to sort out a difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to sort out a difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to resolving or clarifying a problem or challenge. Example: "We need to sort out a difficulty that has arisen in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I want to sort out a date.

The New Yorker

The stepwise nature of the process resulting in T1D, is illustrated in our study by the difficulty to sort out a clear mechanism describing a possible scenario for disease initiation and implicating, preferably, a small number of molecules.

BMC Medical Genomics

There are still some technical difficulties to sort out.

The Economist

This gives Stossel a lot to sort out.

The New Yorker

It's a lot to sort out.

Huffington Post

But now God has a lot more to sort out.

The New York Times

It could take weeks to sort out.

The Guardian

I had things to sort out.

BBC

What is needed to sort out these difficulties is a comprehensive theory of refereeing, which is inextricably tied to a conception of soccer at its best.

The New York Times

He said he had repeatedly visited the Home Office in an attempt to sort out his difficulties.

The Guardian

Many parents can't resist the urge to fix even older students' problems for them instead of giving the child a chance to sort out difficulties on his own, says Kevin Skelly, a father of four and the superintendent of the Palo Alto Unified School District, which serves the offspring of Silicon Valley executives and a small percentage of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to sort out a difficulty" when you want to emphasize the process of resolving a specific challenging situation, rather than just addressing a general issue.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "to sort out a difficulty" can sound less formal. In professional or academic writing, consider using alternatives like "to resolve a problem" or "to address an issue" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to sort out a difficulty" functions as an infinitive phrase indicating a purpose or intention. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. It specifies the act of addressing and resolving a challenging situation.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to sort out a difficulty" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression that conveys the intention to resolve or clarify a challenging situation. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is accurate. While it can be used in various contexts, it’s important to consider the level of formality required, opting for alternatives like "to resolve a problem" or "to address an issue" in more professional settings. Despite its usability, the rarity of its occurrence suggests that it might not be the most common choice, but its specificity can be valuable in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to resolve a problem

Focuses on finding a solution to a specific problem.

to address an issue

Highlights the act of dealing with an issue or concern.

to rectify a situation

Emphasizes correcting or setting right an unfavorable circumstance.

to straighten out a problem

Suggests making a problem clear and resolving it.

to iron out a difficulty

Implies smoothing out a problem through careful attention.

to fix a problem

A more direct and informal way to express resolving a problem.

to resolve a complication

Highlights the act of simplifying a complex situation.

to untangle a difficulty

Suggests freeing something from a complicated entanglement.

to manage a difficulty

Focuses on handling or controlling a challenging situation.

to overcome a difficulty

Emphasizes triumphing over a challenge or obstacle.

FAQs

How can I use "to sort out a difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "to sort out a difficulty" to describe the action of resolving a specific problem or challenge. For example, "We need to sort out a difficulty that has arisen in the project timeline."

What are some alternatives to "to sort out a difficulty"?

You can use alternatives like "to resolve a problem", "to address an issue", or "to rectify a situation" depending on the context.

Is "to sort out a difficulty" more formal or informal?

"To sort out a difficulty" is generally considered neutral in formality. However, in very formal contexts, you might prefer alternatives such as "to resolve a problem".

What's the difference between "to sort out a difficulty" and "to solve a problem"?

"To sort out a difficulty" implies a process of clarification and resolution of a complex situation, while "to solve a problem" suggests a more direct approach to finding a solution.