a specific sort of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific sort of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to describe a particular category or type of something in a more detailed manner. Example: "She has a specific sort of talent for solving complex mathematical problems that sets her apart from her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Often, the allergen is in a specific sort of food.

The Economist

What if you wanted to research hazards in a specific sort of gathering place?

The New Yorker

Wealthy men who are in their late teens and early 20s and attend a specific sort of educational institution are at the highest risk.

The Guardian - Opinion

Over and over, trying to articulate their hopes, they fell back on a general term to describe a specific sort of ideal user experience.

The New Yorker

But there's a specific sort of ultra-confessional essay, written by a person you've never heard of and published online, that flourished until recently and now hardly registers.

The New Yorker

ReprintsThe pattern in question is that many of the genes whose breakage leads to cancer are themselves involved in a specific sort of genetic regulation, known as epigenetics.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

A scene that was unique and particular to a very specific sort of individual--a guy like himself.

Huffington Post

The Unified Framework would create a special tax status for an oddly specific sort of company: a foreign firm in which an American company has a ten-per-cent or greater ownership share.

The New Yorker

In Patchogue and, yes, throughout the Town of Brookhaven, whose Town Council authorized a $500 donation to Mr. Butler's Christmas 'n' Patchogue committee, he has made a name (and a few enemies) as a senior citizen/activist bent on recreating a very specific sort of Christmas.

The New York Times

If there is a "military" quality to Police Corps training, it is a very specific sort of militarism: the United States Special Forces train much the same way as the Police Corps does, with an emphasis on preparing recruits to lead, make decisions, and deal with the unexpected (as opposed to standard military boot camps, which teach recruits to follow orders).

The New Yorker

America has been watching a very specific sort of guy at 11 35 p.m. for half a century, one who chuckles as Mary Tyler Moore or Sarah Jessica Parker tells an amusing story and lets us drift off by the time some stand-up comic or blow-up starlet tells a salacious joke.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a specific sort of" when you need to emphasize that you are referring to a particular subcategory or kind within a broader group. This helps to narrow the focus and provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific sort of" when a simpler term like "type" or "kind" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose and less direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific sort of" functions as a pre-modifier, specifying and limiting the scope of a noun. It adds detail by indicating that only a certain variety or category is being referred to. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a specific sort of" is a valuable tool for adding detail and precision to your writing. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is considered grammatically correct and widely applicable. Use it when you need to narrow down a broader category and want to make it clear that you are referring to a particular subset. While highly versatile, be mindful of overusing the phrase, and consider more direct alternatives like "type" or "kind" when appropriate. The frequent usage of this phrase in News & Media and Science indicates its applicability in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular type of

Replaces 'sort' with 'type', emphasizing the categorization aspect.

a certain kind of

Substitutes 'specific' with 'certain' and 'sort' with 'kind', suggesting a definite but not necessarily explicitly defined category.

a precise variety of

Emphasizes accuracy and distinction in categorization.

a distinct form of

Highlights the uniqueness and recognizability of the category.

a definite class of

Focuses on the structured and established nature of the category.

a select range of

Suggests a curated or limited set within the category.

a specialized genre of

Applicable when referring to artistic or literary categories.

a targeted category of

Highlights a specific focus or intention behind the categorization.

a unique brand of

Emphasizes the originality and individuality of the category.

a characteristic strain of

Suitable when referring to qualities or tendencies within the category.

FAQs

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

Use "a specific sort of" to narrow down a broad category. For instance, "This treatment is effective for "a specific sort of" infection" indicates the treatment doesn't work on all infections, but only a particular type.

What phrases can I use instead of "a specific sort of"?

Alternatives include "a particular type of", "a certain kind of", or "a distinct form of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a specific type of" or "a specific sort of"?

Both are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. "Type" is often more direct and common, while "sort" can sometimes imply a more nuanced or informal categorization. Choose the one that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

When should I avoid using "a specific sort of"?

Avoid using "a specific sort of" if the context doesn't require that level of detail. In general statements, a simpler term like "type", "kind", or even omitting the qualifier altogether might be more effective.