Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

to be sorted

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be sorted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of organizing or arranging items, information, or tasks in a specific order or category. Example: "The files are still to be sorted before we can proceed with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

CRP 556: Built Environment Education Workshop - BEET - Miscellaneous to be sorted I. CRP 556: Built Environment Education Workshop - BEET - Miscellaneous to be sorted II.

One last matter remained to be sorted.

News & Media

The New York Times

The argument has yet to be sorted.

News & Media

Independent

The events need to be sorted out.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"It still needs to be sorted out".

But they have to be sorted.

News & Media

The New Yorker

All that remains to be sorted out".

News & Media

The Guardian

He said it had to be sorted.

So that's going to need to be sorted out.

Not while this whole thing has yet to be sorted.

They have no natural predators and need to be sorted".

News & Media

The Guardian
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be sorted" in a sentence, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being sorted and the purpose of the sorting. For example, "The applications need to be sorted by experience level before the interviews."

Common error

Avoid using "sort" as a standalone action without specifying the subject or criteria. For example, instead of saying "These need sort", specify "These need "to be sorted" by date".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be sorted" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase to indicate that something requires organization or classification. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be sorted" is a grammatically correct and very common infinitive phrase used to indicate a need for organization or classification. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, supported by numerous examples across diverse fields. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, but also holds relevance in academic and scientific contexts. While synonyms like "to be organized" or "to be classified" exist, "to be sorted" often implies a specific categorization process. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly specifies what needs sorting. Be careful of misuse and follow guidance to ensure clear communication.

FAQs

How can I use "to be sorted" in a sentence?

Use "to be sorted" to indicate that something needs to be organized or classified. For example: "The documents need "to be sorted" before the meeting."

What are some alternatives to "to be sorted"?

Alternatives include "to be organized", "to be classified", or "to be arranged", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'the items are for sort' instead of 'the items are to be sorted'?

No, 'the items are for sort' is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is 'the items are "to be sorted"'.

What's the difference between "to be sorted" and "to be organized"?

While both phrases imply arrangement, "to be sorted" often suggests a classification process, while "to be organized" implies a more general structured arrangement. For example, you might say files need "to be sorted" by date and then "to be organized" in folders.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: