sort out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighInformal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “sort out” mean?
To organize, resolve, or separate items or problems into categories or a clear state.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To organize, resolve, or separate items or problems into categories or a clear state.
To deal with a problem or situation effectively; to clarify or settle something; to physically separate things; to arrange or systematize; to discipline or set someone straight.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common and versatile in British English; in American English, alternatives like 'figure out', 'straighten out', or 'resolve' are often preferred for figurative senses. The literal sense of organizing objects is equally understood.
Connotations
In British English, can carry a connotation of decisive, no-nonsense action. In American English, it may sound slightly more formal or British.
Frequency
Considerably more frequent in British English across all contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sort out” in a Sentence
[NP] sort out [NP][NP] sort [NP] outsort out [wh-clause]sort [NP] out [for NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sort out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I must sort out the garage this weekend; it's a complete tip.
- Can you sort out the travel arrangements for the team?
- They had a row, but they've sorted it out now.
American English
- We need to sort out this billing issue by Friday.
- She sorted out the files into alphabetical order.
- Let's sit down and sort out our differences.
adjective
British English
- Once the paperwork is sorted out, we can proceed.
- He's a very sorted-out person now, much more organised.
American English
- Make sure all the logistics are sorted out before the event.
- After therapy, she felt more sorted out emotionally.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for resolving problems, organizing projects, or clarifying responsibilities (e.g., 'We need to sort out the budget discrepancies.').
Academic
Less common; preferred terms are 'categorize', 'analyze', or 'resolve'. Sometimes used in informal discussions about research organization.
Everyday
Very common for domestic tasks, personal problems, and planning (e.g., 'I'll sort out dinner tonight.').
Technical
Rare; specific technical verbs are preferred. Might appear in IT for sorting data.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sort out”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sort out”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sort out”
- Using 'sort out of' instead of just 'sort out' (e.g., 'We need to sort out of this problem' is incorrect).
- Incorrect word order in phrasal verb (e.g., 'sort it out' is correct, not 'sort out it' for pronouns).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally informal to neutral. In very formal writing, alternatives like 'resolve', 'organize', or 'clarify' may be preferred.
Yes, but it is usually clear from context what is being sorted out. For example: 'Don't worry, I'll sort out.' (The object is implied).
'Sort out' implies organizing or resolving an existing problem or mess. 'Figure out' implies solving a puzzle or understanding something through thinking.
Yes, particularly in British English, to describe something that has been resolved or organized. In American English, 'sorted' is sometimes used alone (e.g., 'We're all sorted').
To organize, resolve, or separate items or problems into categories or a clear state.
Sort out: in British English it is pronounced /sɔːt aʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɔːrt aʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sort out the men from the boys”
- “sort out your life”
- “sort out the wheat from the chaff”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of sorting laundry into piles: you SORT OUT the whites from the colors to avoid a mess. Similarly, you SORT OUT problems to keep life tidy.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE TANGLED OBJECTS; SOLVING PROBLEMS IS UNTANGLING/ORGANIZING.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym for 'sort out' in the sentence: 'We need to sort out this misunderstanding.'?