1 B1 neutral
To examine and organise a collection of things systematically.
"She spent the whole morning sorting through boxes of old photographs."
inseparable
sort through
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To examine a collection of things methodically, usually in order to organise, classify, or find something specific.
In plain English
To go through a pile of things and organise or look at them one by one.
What does "sort through" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To examine a large amount of information in order to find what is relevant or useful.
"The detectives spent weeks sorting through thousands of financial records."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To sort (organise) through a collection — fairly transparent.
Actually means
To go through a pile of things and organise or look at them one by one.
Usage tip
Very common in everyday contexts. Often used when dealing with paperwork, belongings, emails, or memories. Slightly more physical and methodical than 'go through'.
Words that pair with "sort through"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
paperwork files belongings clothes emails documents post
How to conjugate "sort through"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sort through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sorts through
he/she/it
Past simple
sorted through
yesterday
Past participle
sorted through
have + pp
-ing form
sorting through
continuous
Hear "sort through" in the wild
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Other ways to say "sort through"
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