straighten this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "straighten this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to make something more orderly or to correct a situation or object that is not aligned properly. Example: "Could you please straighten this picture frame on the wall?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Mr. Christy said this morning: "I'm taking time off to straighten this out.

The New York Times

President Obama has the power to straighten this out Lew would likely listen to him.

The New Yorker

Quick game option: pay computer consultant $55 to $100 an hour to straighten this all out.

The New York Times

It's a self-imposed leave of absence so I can straighten this out with SAG.

The New York Times

His lawyer, George C. McMahon, said Dr. Spinella was working with prosecutors "to straighten this out".

The New York Times

Ha! I love that King Tommen sent the High Sparrow to straighten this out.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Why haven't banks' auditors straightened this out?

The Economist

We could have clicked our heels three times and we would have straightened this mess out a long time ago".

The New York Times

Stranded about four miles east of the present-day Missouri, much of which has been dredged and straightened, this stretch of water hasn't changed appreciably since the Corps of Discovery traveled up it in August of 1804.

The New York Times - Travel

When these tissues experience loading, the collagen crimp architecture is gradually straightened; this makes possible the slight elongation of collagen at the loaded site.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

You can get a haircut that looks like hers, or if you don't want to cut your hair, try this: straighten your hair (this is optional), and then put a headband around your neck.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "straighten this" when you want someone to make something orderly, correct a situation, or align an object properly. It's suitable for both tangible and intangible issues.

Common error

Avoid using "straighten this" in highly formal or professional settings where more sophisticated vocabulary is expected. Consider using "rectify this" or "resolve this" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "straighten this" is a directive phrase. It's used to instruct or request someone to correct or align something. Ludwig examples show it applying to both physical objects and abstract situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "straighten this" is a common and grammatically correct directive used to request the correction or alignment of something, be it a physical object or an abstract situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, though it's best suited for neutral to informal registers. When a more formal tone is required, alternatives such as "rectify this" or "resolve this" may be more appropriate. Based on Ludwig's examples, it is mostly found in News & Media, followed by Wiki.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fix this

Focuses on repairing or resolving an issue rather than necessarily making it orderly.

correct this

Emphasizes the act of making something accurate or free from error.

resolve this

Highlights the act of finding a solution to a problem or conflict.

sort this out

Implies organizing or clarifying a confused or problematic situation.

put this right

Indicates the act of correcting a wrong or injustice.

rectify this

A more formal way of saying "correct this", often used in professional contexts.

set this straight

Emphasizes clarifying a misunderstanding or correcting misinformation.

organize this

Focuses on arranging something in a neat and orderly manner.

remedy this

Suggests providing a cure or relief to a problem or undesirable situation.

adjust this

Implies making small changes to improve the alignment or function of something.

FAQs

How can I use "straighten this" in a sentence?

You can use "straighten this" when you need something aligned physically, like saying, "Could you please straighten this picture frame?". It can also address abstract situations, as in, "We need to "sort this out" before it gets worse".

What's the difference between "straighten this" and "fix this"?

"Straighten this" often implies making something aligned or orderly. On the other hand, "fix this" usually means repairing something that is broken or not working correctly. The two phrases can be interchangeable depending on the specific context.

Are there more formal alternatives to "straighten this"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "rectify this" or "resolve this". These are suitable for professional or academic contexts where a more elevated tone is required.

In what situations is it best to use "straighten this"?

It is best to use "straighten this" in situations where something needs to be corrected, clarified, or made more orderly. It's appropriate in both casual and many professional contexts but avoid it for very formal communications.