The sentence
This is going to be my chance to _____ any difficulties.
is from an English test. Possible answers include: "solve", "sort out". And an examinee have to choose ONLY one right answer.
I'm pretty sure that "sort out" fits that sentence. But according to the dictionary the verb "solve" seems to be an acceptable choice too.
Could you please tell me whether the sentences
This is going to be my chance to sort out any difficulties.
This is going to be my chance to solve any difficulties.
are both idiomatic(natural) or not?
Best Answer
Both are fine. Difficulties can be idiomatically sorted out, solved or resolved (and a great many other things).
As The Free Dictionary explains, to sort out can mean:
And Macmillan includes the definition: to deal with something successfully
Whether you chose sort out or solve (or some other verb) something is both a matter of preference and context. You are more likely to solve a maths problem and to sort out human relations issues.
https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/sort+out
https://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/sort-out_1