sorted itself out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sorted itself out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that has resolved or clarified itself without external intervention. Example: "After a few days of confusion, the project issues sorted themselves out, and we were able to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Would the team have sorted itself out without Cheika?

The Guardian - Sport

"With the oil money all that should have sorted itself out," she complains.

The Guardian

Years of conflict and aggression between the sexes once sorted itself out on the runways.

The New York Times

But since then the political system has sorted itself out along cultural lines.

The Economist

"Try smothering your body's warning system with a chemical – hopefully everything will have sorted itself out by the time it wears off!" just doesn't have the reassuring pharmaceutical feel that's vital in building brand confidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Since some time in the late 1980s I have indulged a selfish dream: to fall asleep and wake up in five years, when everything will have sorted itself out and it will be possible to live a normal life.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

'That will sort itself out".

The New York Times

Sorting itself out will be much harder.

The Economist

"It's just sorting itself out".

The New York Times

"I think that it will sort itself out," Clinton said.

The Guardian

What happens in the future will sort itself out".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sorted itself out" when you want to emphasize that a situation resolved on its own, without specific intervention. It's particularly effective when highlighting a natural or automatic process of resolution.

Common error

While versatile, "sorted itself out" can sound too casual for highly formal or technical writing. Consider more precise alternatives like "resolved" or "rectified" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "sorted itself out" functions as a descriptive statement indicating that a situation, problem, or issue has resolved or clarified without external intervention. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

19%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sorted itself out" is a versatile phrasal verb commonly used to describe situations that have resolved independently, without explicit intervention. Ludwig AI confirms that its use is grammatically correct and widespread across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to consider the audience and formality of the context, as more precise language might be preferred in technical or highly formal settings. Alternatives like "resolved itself" or "worked itself out" offer subtle differences in meaning, allowing for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolved itself

Emphasizes the completion of a process of resolution, focusing on the ending of a problem.

worked itself out

Suggests a gradual and natural process of resolving a problem through effort or time.

fell into place

Implies that elements aligned correctly, often without deliberate planning.

straightened out

Indicates a correction of something that was previously disordered or problematic.

came right

A more informal way of saying things ended well or were corrected.

ironed itself out

Suggests the removal of difficulties or discrepancies in a smooth, effortless manner.

settled itself

Implies a situation has stabilized or become calm without intervention.

cleared up

Suggests confusion or a misunderstanding has been resolved.

unsnarled itself

Suggests untangling a complicated situation and setting things right.

self-corrected

Highlights the automatic correction of errors or deviations.

FAQs

How can I use "sorted itself out" in a sentence?

You can use "sorted itself out" to describe a situation that has resolved without external intervention. For example: "After a period of confusion, the situation "sorted itself out", and we were able to proceed."

What is a more formal way to say "sorted itself out"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "resolved itself" or "rectified itself" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "sorted itself out" appropriate for business writing?

Yes, "sorted itself out" is generally acceptable in business writing, especially when describing internal processes or problem resolution. However, consider the formality of the document and the audience. For highly formal reports, "resolved itself" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "sorted itself out" and "worked itself out"?

While similar, "sorted itself out" implies a more automatic or natural resolution, while "worked itself out" suggests a gradual process that may have involved some effort or time.