sorting out

USAGE SUMMARY

"sorting out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the process of organizing or understanding something complicated. For example: "I'm still sorting out the details of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was sorting out school.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We are sorting out a few details".

The Guardian

His boss was sorting out his accommodation.

The Guardian

They start sorting out water and sanitation.

The Guardian

Sorting out the mess involves several steps.

The Guardian - Opinion

Historians face their own conundrums in sorting out these issues.

Harvard University

But sorting out the facts is a formidable task.

The New York Times

Sorting out what exactly happened will not be easy.

The New York Times

All of which leaves investors sorting out crossed wires.

The New York Times

The problem is sorting out which son is which.

The New Yorker

Sorting out crew issues didn't sound like a big priority.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sorting out" when you want to convey the idea of resolving confusion or disorganization. It's suitable for situations where understanding or order needs to be established.

Common error

Avoid using "sort out" when the process of resolving or organizing is incomplete or uncertain. It's more accurate to use phrases like "working on" or "addressing" if the task is still in progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorting out" primarily functions as a phrasal verb acting as a present participle and is used to describe an ongoing action of organizing, resolving, or understanding something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sorting out" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the process of organizing, resolving, or understanding something. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media and academic contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communication scenarios. For alternative expressions, consider "resolving", "organizing", or "figuring out", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using "sorting out", ensure that the action is ongoing and not already completed, or consider other phrasing to imply a process still in progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

figuring out

Implies discovering or understanding something through thought or investigation.

organizing

Emphasizes the arrangement and structuring of elements.

working out

Often refers to solving a problem or developing a plan.

resolving

Focuses more on finding a solution to a problem or conflict.

straightening out

Indicates correcting or improving a situation.

arranging

Highlights the act of putting things in a specific order or sequence.

clarifying

Focuses on making something easier to understand.

untangling

Suggests clarifying a complex or confusing situation.

addressing

Implies dealing with or focusing on specific issues or problems.

processing

Emphasizes handling information or tasks in a systematic way.

FAQs

How can I use "sorting out" in a sentence?

You can use "sorting out" to describe the process of organizing or resolving something. For example, "I'm still "sorting out" the details of the project," or "The government is "sorting out" the economic crisis".

What is a good alternative for "sorting out"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "resolving", "organizing", or "figuring out".

What's the difference between "sorting out" and "resolving"?

"Sorting out" often implies organizing or clarifying a situation, while "resolving" suggests finding a solution to a problem or conflict. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing order or a solution.

Is "sorting out" formal or informal?

"Sorting out" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings may prefer alternatives like "addressing" or "rectifying" depending on the intended meaning.