sorting things out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sorting things out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of resolving issues, organizing information, or clarifying situations. Example: "After a long discussion, we finally started sorting things out regarding the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Sorting things out".

The Guardian

"She was sorting things out," Emma says.

The Guardian

I made an announcement telling people to sit tight and we were sorting things out".

Independent

"In the end, film history has a way of sorting things out anyway," he writes.

The New York Times

I like them sorting things out for me, even if I am being a bit childish.

Independent

Turn the page, and it's Chantelle's Pregnancy Diary, which includes a box headlined "Sorting things out".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Murray's accountants will be busy sorting things out now that he has announced his decision.

The Washington Post

My manager's sorting things out and I'm worried about playing Souths this week," Peats said on Tuesday.

The Guardian - Sport

If I'm in salvage state, really concentrating on sorting things out, that can be a dangerous thing for the others".

The Guardian - Sport

"It was simply two guys sitting down in a room and chatting honestly and openly and sorting things out".

The Guardian - Sport

The Yankees are scheduled to meet in the coming week to begin sorting things out, but a final decision does not have to be made then, either.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs if you want to emphasize a particular aspect of the sorting process, such as clarifying, resolving, or organizing.

Common error

While "sorting things out" is versatile, it can sound too informal for academic papers or high-level business reports. Use more precise language, such as "resolving discrepancies" or "clarifying ambiguities".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorting things out" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of resolving problems, organizing information, or clarifying situations. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is a common expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sorting things out" is a versatile and commonly used phrasal verb that conveys the process of resolving issues, organizing information, or clarifying situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for most situations, more formal language might be preferred in academic or high-level business settings. Alternative phrases such as "resolving issues" or "organizing matters" can provide a more precise tone. The phrase enjoys frequent use in authoritative sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolving issues

Focuses specifically on the act of finding solutions to problems.

organizing matters

Emphasizes the arrangement and structuring of information or tasks.

clarifying the situation

Highlights the act of making something clearer and easier to understand.

straightening things out

Suggests correcting errors or misunderstandings to restore order.

ironing out the details

Implies working through small discrepancies to finalize something.

untangling complexities

Focuses on simplifying complicated or confusing situations.

tidying up loose ends

Refers to finalizing or completing the remaining tasks.

getting organized

Emphasizes the initial step of establishing structure and order.

setting things straight

Highlights correcting falsehoods or inaccuracies.

addressing the problem

Focuses on directly tackling a specific issue or difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "sorting things out" to describe the process of resolving issues or organizing information. For example: "We spent the afternoon "resolving issues" and sorting things out after the merger."

What can I say instead of "sorting things out"?

Alternatives include ""resolving issues"", "organizing matters", or "clarifying the situation", depending on the specific context.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "sorting things out"?

The phrase "sorting things out" may be too informal for formal contexts such as academic papers, legal documents, or high-level business presentations. In such cases, use more formal alternatives such as "resolving discrepancies" or "clarifying ambiguities".

Is "sorting things out" the same as "solving problems"?

While related, "sorting things out" is broader than "solving problems". It includes organizing, clarifying, and resolving issues. "Solving problems" focuses more specifically on finding solutions to difficulties.