all sorts of things

USAGE SUMMARY

"all sorts of things" is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a variety of things or items. Here are some examples: - "She had a messy room, with clothes, books, and all sorts of things scattered around." - "The store sold all sorts of things, from groceries to toys to furniture." - "Traveling to a new country exposes you to all sorts of things - new cultures, foods, and customs." - "The children played with all sorts of things they found in the backyard - sticks, rocks, and leaves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"All sorts of things".

The New Yorker

"I like all sorts of things.

The New York Times - Food

People ask Seaward all sorts of things.

The New York Times - Sports

I've taught all sorts of things.

The New York Times

Actors play all sorts of things.

Independent

He's all sorts of things".

The Guardian

The symbol "x" represents all sorts of things.

Just-In-Time Math for Engineers

Experience determines all sorts of things.

Yale University

"All sorts of things," said Allan London.

Stanford University

He's lying about all sorts of things.

The Washington Post

He called me all sorts of things.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all sorts of things" when you want to indicate a diverse range without being specific. It adds a touch of informality while maintaining clarity. For example, "The museum had all sorts of things, from dinosaur bones to modern art."

Common error

Avoid relying on "all sorts of things" too often, as it can make your writing less precise. When possible, replace it with more specific descriptions to enhance clarity. Instead of saying "I learned all sorts of things", try "I learned about history, science, and art."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all sorts of things" functions as a general quantifier, indicating a wide variety or assortment of items, topics, or activities. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in numerous contexts to represent non-specific, diverse collections. It is commonly used to avoid listing every item or detail, providing a broad, inclusive scope.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

27%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all sorts of things" is a versatile phrase used to denote a wide variety of items, topics, or activities without being specific. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Academia. While it offers convenience, being more specific can enhance clarity in formal writing. Alternatives such as "various kinds of things" or "a wide array of items" may offer more precision depending on the situation. Remember to balance informality with clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

various kinds of things

Emphasizes variety in types more explicitly.

a wide array of items

Focuses on a diverse collection of items.

a multitude of objects

Highlights a large number of different objects.

diverse range of stuff

Uses more informal language while retaining the sense of variety.

assorted collection of items

Stresses that items are deliberately grouped together.

a variety of matters

Suited for contexts involving subjects or topics rather than physical objects.

numerous types of objects

Highlights the number and the variety of the objects.

different types of things

Focuses on the difference between the things included in the range.

miscellaneous items

Indicates a collection of mixed and unorganized items.

a mixed bag of elements

Implies a more random and less curated assortment.

FAQs

How can I use "all sorts of things" in a sentence?

You can use "all sorts of things" when referring to a variety of items or topics without listing them individually. For example, "She collected "all sorts of things" during her travels."

What are some alternatives to "all sorts of things"?

Alternatives include "various kinds of things", "a wide array of items", or "a multitude of objects", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "all sorts of things"?

While "all sorts of things" is acceptable, being more specific can enhance clarity and provide more information to the reader. Use it when a general reference is sufficient, but opt for specifics when detail is important.

What's the difference between "all sorts of things" and "all kinds of things"?

"All sorts of things" and "all kinds of things" are largely interchangeable and carry the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.