a sort of farewell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sort of farewell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation or expression that resembles a farewell, but may not be a formal or complete goodbye. Example: "As the party came to an end, she gave him a sort of farewell, hinting that they might not see each other for a long time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It appears that the Press Complaints Commission's outgoing chair, Peta Buscombe, is engaged in a sort of farewell tour.

The Guardian

Four years later, Ms. Gramm signed an order making this policy official, a sort of farewell gift to the derivatives industry before she left government service and took a place on Enron's board.

The New York Times

The Lions held a sort of farewell day last Tuesday, which was a bit strange since most of the people who turned up will be seeing them again soon enough in Australia.

The Guardian - Sport

George W. Bush apparently thought it would be a good idea before he leaves office to go to Iraq and take a final victory lap, a sort of "farewell tour".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A: Sort of.

Independent

"I felt when I'd finished The Sea Lady that I'd come to the end of something, and I was quite pleased with the way that novel ended with a sort of harmonious farewell".

The Guardian

There have been all sorts of farewell moments in people's lives and careers which they have then rescinded, but I think I can fairly categorically say that there won't be a tour or an album again that I take part in.

Wikipedia

It's a rare artistic director who leaves without some sort of farewell tarantara but, once again, Walters refuses to kowtow to convention.

Independent

She found herself explaining on Friday that the remark was not meant as some sort of farewell.

The New York Times

In fact, recent trips to New Hampshire, the Midwest and Arkansas have taken on the feel of the sort of farewell tours made by retiring N.B.A. stars and aging rock bands, and in his speech last night, the departing president said there was no title that he would wear more proudly than that of citizen.

The New York Times

And Letterman, as he has explained in some of his farewell interviews this year, made a sort of peace with being No. 2 and found his way back, only this time to a different place.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sort of farewell" to describe situations that resemble a final goodbye but lack the formality or completeness typically associated with farewells. This is particularly useful in nuanced contexts where relationships or circumstances are evolving.

Common error

Avoid using "a sort of farewell" in formal or highly professional settings. Opt for more direct and unambiguous language to maintain clarity and respect the gravity of the situation. Alternatives like "a final goodbye" or "a formal departure" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sort of farewell" functions as a qualifying noun phrase. It modifies the noun "farewell", indicating that it's not a complete or typical goodbye. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase's correct usage in contexts where the departure is nuanced.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sort of farewell" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe departures that aren't necessarily final or complete. As indicated by Ludwig, it's best suited for situations where the goodbye is nuanced, temporary, or lacks formal closure. Predominantly found in news and media sources, its usage conveys a sense of understatement or emotional distance. For formal settings, consider more direct alternatives. It's a good idea to avoid overusing this phrase in situations where greater clarity is needed. Understanding the contexts where this phrase thrives ensures that you will communicate your intended meaning with precision. Though Ludwig shows few examples, the existing instances point to a stable and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A partial goodbye

Indicates the farewell is not total or absolute.

An informal adieu

Highlights the lack of formality in the farewell.

A tentative departure

Suggests the leaving is not fully decided or permanent.

A symbolic parting

Emphasizes the farewell is more representative than literal.

A quasi-farewell

Uses "quasi" to imply the farewell is only partially true.

A brief send-off

Focuses on the brevity of the farewell.

A modified goodbye

Indicates the farewell is altered or incomplete.

A limited parting

Emphasizes the restricted nature of the farewell.

A semi-formal valediction

Indicates the farewell has some formality, but not entirely.

An incomplete leave-taking

Highlights the unfinished nature of the departure.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sort of farewell" to describe situations where the goodbye is not complete or formal. For example: "Her leaving party felt like "a sort of farewell", even though she promised to visit soon."

What's a less common way to say "a sort of farewell"?

Alternatives include "a partial goodbye" or "an informal adieu", which emphasize the lack of formality or completeness in the goodbye.

In what situations is "a sort of farewell" most appropriate?

"A sort of farewell" works well when describing nuanced or evolving situations, such as someone leaving a job temporarily or a relationship transitioning without a definite end. It implies a degree of uncertainty or informality.

Is there a more formal way to express the idea of "a sort of farewell"?

Yes, in formal contexts, you might use phrases like "a temporary departure" or "an interim parting" to convey a similar meaning with greater precision and professionalism.