a definite sort of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a definite sort of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific type or category of something, often implying a clear distinction or characteristic. Example: "There is a definite sort of charm in the way she speaks that captivates her audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It depends on what other work gets cooking and whether we end up having success with other projects soon or if it is a slower process but I expect that there will be a definite sort of 'ookkaaay'ookkaaay

The Guardian - Film

There's a definite sort of jazz feel in that record that.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

An idea in the science of medicine may predict that the introduction of a certain vaccine will prevent the onset of future maladies of a definite sort.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The definite sorting of the PRAQ items into domains with the help of psychometric methods will be conducted after a follow-up study and is outside the scope of this article.

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

A: Yes, sort of.

The Guardian

Each part provides material with properties within a definite range of the sort required for a house to come into being.

SEP

A: Sort of.

Independent

There was definite tension, a real sort of atmosphere around.

The Guardian

What keeps the men going appears to be their work; the reassurance of a definite routine, the sort or comradeship that springs up on any outlandish expedition, and the usual distractions-the good food; the nightly movies; books, chess, and music; the news that comes over the radio.

The New Yorker

A definite majority of the Communist.

The New Yorker

That's a definite style of ours.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a definite sort of" to specify a clear and recognizable category or type, adding emphasis to the distinct nature of what you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "a definite sort of" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated language might be preferred. Instead, opt for terms like "specific type" or "distinct category".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definite sort of" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, specifying a particular kind or type. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it conveys a sense of something clearly defined.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

17%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a definite sort of" is a phrase used to specify a particular type or category, implying a clear distinction. While grammatically correct and found in reputable sources like The Guardian and Huffington Post, Ludwig indicates that its usage is relatively infrequent. It's best suited for neutral contexts and can be replaced with alternatives like "a distinct type of" or "a specific kind of" for greater formality. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase conveys a sense of something clearly defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinct type of

Emphasizes the clear and recognizable nature of the type.

a specific kind of

Focuses on the particularity and precision of the kind.

a particular variety of

Highlights the uniqueness within a broader range.

a certain class of

Indicates belonging to a defined classification.

a precise form of

Stresses the exactness and accuracy of the form.

a clear category of

Highlights the unambiguous nature of the category.

a special brand of

Suggests a unique and recognizable quality.

a characteristic style of

Focuses on the identifiable style.

a notable manner of

Emphasizes the remarkableness of the manner.

a remarkable fashion of

Highlights the unusual or noteworthy aspect of the fashion.

FAQs

What does "a definite sort of" mean?

The phrase "a definite sort of" means a particular or distinct type of something. It implies a clear and recognizable category.

How can I use "a definite sort of" in a sentence?

You can use "a definite sort of" to describe a quality or characteristic that clearly identifies something, for example: "There's "a definite sort of jazz feel" in that record."

What can I say instead of "a definite sort of"?

You can use alternatives like "a distinct type of", "a specific kind of", or "a particular variety of" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a definite sort of" and "a specific type of"?

While similar, "a definite sort of" might imply a slightly less formal tone than "a specific type of". The best choice depends on the overall style and register of your writing.