sort things out

USAGE SUMMARY

'sort things out' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe the process of organizing and coming to an agreement on things. For example: "We need to sit down and sort things out before making any decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I sort things out".

The Guardian - Travel

Let's hope England can sort things out more quickly.

The Guardian

Relying on prosperity and more democracy in China to sort things out thus seems unwise.

The Economist

He figured he'd burn through his $15,000 savings and sort things out from there.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr Ralston, however, had informed his superiors (who apparently hoped he could sort things out).

The Economist

Perhaps these "Pretty policewomen in Xicheng," in south-west China, could sort things out?

The New York Times

If the Fed is simply waiting for academia to sort things out, that's really disconcerting.

The Economist

On the phone, he prevails upon Priscilla to sort things out with their folks.

The New Yorker

"I've had to bring down five girls to my office to sort things out," she said.

The New York Times - Style

While I was trying to sort things out, I got cornered by a gang and mugged.

Independent

We lose our ability to sort things out and fix them in their proper places.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sort things out" when you want to convey the idea of resolving a complex situation or disagreement through discussion and action.

Common error

While versatile, "sort things out" can sound too informal for highly professional or academic writing. Opt for phrases like "resolve the matter" or "remedy the situation" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort things out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It is used to describe the process of resolving issues, organizing details, or clarifying misunderstandings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a common and usable phrase. The examples show its versatility across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

29%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sort things out" is a common and versatile phrasal verb used to describe resolving problems, clarifying misunderstandings, or organizing details. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. While widely used across various contexts, it's best suited for neutral to informal settings, with more formal alternatives available for academic or professional writing. With its frequent appearance in news and media, "sort things out" remains a practical and easily understood way to convey the intention of achieving clarity or resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fix the issues

A direct and simple way to say solve problems.

resolve the matter

Emphasizes the act of finding a solution to a specific issue.

settle the differences

Focuses on resolving disagreements or conflicts.

straighten things up

Focuses on making something neat or organized.

come to a resolution

Highlights reaching an agreement or decision.

clear up the confusion

Highlights eliminating misunderstanding or ambiguity.

remedy the situation

Implies correcting or improving an undesirable circumstance.

organize the details

Emphasizes arranging and structuring information.

iron out the problems

Suggests smoothing out difficulties or imperfections.

bring order to chaos

Focuses on introducing structure and stability to a disorganized situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "sort things out" to describe the act of resolving a problem or organizing something. For example, "We need to sit down and "sort things out" before making a decision."

What are some alternatives to "sort things out"?

Alternatives to "sort things out" include "resolve the matter", "straighten things up", or "fix the issues", depending on the context.

Is "sort things out" appropriate for formal writing?

While "sort things out" is widely understood, it may be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "remedy the situation" in such cases.

What does it mean to "sort things out"?

To "sort things out" means to resolve problems, clarify misunderstandings, or organize details in order to achieve a clearer or more manageable state.