# sortedArray(using:) Returns an array that lists the receiving array’s elements in ascending order, as determined by the comparison method specified by a given selector. ``` func sortedArray(using comparator: Selector) -> [Any] ``` ## Parameters `comparator` A selector that identifies the method to use to compare two elements at a time. The method should return `NSOrderedAscending` if the receiving array is smaller than the argument, `NSOrderedDescending` if the receiving array is larger than the argument, and `NSOrderedSame` if they are equal. ## Return Value An array that lists the receiving array’s elements in ascending order, as determined by the comparison method specified by the selector `comparator`. ## Discussion The new array contains references to the receiving array’s elements, not copies of them. The `comparator` message is sent to each object in the array and has as its single argument another object in the array. For example, an array of `NSString` objects can be sorted by using the [`caseInsensitiveCompare(_:)`](/documentation/Foundation/NSString/caseInsensitiveCompare(_:)) method declared in the `NSString` class. Assuming `anArray` exists, a sorted version of the array can be created in this way: ```objc NSArray *sortedArray = [anArray sortedArrayUsingSelector:@selector(caseInsensitiveCompare:)]; ``` --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)