Sort out: meaning, definitions and examples

Best for situations where there is a mess or confusion that needs resolving, often involving problems or misunderstandings.

• We need to sort out this misunderstanding
• She needs to sort out her finances before the end of the month

Appropriate when talking about structuring or planning an event, task, or space to make it efficient or orderly.

• We need to organize a meeting with the team
• She organized her closet by color and type of clothing

Used when setting things in a specific order, often implying some level of planning or preparation.

• Can you arrange these documents by date? They arranged the chairs in a circle for the meeting

Used for making a space cleaner or more orderly, usually involving a physical arrangement of items.

• Please tidy up your room before our guests arrive
• She tidied up the kitchen after dinner

Best used for fixing or resolving confusing or mixed-up situations, similar to 'sort out' but often implying more of an initial disorder or mess.

• He had to straighten out the billing errors
• We'll straighten out this schedule so it makes sense

This phrase is perfect for everyday, informal situations where you need to organize or clarify something, especially when dealing with small problems or tasks.

• I need to sort out my messy desk.
• Can you sort out the misunderstanding between the two teams?

This word is suitable for formal and serious issues, used when finding a final solution to a problem or conflict.

• They managed to resolve the dispute between the two companies.
• We must resolve these technical problems before the launch.

Ideal for situations involving disputes or arguments where the goal is to reach an agreement or end the conflict.

• The parties finally settled their differences and signed the contract.
• Let's settle this argument and move forward.

Use this word when you need to repair or correct something, often used in both informal and formal contexts.

• Can you fix the broken chair?
• The IT department is working to fix the website issue.

This term is appropriate for formal and professional settings where you need to confront or discuss a problem or issue directly.

• We need to address the decline in sales during the last quarter.
• The meeting was called to address the employee's concerns.