a sort of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sort of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is similar to something else, but not exactly the same. For example, "I'm studying a sort of mathematics called combinatorics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A: Sort of.

Independent

"A sort of blank".

The New Yorker

"A sort of dream.

The New Yorker

A sort of aspic.

The New Yorker

A sort of monster.

The New York Times

(A sort of cognitive disonance).

The New York Times

A sort of adventure, maybe.

The New Yorker

It's a sort of defiance.

The New York Times - Health

It's a sort of overtime.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Environmentalists tout a sort-of pagan eschatology.

The Economist

He's a sort-of broken Tony Soprano.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sort of" to soften a description or to indicate that something doesn't perfectly fit a category. For example, "The movie was a sort of comedy, but it had some serious moments."

Common error

Avoid using "a sort of" excessively, as it can make your writing sound hesitant or imprecise. Opt for more direct language when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sort of" functions as a qualifier, softening the definiteness of a noun or description. It indicates that something is similar to, but not exactly the same as, what is being described. Ludwig confirms the validity of this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sort of" serves as a useful qualifier in English, indicating approximation or similarity without exactness. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. It appears frequently in news and media, as well as in more formal business contexts. While versatile, it is essential to use the phrase judiciously to avoid weakening the clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kind of

A more informal and direct way to express similarity.

of sorts

A concise way to indicate a less than perfect example.

somewhat like

Emphasizes the resemblance but acknowledges differences.

in a way

Suggests a partial or limited similarity.

more or less

Indicates an approximate or general similarity.

something akin to

A more formal way of expressing similarity.

after a fashion

Implies a rudimentary or imperfect resemblance.

to some extent

Highlights the degree to which something is similar.

in some respects

Focuses on specific aspects of similarity.

approximating

Expresses that something is close to, but not exactly, something else.

FAQs

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

Use "a sort of" to describe something that resembles something else without being exactly the same. For example, "This cake is "a sort of" experiment."

What are some alternatives to "a sort of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "kind of", "somewhat", or "in a way" to express a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "a sort of" or "a kind of"?

"A sort of" and "a kind of" are often interchangeable, but "a kind of" might sound slightly more natural in some contexts. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When should I avoid using "a sort of"?

Avoid using "a sort of" when you can be more precise. If you know exactly what something is, using a direct description will make your writing clearer and more impactful.