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sort out — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings
sort out
organisesolve a problemget your life together

Meaning 1 · most common

organise

  • sort out sth
A scene showing “sort out” meaning “put things in order”.

To arrange things in order or put them in the right place so they are tidy or easy to find.

How oftenVery common
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I need to sort out my desk because it's covered in papers.

A: What are you doing this weekend?
B: I have to sort out my wardrobe. It's a mess right now.

Common mistake

Not: Let me sort out it.

Say: Let me sort it out.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'sort it out', never 'sort out it'.

More on “organise”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I have a lot of documents, I usually sort them out into different folders so I can find them easily later.

Tell it apart

I sorted out the paperwork.

  • organised / tidied

They sorted out the misunderstanding.

  • resolved

Goes with

  • sort out + mess/problem
Practice saying this
Next meaning: solve a problem

Meaning 2

solve a problem

  • sort out sth
A scene showing “sort out” meaning “fix a problem”.

To deal with a problem or difficult situation successfully.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Don't worry, I'll sort out the issue with your booking.

A: The internet isn't working again.
B: I'll call the company and try to sort it out.

Common mistake

Not: Let me sort out this with them.

Say: Let me sort this out with them.

With 'this/it', the object goes in the middle: 'sort it out'.

More on “solve a problem”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it's important to sort out any misunderstandings with friends as soon as possible to maintain good relationships.

Tell it apart

They sorted out the dispute quickly.

  • resolved it

I sorted out my wardrobe.

  • organised / tidied

Goes with

  • sort out + problem
Practice saying this
Next meaning: get your life together

Meaning 3

get your life together

  • sort sth out
  • informal
A scene showing “sort out” meaning “make your feelings and life clearer”.

To clarify or improve your own feelings, thoughts, or situation, especially when you feel confused, upset, or need to make important changes in your life.

How oftenCommon
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

After the breakup, he took some time off work to sort himself out.

A: You seem really stressed lately. Everything okay?
B: Not really. I think I just need a few days to sort myself out.

Common mistake

Not: I need to sort out myself.

Say: I need to sort myself out.

With a reflexive pronoun, it goes in the middle: 'sort myself out'.

More on “get your life together”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Many young people take a gap year to travel or work abroad as a way to sort themselves out before starting university.

Tell it apart

I need to sort myself out.

  • get my life/feelings together

I need to sort out the files.

  • organise them

Goes with

  • sort out + self/life
Practice saying this
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organisesolve a problemget your life together