sort out

deal with a problem or situation

B1

What does "sort sth out" mean?

To sort out a problem or situation means to deal with it and find a solution. You use it when something has gone wrong or become complicated, and someone takes action to fix or clear it up. For example, if two colleagues have a disagreement, their manager might step in to sort it out. It is especially common in British English and works well in everyday conversations and informal emails. In more formal writing, words like 'resolve' or 'address' are usually preferred instead.

Examples

How to use it

sort out + problem/situation

The most common pattern, where the object is a problem, disagreement, or difficult situation.

We need to sort out this disagreement before the meeting gets started.

sort + pronoun + out

When the object is a pronoun, it must go between 'sort' and 'out' — it cannot come after 'out'.

There's a problem with the booking, but don't worry — I'll sort it out.

sort + short noun phrase + out

Short noun phrases can naturally go between 'sort' and 'out', especially in spoken English.

Can you sort the schedule out before Thursday?

be sorted out

The passive form is very natural, especially when you want to focus on the result rather than who fixed things.

The misunderstanding was sorted out after a quick phone call.

sort out + question word clause

You can use a question word (who, what, when, how) after 'sort out' to introduce what needs to be resolved — these are never separated.

We still need to sort out who is responsible for the final report.

Common Collocations

sort out a problemsort out a misunderstandingsort out the detailssort out differencessort out financessort out the situation

Common Mistakes

Pronoun placement

When the object is a pronoun like 'it', 'them', or 'everything', it must go between 'sort' and 'out'. Placing the pronoun after 'out' is ungrammatical in English.

✗ I'll sort out it by the end of the day.
✓ I'll sort it out by the end of the day.
Using 'sort out' for physical tidying

In this sense, 'sort out' takes problems, situations, or disagreements as its object — not physical things like rooms or files. For tidying or organising physical objects, use 'tidy up' or 'organise' instead.

✗ I need to sort out my desk before the meeting.
✓ I need to sort out the scheduling issue before the meeting.
Separating question word clauses

When 'sort out' is followed by a question word like 'what', 'who', or 'when', the clause must stay together after 'out' — you cannot split this construction.

✗ We need to sort what to do out.
✓ We need to sort out what to do.

Usage

This phrasal verb is especially common in British English and is perfect for everyday conversations and informal emails. In formal writing, 'resolve' or 'address' are more appropriate alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 'sort out' be used in the passive?

Yes, the passive is very natural with this phrasal verb. You often use it when the focus is on the problem being resolved rather than on the person who fixed it. For example: 'Don't worry, it'll all be sorted out by Friday.' You can also drop the agent entirely, which is very common in spoken English.

Is 'sort out' more British or American English?

'Sort out' is particularly common in British English and you will hear it constantly in everyday conversation. American English speakers do use it too, but it is less frequent there. Americans might be more likely to say 'figure out' or 'work out' in similar situations.

Does 'sort out' always mean resolve a problem, or can it mean other things?

It has more than one meaning. This entry focuses on the sense of resolving or dealing with a problem or situation. However, 'sort out' can also mean to organise or tidy physical things, like sorting out files or a cupboard. The context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended.

What kinds of things can you 'sort out'?

In this sense, the object is usually a problem, disagreement, or complicated situation — not a physical object. Common examples include sorting out a misunderstanding, a dispute, the details, finances, accommodation, or differences between people. If you are talking about something physical like a room or boxes, a different meaning of 'sort out' applies.

Can I say 'it will sort itself out'?

Yes! 'It'll sort itself out' is a very common fixed expression in English, especially British English. It means that a problem will resolve on its own without anyone needing to do anything. For example: 'I wouldn't worry about it — these things usually sort themselves out.'

Related Phrasal Verbs

iron sb/sth out
straighten sb/sth out

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