sort things out

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/sɔːt θɪŋz aʊt/
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Putting things into order, and more often handling problems, arrangements, or tension until they are clear enough to move on.
Practice using sort things out in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • After the argument, they met for coffee and sorted things out.
  • The project was behind schedule, so the team stayed late to sort things out.
  • When the garage filled up, we finally sorted things out into keep, donate, and recycle piles.
  • Management brought everyone together to sort things out before the launch.
  • The archive looked chaotic, but the volunteers sorted things out by date.

Similar words

put in order
fix
work out
organize
classify
resolve
clear up
arrange
straighten out
settle

Meanings

Put matters in order

everyday
neutral
To arrange, tidy, or classify a set of items or practical details so they are easier to use or understand.

Usage

Use sort things out when several objects, papers, plans, or details need to be put into a clearer order.

Examples

  • Before the move, we had to sort things out in every closet.
  • The archive looked chaotic, but the volunteers sorted things out by date.
  • After the party, we spent an hour sorting things out in the kitchen.
  • When the garage filled up, we finally sorted things out into keep, donate, and recycle piles.
  • She likes to sort things out on her desk before starting new work.

Common mistakes

The phrase is often given another direct object after out, or the plural things is dropped.
IncorrectCorrect
We need to sort things out the receipts. We need to sort out the receipts.
She spent an hour sorting thing out. She spent an hour sorting things out.
He sorted things up in the garage. He sorted things out in the garage.
I sorted things out on three piles. I sorted things out into three piles.

Similar words

organize
tidy up
arrange
classify
put in order
clear up

Resolve problems or tension

communication
neutral
To deal with problems, confusion, arrangements, or strained feelings until the situation is settled enough to continue.

Usage

Use sort things out for resolving several connected issues, clearing up a disagreement, or getting personal matters under control.

Examples

  • After the argument, they met for coffee and sorted things out.
  • The project was behind schedule, so the team stayed late to sort things out.
  • Call me when you have time to sort things out between us.
  • Management brought everyone together to sort things out before the launch.
  • He needed a quiet weekend to sort things out in his own head.

Common mistakes

The particle out is dropped, or the phrase is followed by the wrong preposition.
IncorrectCorrect
We need to sort things before Monday. We need to sort things out before Monday.
Let's sort things out to each other. Let's sort things out with each other.
She sorted things out from him after the misunderstanding. She sorted things out with him after the misunderstanding.
They sorted thing out and apologized. They sorted things out and apologized.

Similar words

resolve
settle
work out
straighten out
clear up
fix

Usage

Use the phrase for a collection of details or troubles, not for one named object that already fits sort out on its own.

Common mistakes

Adding another object after sort things out creates awkward sentences like sort things out the issue.

Etymology

Built from the phrasal verb sort out, whose verb sort goes back through French sorte to Latin sors, meaning a lot, share, or condition. The phrase keeps the idea of bringing a set of matters into order.

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