to sort this out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to sort this out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to resolving a problem or clarifying a situation. Example: "We need to sort this out before the deadline to ensure everything runs smoothly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We need to sort this out now.

The Guardian - Money

We'll have to sort this out as we move forward.

The New York Times - Sports

"It will take time to sort this out," he added.

The New York Times - Arts

Somebody needs to sort this out before it's too late.

The Guardian

"They want the government to sort this out, but they are not optimistic".

The Economist

"The Home Office and the health department need to work together urgently to sort this out".

Independent

The federal government wanted to sort this out before restarting the auctions.

The Economist

Give him a chance to sort this out but don't put up with it for long.

Independent

Do we have to send Ed Kranepool over there to sort this out?

The New York Times

There are good people there who have trusted us to sort this out before we go.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The government's new cap, which was supposed to sort this out, comes with alarming caveats.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to sort this out" when you want to convey the need to resolve a problem, clarify a misunderstanding, or organize something effectively. This phrase is versatile and suitable for various contexts, from casual conversations to professional settings.

Common error

While "to sort this out" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal documents like legal contracts or academic papers. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives such as "to resolve this issue" or "to rectify this matter" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to sort this out" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as an object or complement in a sentence. It conveys the need for action to resolve an issue. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a grammatically correct phrase and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to sort this out" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express the need to resolve a problem or clarify a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide usage. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives may be preferred in specific contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, indicating its relevance in discussing current events and issues. Remember to use this phrase when you aim to convey a clear intention to address and resolve a situation effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to resolve this issue

Replaces "sort out" with the more formal "resolve" and specifies "issue" for clarity.

to clear this up

Uses "clear up" as a more informal and direct synonym for resolving confusion.

to figure this out

Replaces "sort" with "figure", implying a need for understanding or discovery.

to straighten this out

Suggests correcting something that is wrong or disorganized.

to take care of this

Emphasizes handling or managing a situation to its resolution.

to deal with this

Indicates addressing and managing a problem or situation.

to remedy this situation

Emphasizes correcting or improving a negative situation in a more formal tone.

to rectify this matter

Implies correcting something that is wrong or unjust, using a more formal register.

to put this right

Suggests correcting something that has gone wrong, with a slightly more British English feel.

to settle this matter

Implies resolving a dispute or finalizing an arrangement.

FAQs

What does "to sort this out" mean?

The phrase "to sort this out" means to resolve a problem, clarify a misunderstanding, or organize something effectively. It implies taking action to bring order or resolution to a situation.

What can I say instead of "to sort this out"?

You can use alternatives like "to resolve this issue", "to clear this up", or "to figure this out" depending on the context.

Is "to sort this out" formal or informal?

"To sort this out" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both casual and professional contexts. However, in highly formal settings, more precise alternatives like "to rectify this matter" may be preferred.

How to use "to sort this out" in a sentence?

You can use "to sort this out" in sentences like: "We need "to sort this out" before the deadline." or "The government needs "to sort this out" urgently."