to hash something out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to hash something out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when discussing the process of resolving a disagreement or coming to an agreement through discussion. Example: "We need to hash out the details of the contract before we can move forward with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But the best decisions are made when you really hash something out.

The New York Times

But even with that constraint, it is remotely conceivable that Republicans and Democrats could hash something out to make income taxes a little simpler -- but only after months of haggling and debate.

Huffington Post

And what seems like something they should've been able to hash out at the dinner table is spiraling into a full-blown legal fiasco.

Vice

This felt like too sensitive of a matter to hash out over text.

TechCrunch

If they have something to "hash out," said Ms. Blank, who was seated next to Ms. Thompson on a sofa in a rehearsal room recently, "we usually hole up in April's apartment with a couple of pints of ice cream and bottles of wine and talk about all our feelings for eight hours.

The New York Times

That means they can remain neutral, while companies like Google and Amazon get into fights that sees Google pulling YouTube from Fire TV, or have to take years to hash out deals for something as simple as being able watch Amazon Prime Video on Apple TV.

TechCrunch

And they had to hash things out occasionally.

Science Magazine

Parr says the council will try to hash things out with SAC in a meeting later this year.

Science Magazine

Though Oliviera was also quick to add the two still need to "hash it out".

TechCrunch

We're trying to hash out a settlement with Delcon.

The New York Times

"We have some issues that we need to hash out".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to hash something out" when you want to emphasize a thorough and often intense discussion aimed at resolving a disagreement or clarifying details. It's suitable for situations where direct communication and problem-solving are needed.

Common error

Avoid using "to hash something out" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "to resolve" or "to discuss" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to hash something out" is that of a phrasal verb. It describes an action, specifically the process of discussing something in detail to reach a resolution. Ludwig confirms this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to hash something out" is a grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe a thorough discussion aimed at resolving an issue or clarifying details. Ludwig AI indicates that it is indeed a usable phrase in English. While appropriate for news and general conversations, it may be too informal for academic or professional contexts. Consider alternative phrases like "resolve a dispute" or "settle differences" for more formal situations. Given its relatively infrequent usage, carefully consider your audience and the desired tone when choosing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to thrash out an agreement

Similar in intensity, but often implies a more vigorous or even contentious discussion.

to talk things over

Implies a more informal and conversational approach to resolving an issue.

to settle differences

Highlights the act of reconciling opposing viewpoints or positions.

to work through a problem

Highlights the effort and process of overcoming an obstacle or disagreement.

to resolve a dispute

Focuses on settling a conflict, which is a broader term than simply discussing it.

to come to terms

Focuses on reaching a point of acceptance or compromise.

to iron out the details

Emphasizes clarifying and finalizing specific aspects of an agreement or plan.

to sort things out

Implies a need to clarify and organize information or resolve confusion before reaching an agreement.

to negotiate a solution

Suggests a more formal and structured process of finding a mutually acceptable outcome.

to find common ground

Emphasizes identifying shared interests or beliefs as a basis for agreement.

FAQs

What does "to hash something out" mean?

The phrase "to hash something out" means to discuss something thoroughly and often intensely in order to reach a resolution or agreement.

What can I say instead of "to hash something out"?

You can use alternatives like "to resolve a dispute", "to settle differences", or "to talk things over" depending on the context.

Is "to hash something out" formal or informal?

"To hash something out" is generally considered informal. It is best suited for casual conversations and less formal writing. In professional or academic settings, more formal alternatives may be preferable.

How do you use "to hash something out" in a sentence?

Example: "The team needs to get together to hash out the details of the new project." Another example: "We need to hash out our differences before we can move forward."