Phrasal verb
sort out
Meanings
To organize or arrange things so they are tidy, separated, or in the right order.
To resolve a problem, disagreement, or confusing situation.
To make practical arrangements for something, especially by dealing with details.
Definition
To sort out means to organize or resolve something so it becomes clear or works properly.
To sort out something is to arrange it into an ordered, usable state or to resolve a problem or confusion. It often involves deciding what to keep, what to do next, or how to fix an issue. People also use it when they manage a disagreement or clarify details.
Examples
- I need to sort out my notes before the meeting.
- Can you sort out the seating plan for the dinner?
- He stayed late to sort out the bug in the app.
- She finally sorted out her schedule and took a day off.
- They sorted out the misunderstanding with a quick call.
Common mistake
Learners often use "sort" alone when they mean "sort out" for solving a problem (e.g., say "sort the problem" instead of "sort out the problem").
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.