a special sort of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a special sort of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a unique or distinct category or type of something. Example: "She has a special sort of talent that sets her apart from her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is a special sort of guy.

The Guardian - Sport

Hereditary non-doms get a special sort of legal advantage.

The Guardian - Business

That one would take a special sort of sponsor.

The New York Times

In this paper we construct a special sort of dilation for an arbitrary polynomially bounded operator.

Journal of Functional Analysis

The cells contained a special sort of dye to indicate when a receptor had been triggered.

The Economist

You can find Lakewood's gemach listings in a special sort of Yellow Pages distributed around town.

The New York Times - Magazine

And it probably takes a special sort of person to want to read the responses.

The Guardian

I might need a special sort of collaborator to make me do that.

The Guardian - Music

Maybe we should learn to see religion as a special sort of artistic tradition.

The Guardian - Opinion

For Euclid, unity, or one, was a special sort of thing, not number but the origin, or principle, of number.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it also speaks, I think, to the fact that college debt represents a special sort of betrayal.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a special sort of" to highlight a characteristic that distinguishes something from the ordinary or common. It adds emphasis to the unique quality you are describing.

Common error

While versatile, "a special sort of" can sometimes sound informal. In highly formal contexts, consider using more precise and sophisticated language to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a special sort of" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase that describes and characterizes a noun. It highlights that the noun possesses a distinctive or unique quality. As Ludwig confirms, the expression is considered correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a special sort of" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the unique or distinctive nature of something. As Ludwig confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it is commonly found in diverse contexts, particularly in news media and scientific articles. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more formal language in highly academic or business writing. Remember to use this phrase to draw attention to qualities that set a subject apart, and avoid overuse in overly formal texts for better clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique type of

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and individuality of the type.

a particular kind of

Highlights a specific and individual kind within a larger category.

an exceptional variety of

Stresses the outstanding or superior nature of the variety.

a distinctive form of

Focuses on the recognizable and characteristic shape or style.

a remarkable example of

Emphasizes the noteworthiness and impressiveness of the example.

a singular instance of

Highlights the rarity and uniqueness of the occurrence.

a one-of-a-kind version of

Emphasizes the absolute uniqueness and unrepeatability of the version.

an unusual breed of

Highlights the atypical and uncommon nature of the breed.

a different caliber of

Emphasizes the superior quality or standard.

a select class of

Highlights the exclusivity and high status of the class.

FAQs

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

You can use "a special sort of" to describe something that is unique or distinct. For example, "She has a "a special sort of" talent for music".

What are some alternatives to "a special sort of"?

Some alternatives include "a unique kind of", "a particular type of", or "an exceptional variety of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a special type of" instead of "a special sort of"?

Yes, "a special type of" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "a special sort of", and the two phrases are often interchangeable.

What is the difference between "a special sort of" and "a specific sort of"?

"A special sort of" generally implies uniqueness or distinction, while "a specific sort of" implies a clearly defined or identified type. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize uniqueness or clarity.