sort out — solve a problem
phrasal verbB2IELTS 6+neutralcommon
To deal with a problem or difficult situation successfully.
Say it like a native
Textbook I will resolve the matter with the supplier.
Native I'll sort it out with the supplier.
'Sort out' is the everyday verb for fixing a problem; 'resolve the matter' is formal/legal.
Pattern: sort out + noun/pronoun
In use
- Don't worry, I'll sort out the issue with your booking.work
- In my opinion, it's important to sort out any misunderstandings with friends as soon as possible to maintain good relationships.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Let me sort out this with them.
✓ Let me sort this out with them.
With 'this/it', the object goes in the middle: 'sort it out'.
Common collocations
sort out + problem— a problem, a misunderstanding, the mess, things
Don't confuse it
Different from 'find out', which means to discover information.
Related
- sort out (organise) — Another meaning of 'sort out' is 'organise'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.