a unique sort of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a unique sort of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is distinct or different in a particular way. Example: "She has a unique sort of charm that draws people to her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

In less dramatic times, the New York way of life mixes difficulty with patience (belied by a surface irritability) to produce a unique sort of stamina.

The New York Times

The collection, which includes photographs of tattoos of literary figures from Harriet the Spy to the poet John Berryman, amounts to a unique sort of literary anthology.

The New Yorker

For parents who know that sharing the fruits of the kitchen with family is one of the deep pleasures of cooking, having a child who rejects most food is a unique sort of heartbreak.

The New York Times

We want to create a unique sort of nature reserve for people to use that celebrates that.' Conversion of the first farm into fen will start in two years' time as agricultural use is wound down.

The Guardian

As survivors of suicide, Williams' family experience a unique sort of grief, one coated in the surprise that accompanies any unexpected death but also compounded by society's attitudes towards the act.

Independent

They have all undergone a unique sort of suffering, the kind that goes with urban war in a small, introverted place where everybody has some connection to victims and perpetrators of violence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Although the demand for the unconditioned is inherent in the very nature of our reason, although it is unavoidable and indispensably necessary, Kant nevertheless does not take it to be without problems of a unique sort; for the very same demand that guides our rational scientific inquiries and defines our (human) reason is also the locus of error that needs to be curbed or prevented.

SEP

In the latter case, one accepts a challenge to provide a reductionist story of a seemingly unique sort of phenomenon, and meets it by developing better experimental and analytical tools.

SEP

Unlike other lysosomal membrane proteins, however, FasL employs a unique sorting pathway independent of di-leucine or tyrosine-based sorting motifs [ 54].

Cell Communication and Signaling

They don't have the same access to our state of being, the empathy, the sympathy, the language, the particular and unique sort of love that we share with each other.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ironically, it works to convince alienated men that sex/gender has marked them as unique sort of outsider/failures, who cannot be accepted even into the multicultural coalitions that define themselves by their capacity for acceptance.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a unique sort of", ensure that the uniqueness is clearly defined or evident within the context. Avoid using it as a vague descriptor.

Common error

Avoid using "a unique sort of" in conjunction with other words that already imply uniqueness. For example, "a unique sort of original" is redundant; simply use "an original".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a unique sort of" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun by attributing to it a quality of being distinct and different. As Ludwig indicates, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a unique sort of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to emphasize the distinctiveness of something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and suggests it's particularly prevalent in News & Media contexts. While versatile, it's important to ensure that the uniqueness is well-defined and to avoid redundant constructions. Consider using alternative phrases like "a distinctive type of" or "a particular kind of" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinctive type of

Replaces "sort" with "type", emphasizing classification and distinction.

a particular kind of

Substitutes "sort" with "kind", focusing on a specific variety.

a special form of

Emphasizes the exceptional nature of the form something takes.

an exceptional variety of

Highlights rarity and excellence within a broader category.

a singular species of

Implies a unique and distinct grouping, often used in scientific contexts.

an uncommon form of

Stresses the infrequency and peculiarity of something.

a different class of

Highlights that something belongs to a dissimilar classification.

a one-of-a-kind style of

Emphasizes the unparalleled and individual nature of the style.

a rare breed of

Suggests scarcity and superior qualities, often used metaphorically.

an unusual category of

Implies that something breaks with typical categorization.

FAQs

What does "a unique sort of" mean?

The phrase "a unique sort of" indicates that something possesses qualities that make it distinct or different from others in a particular way. It suggests that the thing being described has a special or uncommon characteristic.

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

You can use "a unique sort of" to describe a wide range of things, such as "a unique sort of challenge", "a unique sort of beauty", or "a unique sort of pain". Just ensure the context makes it clear what the unique quality is.

What can I say instead of "a unique sort of"?

You can use alternatives like "a distinctive type of", "a particular kind of", or "a special form of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a unique sort of" formal or informal?

The phrase "a unique sort of" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly academic or professional settings.