How to use "sort it out"

What Does "sort it out" Mean?

• The phrasal verb "sort it out" means to resolve a problem, organize something, or deal with a difficult situation. It implies finding a solution or bringing order to chaos.
• The meaning is semi-idiomatic. While "sort" generally means to arrange or classify, "sort it out" has a more specific meaning of resolving a difficulty.
• Register: Informal

How to Use It

• Grammatical pattern: verb + particle + object (pronoun or noun phrase).
• Typical objects: "it" (referring to a problem, mess, or situation), or a noun phrase representing the issue to be resolved (e.g., "the details," "the logistics").
• The components can be separated, but only when the object is a noun phrase. If the object is the pronoun "it," the verb and particle must stay together with "it" in the middle.
• What sounds unnatural: Using the wrong preposition (e.g., "sort it in"), using a formal verb in its place (e.g., "resolve it out"), or separating the verb and particle with a pronoun object (e.g., "sort out it").

Real-World Examples

"Sort it out yourselves." — The New York Times

"He would sort it out." — The New Yorker

"Sort it out, chaps!" — The Guardian

"Perhaps an accountant could sort it out." — The New York Times

"Let judges sort it out." — The New Yorker

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/sort+it+out

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
resolve the issue	More formal; suitable for professional settings.
figure it out	Similar meaning, but can also imply understanding something.
deal with it	Implies acceptance and taking action, potentially more proactive.
straighten it out	Suggests correcting something that is wrong or disorganized.
take care of it	Implies responsibility for resolving the problem.
iron out the details	Focuses on resolving minor discrepancies or problems.
get to the bottom of it	Implies investigating and understanding the root cause of a problem.

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong preposition (e.g., "sort it in" instead of "sort it out").
• Choosing a verb that doesn't fit the informal register (e.g., "rectify it out").
• Learners often incorrectly separate the verb and particle with other words, e.g., "sort out it" instead of "sort it out" (especially when using a pronoun).

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Meaning	Grammatical Pattern	Register
sort it out	Resolve a problem, organize something	verb + particle + object (pronoun or noun phrase)	Informal

FAQs

Can I separate the words in "sort it out"?

Yes, but only when the object is a noun phrase. For example, you can say "sort the details out," but if you're using the pronoun "it," you must say "sort it out," not "sort out it."

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How is "sort it out" different from "figure it out"?

Both phrases imply resolving something, but "sort it out" focuses on resolving a problem or organizing something that is already known. "Figure it out" often implies understanding something new or finding a solution to a puzzle.

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Is it correct to say "sort out it" instead of "sort it out"?

No, it is incorrect to say "sort out it." When using the pronoun "it" as the object, the verb and particle must stay together with "it" in the middle: "sort it out." This is a common mistake for learners of English.