Guide 176 / 200 4 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “sort”
Four verbs for arranging things.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
"Sort" is fine for lists. "Arrange" is for physical layout; "categorise" puts items in named groups; "classify" is formal; "order" sets sequence.
ii · The swaps4 ways
- 01Arrange neutral
physical or visual layout
Arrange the agenda in priority order.
- 02Categorise neutral
put into named groups
Categorise the feedback by theme.
- 03Classify formal
formal grouping by rule
Classify each record under one of four tiers.
- 04Order neutral
set a sequence
Order the tasks by dependency.