Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Sort Out'

📖 Definition

To 'sort out' means to organize or arrange things in proper order, to resolve a problem, or reach an understanding.

Examples in context

We need to sort out our travel itinerary before we leave.
She helped sort out the team’s roles before the big match.
He took time to sort out his emotions after the meeting.

📖 Definition

To 'sort out' means to organize or arrange things in proper order, to resolve a problem, or reach an understanding.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

'Sort out' can have objects placed between 'sort' and 'out'.

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

'Sort out' requires an object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	sort out	They sort out their finances regularly.
Past Simple	sorted out	She sorted out the problem efficiently.
Present Continuous	sorting out	He is sorting out the misunderstandings.
Present Perfect	have sorted out	We have sorted out the details already.

💡 When to Use

Solving a problem

Use when resolving a complex issue by organizing or arranging components into order.

Example: "He needs to sort out his priorities."

Clarifying confusion

Employ when eliminating misunderstandings or bringing clarity to a situation.

Example: "Let's sort out the confusion about the meeting time."

Taking control of chaos

Apply when managing a disorderly situation and establishing order.

Example: "We must sort out this messy situation soon."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect separation

❌ Wrong: Sort the problem out wisely.

✅ Correct: Sort out the problem wisely.

💡 Tip: Keep 'out' immediately after 'sort'.

Wrong object placement

❌ Wrong: Sort them out the documents.

✅ Correct: Sort the documents out.

💡 Tip: Place objects between 'sort' and 'out'.

Using without an object

❌ Wrong: She sorted out.

✅ Correct: She sorted out the items.

💡 Tip: Always include an object.

Practice

SORT OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

We need to sort out our travel itinerary before we leave.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

She helped sort out the team’s roles before the big match.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

He took time to sort out his emotions after the meeting.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

resolve organize

Antonyms

complicate

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"We need to ___ our priorities before the deadline."

sort over

sort out

sort under

sort across

"In life's journey, we must often sort out the chaos to uncover hidden paths and forge our destiny with clarity and purpose."

In Context

In 1921, Mahatma Gandhi faced numerous challenges as he led India's struggle for independence. He needed to sort out a cohesive strategy that could involve millions in nonviolent protest. Initially, the movement was fragmented, with various factions advocating different approaches. Gandhi meticulously sorted out conflicting ideologies, emphasizing unity and peaceful resistance. During the Non-Cooperation Movement, the British authorities were confounded by the vast number of participants unified under Gandhi's leadership. However, the movement faced a setback when violence erupted in Chauri Chaura in 1922. Gandhi realized the need to sort out internal dissent and reaffirm the commitment to nonviolence. He called for a temporary suspension to reflect and reorganize. Despite the halt, Gandhi continued his efforts, sorting out new strategies and reviving the movements with even greater commitment from followers. By sorting out these challenges, Gandhi laid the groundwork for future campaigns, ultimately leading India to independence in 1947. His ability to sort out complexities and cultivate unity remains an enduring testament to his visionary leadership.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Sort Out

What is the origin of sort out?

The phrasal verb 'sort out' has roots in the Old French term 'sortir,' meaning to arrange. Over time, in English, it evolved to mean resolving issues or organizing tasks, becoming a staple in daily language.

Can sort out be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'sort out' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for professional discussions as well as everyday conversations.

What is the difference between sort out and resolve?

'Sort out' emphasizes organizing or arranging elements to remove confusion, while 'resolve' implies finding a definitive solution to a problem. 'Resolve' is often more decisive, whereas 'sort out' involves arranging.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

SORT OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Sort Out

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega