sort out

S

sort out (phrasal verb)
/sɔrt aʊt/

Meaning

• Arrange or organize things systematically or properly.
• Resolve a problem, confusion, or misunderstanding.
• Deal with someone or something decisively or effectively.
• Separate or classify items into categories.
• Prepare or plan something by taking necessary steps.
• Reprimand or discipline someone.

Synonyms: organize; resolve; classify; straighten out.

Example Sentences

1. I need to sort out these files before the meeting starts.
2. They had a fight, but managed to sort out their differences quickly.
3. The manager promised to sort out the issue with delayed payments.
4. Help me sort out the recycling from the trash.
5. We must sort out the travel plans before the weekend.
6. He got into trouble at school, so the teacher had to sort him out.

Origin and History

Etymology of “Sort”

The term “sort” traces back to the Latin word sors, meaning “lot” or “fate.” In Old French, it evolved into sort, signifying “kind” or “category,” and was adopted into Middle English with similar meanings. By the 14th century, “sort” in English encompassed notions of classifying or arranging items into categories. This foundational meaning laid the groundwork for the development of the phrasal verb “sort out.”

Evolution into “Sort Out”

The phrasal verb “sort out” emerged by combining the verb “sort” with the adverb “out,” emphasizing the action of organizing or resolving something. The earliest recorded usage of “sort out” in the context of resolving issues or organizing items dates back to the mid-20th century. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the noun form “sort-out” first appeared in print in 1937, in a dictionary by lexicographer Eric Partridge.

Usage and Variations

“Sort out” is predominantly used in British English to denote the act of resolving problems or organizing items. In American English, while the phrase is understood, the standalone verb “sort” is more commonly used in similar contexts. Additionally, colloquial variations have emerged, such as “sorted,” used to indicate that a problem has been resolved, e.g., “It’s all sorted now.”

Cultural and Linguistic Influence

The phrase “sort out” has permeated various forms of media and everyday conversation, reflecting its versatility and utility in the English language. Its usage spans from casual dialogues to formal writings, underscoring its established place in the lexicon.

Summary

The phrase “sort out” has its roots in the Latin word sors, evolving through Old French and Middle English to acquire its current meanings related to organizing and resolving. Its first recorded usage in the form of “sort-out” dates back to 1937 in the United Kingdom. Over time, it has become an integral part of English vernacular, with variations and usages that reflect its adaptability and relevance in both British and American English.

About the Author

Elena Jones holds a PhD in Education from Harvard University. She has extensive experience teaching at both the K–12 and university levels, with a particular focus on English as a Second Language. Elena has dedicated her career to advancing educational practices, and she has contributed to numerous educational journals.

Phrasal Verbs