sɔːrt aʊt
neutral
beginner
- Base verb:
- sort
- Particle:
- out
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "sort out" mean?
- To organize or arrange things
- To solve a problem
- To separate things into groups
Examples
- I need to sort out my paperwork.
- Don't worry; we'll sort everything out.
- Can you sort out the problem with the customer?
- Sort out the recyclables from the trash.
- If he causes trouble, I'll sort him out.
How to use it
Very common in British/Canadian English. 'Sort it out' is standard for resolving problems.
Word order
Object can go between: 'sort the problem out' or after: 'sort out the problem'.
Similar expressions
organize
resolve
fix
arrange
separate
Opposites
mess up
complicate
confuse
Related phrasal verbs
- get out
To leave a place, room, or vehicle
- turn out
To have a particular result or end in a certain way
- go out
To leave your home for social activities or entertainment
- give out
To distribute something to multiple people
- bring out
To produce and release a new product, book, or album
- come out
To become known or revealed
Use it in a practice answer
Try "sort out" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.