sorting out the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sorting out the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of resolving or clarifying an issue or difficulty. Example: "We need to focus on sorting out the problem before we can move forward with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

In Canada, a judge's ruling that a poem constituted a death threat is being appealed: "Antonio Batista wrote the poem about Pat Saito, a Ward 9 Mississauga councillor, after he received a property tax bill in 2005 meant for a developer and had trouble sorting out the problem".

The New Yorker

The government has charged the Financial Services Authority with sorting out the problem.

The Guardian - Business

Mr Chambers insisted on sorting out the problem before arriving, more than half an hour late, at the meeting.

The Economist

The union said sorting out the problem of youth inactivity was absolutely vital, but warned it could not be done on the cheap or by scapegoating young people.

The Guardian

So Li Keqiang, who is likely to become China's next prime minister, is trying to show his mettle by sorting out the problem.

The Economist

Hunt will say that he has been contacted by patients who told him of a series of medical errors caused "by poor continuity of care, by a system where no one took responsibility for sorting out the problem or looking after the person rather than just a part of the body where things had gone wrong".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"The past decade was a period of sorting out the problems facing the nation.

The New York Times

Sorting out the problems of over-capacity would become easier as consolidation took place across national borders.

The Economist

They were good at protecting roads, delivering water and sorting out the problems the government can't.

The New York Times

Even so, Germany's economic clout means Angela Merkel has an effective veto on the proposals canvassed for sorting out the problems of monetary union.

The Guardian

Ownership of the club has twice changed hands in the past two months, and current president Giampietro Manenti had claimed he was confident of sorting out the problems.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sorting out the problem", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the 'problem' is. Vague references can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice when describing the action of "sorting out the problem". Instead of saying "The problem is being sorted out", use active voice for clearer communication: "We are sorting out the problem."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorting out the problem" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun, describing the action of resolving or clarifying a difficulty. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

22%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sorting out the problem" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for describing the process of resolving a difficulty. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, academic, and general contexts. While its register is neutral, consider more formal alternatives like "resolving the issue" in professional settings. When using "sorting out the problem", ensure clarity regarding what the 'problem' refers to in the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolving the issue

Focuses more on a single, defined matter needing a solution.

addressing the difficulty

Highlights the act of dealing with a challenging situation.

rectifying the situation

Emphasizes correcting something that has gone wrong.

fixing the snag

Implies a small, easily corrected impediment.

clearing up the misunderstanding

Specific to situations where confusion is the primary issue.

ironing out the kinks

Suggests removing minor problems or imperfections.

handling the predicament

Describes managing a difficult, dangerous, or embarrassing situation.

untangling the mess

Implies a complicated or confused situation needing clarification.

getting to the bottom of the matter

Suggests discovering the true cause or facts of a situation.

finding a solution to the puzzle

Metaphorically frames the issue as something complex requiring investigation.

FAQs

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

You can use "sorting out the problem" to describe the act of resolving a difficulty. For example: "The team is focused on "resolving the issue" before the deadline."

What is a synonym for "sorting out the problem"?

Synonyms include "addressing the difficulty", "fixing the snag", or "rectifying the situation", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "sorting out the problem" and "solving the problem"?

"Sorting out the problem" often implies a process of clarification and organization before a solution can be implemented, while "solving the problem" suggests a more direct resolution. You might need to sort out the problem before you can solve it.

Is "sorting out the problem" formal or informal?

The phrase "sorting out the problem" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider alternatives like "resolving the issue" for a more professional tone.