ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sort sb/sth/yourself out

phr. v..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to deal with a problem or organize something that is messy or confusing. You can also use it to describe getting your own life or behavior back in order.

phr. v.. to resolve a problem, organize a chaotic situation, or attend to necessary details. When used reflexively, it refers to improving one's personal circumstances or mental state.


SIMPLE

I need to sort out my desk before I start working.

CONTEXTUAL

We had some issues with the booking, but the manager managed to sort everything out for us.

COMPLEX

The legal team spent several weeks trying to sort out the complex inheritance claims before the case reached the high court.

Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
sort (+ object) + out
Usage

very common in British English for both physical organization and problem-solving.

Teaching tip

highlight the versatility of the phrase; it covers everything from tidying a room to resolving a deep personal crisis or a technical glitch.

Pitfall

I need to sort out it.I need to sort it out.when the object is a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between the verb and the particle.

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