sort them out

USAGE SUMMARY

"sort them out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you need to organize or classify a group of items. For example, "We need to sort out all of these books by genre."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We'll help sort them out.

The New York Times

I'll sort them out".

The Guardian - Sport

"We need to sort them out individually".

The New York Times

We can help you sort them out.

The Washington Post

It is time to sort them out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sort them out on the page.

The Guardian - Books

And WE will sort them out".

The New York Times

"She was able to sort them out.

The New York Times

Intricate economic models are often needed to sort them out.

The Economist

"You segregate them, sort them out, as per the quality".

The New York Times

To sort them out yourself requires some radical honesty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sort them out" when you need to convey a sense of resolution, organization, or clarification of a group of items or issues.

Common error

Avoid using "sort them out" in highly formal documents or professional communications where a more sophisticated or technical term might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives such as "resolve", "organize", or "categorize" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort them out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, combining the verb 'sort' with the particle 'out'. It signifies the action of organizing, resolving, or clarifying a group of items or issues. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples illustrating its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sort them out" is a very common phrasal verb used to describe the act of organizing, resolving, or clarifying a group of items or issues. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including news and media, academia, and informal settings. While grammatically correct, it is best suited for neutral contexts, and more formal situations might benefit from alternative phrases such as "resolve", "organize", or "categorize". Remember to use "sorted them out" for past tense references. Overall, its versatility makes it a useful phrase to have in your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deal with those issues

Suggests addressing problems directly, often in a business or personal setting.

resolve those matters

Focuses on resolving problems or conflicts, implying a more formal or serious context.

take care of those tasks

Implies managing and completing tasks, emphasizing responsibility.

get things in order

Emphasizes arranging or organizing items to a desired state.

organize the items

Emphasizes the act of arranging items systematically, suitable for logistical contexts.

clarify those points

Focuses on making something clearer and easier to understand, suitable for explanations.

categorize those things

Highlights the process of classification, useful when dealing with diverse sets.

make sense of it all

Highlights the process of understanding something complex or confusing.

untangle that mess

Implies resolving a complicated or confusing situation.

straighten things up

Suggests fixing a messy or disordered situation, often used informally.

FAQs

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

You can use "sort them out" when you need to organize or resolve a group of items or issues. For example, "We need to sort them out by priority".

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

You can use alternatives like "resolve those matters", "organize the items", or "deal with those issues" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "sort them out" or "sorted them out"?

"Sort them out" is the base form, while "sorted them out" indicates past tense. Use "sorted them out" when referring to something that has already been organized or resolved.

What's the difference between "sort them out" and "figure them out"?

"Sort them out" implies organizing or resolving items, while "figure them out" means understanding or solving a problem. The choice depends on whether you are organizing something or trying to understand it.