty

Indicates smoothing out or removing difficulties.

take care of the problem

Suggests handling the problem responsibly.

straighten out the problem

Emphasizes clarifying and resolving a confusing or tangled problem.

settle the problem

Focuses on reaching a final decision or agreement to resolve the problem.

debug the problem

This alternative is typically related to fixing a software problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "sort out the problem" in a sentence to describe the action of resolving an issue, such as: "The team needs to work together to "sort out the problem"."

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

Alternatives to "sort out the problem" include "resolve the issue", "fix the problem", or "address the problem", depending on the desired level of formality and context.

Is "sort out the problem" appropriate for formal writing?

While "sort out the problem" is acceptable in many contexts, it may be considered too informal for highly formal or academic writing. In such cases, consider using more formal alternatives like "resolve the issue" or "rectify the situation".

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

"Sort out the problem" implies a more comprehensive approach to understanding and resolving an issue, whereas "fix the problem" suggests a more direct and immediate solution. "Fix the problem" tends to focus on a quick repair, while "sort out the problem" might involve deeper analysis.