a return of sorts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a return of sorts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a return that is not complete or traditional, suggesting a variation or a different form of return. Example: "After years away from the industry, his latest project feels like a return of sorts to his roots in filmmaking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Now they're making a return of sorts with the 'Blood Diamond' mixtape.

Independent

Two new apartment projects testify to a return, of sorts, to respectable-sounding surnames.

The New York Times

Will the United States leave a positive legacy, a return of sorts for what it spent in lives and dollars over the course of the war?

The New York Times

But although Head died in 1981 at 82, she has made a return of sorts with the opening of a new play called "Sketches: Edith Head's Hollywood".

The New York Times

"What's so unusual about that?" The show is Ms. Koppelman Hutt's first experience on television, but Alexis Stewart is making a return of sorts.

The New York Times

Now the southern Spanish region of Andalusia is having a return of sorts to its history, as it prepares for the filming of next season's Game of Thrones.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The public who had bought the tickets also sought a return of some sort on their earnest faith.

The Guardian - Sport

Thus the deviation of annual growth from its long-run average is close to historic lows, Mr Furman notes, but the deviation of the growth of the past decade, which takes in the financial crisis, is near historic highs.The big question is whether the return of the Great Moderation has also prompted a return of the sort of risk-taking that produced the crisis.

The Economist

It is a triumphant return of sorts for Mr. Davis.

The New York Times

In the past, Ofili has entertained the idea that, before history, there could have been a black Eden; his move to Trinidad could be considered, in light of his English youth, a post-colonial return of sorts.

The New Yorker

As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens, we are witnessing a return of just the sort of language about the poor that he did so much to expose as cruel and inhuman.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a return of sorts" when you want to indicate that something is coming back, but not in its original or complete form. It's useful for highlighting a nuanced or qualified return.

Common error

Avoid using "a return of sorts" excessively, as it can become repetitive. If a return is straightforward, describe it directly without qualification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a return of sorts" functions as a qualifier, modifying the noun 'return'. It indicates that the return is not complete, typical, or straightforward, adding a nuance of approximation or resemblance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a grammatically sound phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a return of sorts" is a versatile phrase used to describe a comeback that is not entirely complete or faithful to the original. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and is frequently found in news and media sources, suitable for neutral to professional contexts. When using this phrase, consider alternatives like "a partial comeback" or "a sort of revival" to add nuance. Avoid overusing it; direct language is preferable if the return is straightforward. The phrase serves to qualify a return, suggesting it's modified or incomplete.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a modified return

Highlights that the return is altered or adjusted in some way.

a partial comeback

Emphasizes the incomplete nature of the return.

something akin to a return

Suggests the situation is similar to a return but doesn't fully qualify as one.

a sort of revival

Focuses on the aspect of something being brought back to life or prominence, but not entirely.

an apparent resurgence

Highlights the return being observable but possibly deceptive.

a qualified reinstatement

Suggests the return is subject to certain conditions or limitations.

a tentative re-emergence

Emphasizes the hesitancy or uncertainty surrounding the return.

a limited reversion

Indicates the return is restricted in scope or extent.

a shadow of its former self

Implies a return that lacks the full strength or characteristics of the original.

a ghost from the past

Highlights the return of someone or something from the past but in a changed or less substantial form.

FAQs

How can I use "a return of sorts" in a sentence?

You can use "a return of sorts" to describe a situation where something is coming back but not in its original or complete form. For example, "After a long hiatus, the band's new album represents "a return of sorts" to their earlier sound".

What are some alternatives to "a return of sorts"?

Alternatives include "a partial comeback", "a modified return", or "a sort of revival", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a return of sorts" formal or informal?

"A return of sorts" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in journalistic and literary writing than in highly formal academic papers.

What does it mean to say something is "a return of sorts"?

When something is described as "a return of sorts", it means it resembles or is similar to a return, but with some qualifications or differences. It's not a complete or perfect return to a previous state or condition.