a sort of science

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sort of science" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a field or discipline that has some characteristics of science but may not fully meet the criteria of a traditional scientific discipline. Example: "While it may not adhere strictly to the scientific method, psychology is often considered a sort of science due to its reliance on empirical research and data analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

She described making a terrarium as a sort of science experiment, albeit one conducted with color, texture and visual composition in mind.

The New York Times

From the moment she actually started creating the list, she had become more interested in it as a sort of science experiment than as a way to amass loot.

The New York Times - Tech

"Why wouldn't you do your face?" Well, I told him, lately, I've actually been looking at my face as a sort of science experiment as it shifts into unforeseen formations of lines, bags, puffs and creases.

The New York Times - Style

He was a master of a peculiar hybrid form, a sort of science fiction that seems half Ray Bradbury and half Kafka, with an added undertow that threatens to carry the reader into an abyss of dark knowledge even though the Holocaust is almost never overtly mentioned.

The New York Times - Books

The stories here are a sort of science fiction — I'm not a reader of science fiction, I'm not very interested in it — but they're usually based in a real world, and then there's one element that takes them into another realm and makes them not real.

The New Yorker

On the last day of Disrupt, May 7th, Startup Alley focuses solely on hardware startups, turning the pavilion into a sort of science fair-meets-maker-event.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Without slavery, however, the survey maps of the General Land Office would have remained a sort of science-fiction plan for a society that could never happen.

The New York Times

With his idiosyncratic take on time travel, the director Alain Resnais concocts a sort of science-fiction neorealism, in which a fantastic adventure unfolds the minutiae of an ordinary man's life.

The New Yorker

There is one idea that I am particularly focused on but I can't talk much about but I can say that it would be a sort of science-fiction book.

The Guardian

Dr. Cook maintained close ties to the Mormon Church, and apart from his contributions to explosives, he made a reputation for himself in academic circles -- and angered some colleagues -- as an outspoken advocate of a sort of science-based creationism.

The New York Times

That's just based on my personal experience and isn't based on any sort of science at all.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sort of science" to describe fields that employ scientific methods but may lack the rigor or established foundations of traditional sciences. For example, "early sociology was considered "a sort of science" as it attempted to apply empirical methods to social phenomena".

Common error

Avoid using "a sort of science" when referring to practices that are intentionally misleading or lack any scientific basis. Distinguish between emerging fields that are striving for scientific validation and those that are deliberately unscientific. Using the phrase incorrectly can undermine legitimate scientific inquiry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sort of science" functions as a qualifier that categorizes or describes a field or activity that shares some characteristics with traditional sciences but may not fully meet the criteria. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sort of science" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe fields or activities that share some attributes with traditional sciences but may not meet all rigorous scientific standards. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The phrase appears most commonly in news, encyclopedias and scientific publications. While its usage isn't exceptionally frequent, it provides a nuanced way to classify disciplines that operate on the periphery of established scientific domains. Writers should be mindful to use the phrase accurately, avoiding confusion with pseudoscience, and considering more precise language when appropriate in highly technical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a type of science

Replaces 'sort' with 'type', indicating a specific category within science.

a kind of science

Uses 'kind' instead of 'sort', indicating a particular variety or nature of science.

a form of science

Substitutes 'sort' with 'form', suggesting a particular manifestation of science.

a branch of science

Uses 'branch' to denote a distinct area or discipline within science.

a field of science

Replaces 'sort' with 'field', implying a specific domain or area of study in science.

something akin to science

Emphasizes the similarity to science without being strictly categorized as science.

a quasi-scientific approach

Highlights the partially scientific nature, implying it doesn't fully meet scientific standards.

an emerging science

Suggests a science that is still developing and not fully established.

a developing science

Implies that the science is in the process of growth or formation.

a pseudo-science

Indicates a practice or belief system that claims to be scientific but lacks scientific rigor.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sort of science" to describe disciplines or practices that share some characteristics with traditional sciences but might not fully adhere to the scientific method. For example, "Terrarium making can be seen as "a sort of science" experiment".

What's the difference between "a sort of science" and pseudoscience?

"A sort of science" implies a field that attempts to apply scientific principles, even if imperfectly, whereas pseudoscience presents itself as scientific but lacks empirical evidence or rigorous methodology. Pseudoscience often disregards the scientific method entirely.

What are some alternatives to saying "a sort of science"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a type of science", "a form of science", or "a quasi-scientific approach" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "a sort of science" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "a sort of science" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly technical or academic settings, it's essential to be precise and consider whether more specific terminology would be appropriate.