a sort of information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sort of information" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a type or category of information that is not precisely defined or is somewhat vague. Example: "The report provided a sort of information that was helpful, but it lacked specific details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But, this wasted heat represents also a sort of information, which outflows from the cell towards its environment, completely accessible to any observer.

Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications

On a typical day, the operators help about 750 port crossings by large vessels, serving as a sort of information clearinghouse on events in the port.

The New York Times

As early as 1978, he envisaged a world in which electronic devices would be sprinkled into everything, from thermostats and washing-machines to shoes and clothing, all communicating with one another in a sort of information ecosystem.

The Economist

In a 1944 picture from Ceylon — where she was a sort of information manager for the Office of Strategic Services — her dress is pushed up to her knees, showing off "the legs that transfixed" the man who became her friend and then her husband, Paul Child.

The Washington Post

Those who manage their data best will compete with traditional lenders in a sort of "information war".

Huffington Post

Well, actually it was more of a quasi-demonstration, a sort of information session designed to get people to sign a petition.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Avinash Persaud, head of global research at State Street in London, says they are just a sort of information-clearing service.

The Economist

Taken further, the result could end up being a sort of extrasensory information awareness, annotation and analysis capability in the real world.

The Economist

She describes it as a "weirdly neutral shared zone between cultures that are otherwise engaged in a sort of war of information and image," as she wrote in an email exchange with Christopher Y.

The New York Times - Arts

Dr. Kari Stefansson, Decode's chief executive, said genetic tests that measure the probability of developing a disease "are a new sort of information that our society is growing rapidly more accustomed to, but it is still not absolutely clear how we are going to use it".

The New York Times

Conceived as a special sort of information transmission, measurement becomes analyzable in terms of the conceptual apparatus of information theory (Hartley 1928; Shannon 1948; Shannon and Weaver 1949).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sort of information" when you want to describe information that is not very specific or well-defined. It's useful for broad categories.

Common error

Avoid using "a sort of information" if more precise terms like "data", "facts", or "details" are available. Specificity enhances clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sort of information" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object within a sentence. It broadly refers to a category of data or knowledge, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples where it describes various types of data.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sort of information" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to refer to a general type of data or knowledge. As affirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is appropriate for describing broad categories without being overly specific. While versatile, it's advisable to use more precise terms when possible to enhance clarity. The phrase finds its primary usage in news and media, followed by scientific contexts. When writing, remember to use specific terms whenever feasible, but rely on "a sort of information" when a general reference is sufficient or when details are yet to be determined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a type of data

Focuses on data specifically, which is a more precise form of information.

a piece of knowledge

Emphasizes the cognitive aspect of information, framing it as something known.

a form of intelligence

Suggests information that is processed or insightful, more than just raw data.

a kind of detail

Highlights the granular nature of the information, referring to specific elements.

a body of knowledge

Implies a comprehensive and organized collection of information.

an item of intelligence

Refers to information gathered for strategic or investigative purposes.

a source of facts

Focuses on the factual nature of information, presenting it as verifiable data.

a bit of insight

Highlights the understanding gained from the information, rather than the information itself.

a mode of communication

Considers information as a means of conveying messages or ideas.

a channel of distribution

Presents information as something that is disseminated or spread through a system.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sort of information" to refer to a general category of data, like: "The study provided "a sort of information" about consumer preferences."

What's a good alternative to "a sort of information"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a type of data", "some knowledge", or "a piece of news".

Is it better to be specific instead of using "a sort of information"?

In many cases, yes. Using specific terms like "statistics", "reports", or "findings" provides more clarity and avoids vagueness. However, "a sort of information" is appropriate when referring to broad or undefined categories.

When is it appropriate to use "a sort of information"?

It's appropriate when you are intentionally being general, or when the exact nature of the information is not yet clear or defined. For example, if you're describing preliminary findings that haven't been fully categorized.