sort this out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort this out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to resolve a problem or clarify a situation. Example: "We need to sort this out before the deadline approaches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Who'll sort this out?

The New York Times

Somebody sort this out, please.

The Guardian - Sport

Please sort this out in future".

The Guardian - Sport

We need to sort this out now.

The Guardian - Money

" 'Oh, we'll sort this out with the boss,' they said.

The New Yorker

We'll have to sort this out as we move forward.

The New York Times - Sports

"It will take time to sort this out," he added.

The New York Times - Arts

Sorry, we'll sort this out in a second.

The Guardian - Sport

Somebody needs to sort this out before it's too late.

The Guardian

"We have to sit down, sort this out," he says.

The Guardian - Business

Those people should sort this out for his sake.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sort this out", ensure the context clearly indicates what "this" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

While "sort this out" is versatile, it can be too informal for certain professional or academic settings. Consider using more formal alternatives like "resolve this issue" or "rectify this matter" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

Sort this out functions as a phrasal verb, typically used as a directive. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it used in contexts ranging from personal issues to governmental matters, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sort this out" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to request or instruct the resolution of a problem or clarification of a situation. According to Ludwig, it is versatile and sees frequent use in news and media, and science. While generally neutral in tone, it may be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts where alternatives like "resolve this issue" might be more appropriate. When using this phrase, ensure that the referent of "this" is clear to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve this matter

Focuses on formally settling an issue.

straighten this out

Implies correcting something that is currently disorganized or wrong.

figure this out

Emphasizes understanding and finding a solution to a problem.

settle this

Suggests bringing something to a conclusion, often a dispute.

deal with this

Indicates taking action to manage a situation.

take care of this

Highlights responsibility for resolving something.

iron this out

Suggests smoothing out difficulties or disagreements.

fix this problem

Directly addresses the need to repair or correct an issue.

clarify this situation

Focuses on making something clearer and easier to understand.

remedy this

Emphasizes correcting or improving an undesirable situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "sort this out" when you want someone to resolve a problem or clarify a situation. For example, "We need to "sort this out" before the deadline arrives".

What are some alternatives to "sort this out"?

Alternatives include phrases like "resolve this matter", "straighten this out", or "figure this out", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "sort this out" appropriate for formal writing?

While widely understood, "sort this out" leans towards informal. For formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "resolve this issue" or "rectify this matter".

What does it mean to "sort this out"?

To ""sort this out"" means to resolve a problem, clarify a misunderstanding, or organize something that is currently in disarray.