sorted out this difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sorted out this difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to resolving or finding a solution to a problem or challenge. Example: "After several discussions, we finally sorted out this difficulty and can move forward with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who can sort out this mess?

The Guardian - Money

Can we somehow sort out this dilemma?

The Guardian - Opinion

What is needed to sort out these difficulties is a comprehensive theory of refereeing, which is inextricably tied to a conception of soccer at its best.

The New York Times

He immediately visited units serving on the front lines in Pakistan's tribal areas, and said that sorting out the difficulties plaguing western Pakistan was a priority, a Western military official said.

The New York Times

A BBC correspondent says another meeting will have to be called to sort out the difficulties but it is unclear how differences will be resolved.

BBC

Therefore, this approach is unsuitable for routine clinical application, and several attempts have been made to sort out these difficulties.

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

Now, six months later, the company claims it has sorted out its difficulties and the campaign is returning to our screens.

The Guardian

But delegates at the council meeting in Suzhou, China, on 16 to 17 June did set a date for the baseline's final approval: the last week in July, by which time the European Union (E.U ., which is shouldering 45% of the project's cost, is expected to have sorted out its financial difficulties.

Science Magazine

He said he had repeatedly visited the Home Office in an attempt to sort out his difficulties.

The Guardian

At one point, Dmitri Rogozin, an influential parliamentarian, had suggested that both Serbia's contenders for power were en route to Moscow and would soon sort out their difficulties.

The Economist

It is time we stood back and observed as the region tries to sort out its difficulties, however painful the spectacle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sorted out this difficulty", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'difficulty' refers to. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

While "sorted out this difficulty" is acceptable, overuse of phrasal verbs can make writing seem less formal. Consider using more direct verbs like "resolved" or "rectified" in formal documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorted out this difficulty" functions as a phrasal verb construction used to describe the act of resolving or addressing a specific problem or challenge. Without real-world examples found by Ludwig, the analysis relies on the inherent meaning of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sorted out this difficulty" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe resolving a problem. However, Ludwig did not find many real-world examples, suggesting it may not be as common as alternatives like "resolved this problem" or "fixed this issue". Its level of formality is neutral, making it suitable for general use, but more formal options might be preferable in professional or academic contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the "difficulty" is well-defined. While acceptable, be mindful of overusing phrasal verbs in formal writing to maintain a polished tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolved this problem

Replaces the phrasal verb "sorted out" with a simpler verb "resolved".

cleared up this difficulty

Uses the phrasal verb "cleared up", which is similar in meaning to "sorted out".

fixed this issue

Uses "fixed" as a more direct synonym for "sorted out", and replaces "difficulty" with "issue".

addressed this difficulty

Replaces the phrasal verb with the single verb "addressed", keeping a similar level of formality.

handled this problem

Uses "handled" as a more general term for managing and resolving the issue.

straightened out this issue

Uses "straightened out", which is another phrasal verb synonymous with resolving something.

rectified this situation

Employs a more formal tone using "rectified" instead of "sorted out" and "situation" in place of "difficulty".

remedied this problem

Similar to "rectified", "remedied" provides a formal alternative, focusing on providing a remedy to the problem.

ironed out this problem

Uses the idiom "ironed out" to indicate the removal of difficulties.

untangled this mess

Employs a more metaphorical term, "untangled", to suggest resolving a complicated problem.

FAQs

How can I use "sorted out this difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "sorted out this difficulty" to describe resolving a specific problem. For instance, "After several discussions, we finally "sorted out this difficulty" and can proceed with the project".

What are some alternatives to "sorted out this difficulty"?

Alternatives include "resolved this problem", "fixed this issue", or "addressed this difficulty", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is "sorted out this difficulty" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "sorted out this difficulty" might be perceived as informal in certain contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "rectified this situation" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "sorted out this difficulty" and "resolved this problem"?

"Sorted out this difficulty" uses a phrasal verb, making it slightly less formal than "resolved this problem", which uses a single, more direct verb. Both are acceptable, but the latter is often preferred in formal writing.