an alternative sort of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an alternative sort of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a different type or category of something, often in comparison to a more common or traditional option. Example: "We are exploring an alternative sort of energy source that is more sustainable and environmentally friendly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He argued that what he was doing was "taking a situation at the last minute and trying to put it back into an alternative sort of expression".

The New Yorker

In theory, strange quarks can unite with up quarks and down quarks to produce an object called a strangelet, the basic component of an alternative sort of stuff called strange matter.

The Economist

An alternative sort of future combination may hypothetically be represented by ezetimibe and fibrate.

Cardiovascular Diabetology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The mix of some handsome old but many more ugly block-ish new buildings (than we'd had in the center of Paris) and the lack of iconic monuments created a gap in our experience that needed to be filled with urban landscape appreciation of an alternative sort.

Huffington Post

"We hope some of these alternative, sort of out-of-the-mainstream programs can help some of them". After years in prison, the dreams of "when I get out" flood inmates' minds, said Carla V. Wagner, who was released from prison in 2006 and learned meditation from Walpole when he visited as a chaplain.

Los Angeles Times

In conclusion, by using dominant-negative mutants and RNAi technology we were able to characterize a novel lysosomal sorting receptor (sortilin) involved in the alternative sorting of SAPs (prosaposin and GM2AP).

Biological Procedures Online

Plex's Live TV service, by way of background, offers an alternative of sorts to the current plethora of live TV streaming services like Sling TV, DirecTV Now, Hulu Live TV, Vue and YouTube TV.

TechCrunch

The inflationary model is an alternative of sorts to the standard big bang model, although by now it is so well entrenched in the cosmology community that it really deserves the tag 'standard'standard

SEP

"The letters we get seem to appreciate The Guardian as an alternative voice, a sort of liberal analysis and broad church comment," Ms. Milner said.

The New York Times

Kinky found himself approached more and more by Texans desperate for an alternative to the sort of candidates they were used to, and he was starting to feel that he had a responsibility to these people.

The New Yorker

Gabriel Hill, a Swiss photographer whose work aims to provide an alternative to this sort of gritty imagery, pointed out that the image resonated so much with viewers because we all learned the boy had a name: Aylan Kurdi. .

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an alternative sort of" to introduce a different or less common type within a category. This phrase subtly suggests innovation or deviation from the norm, adding depth to your description.

Common error

While "an alternative sort of" is grammatically sound, it can sound less formal than other options. In academic or professional writing, consider using phrases like "a different type of" or "an alternative approach" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an alternative sort of" functions as an adjectival modifier, qualifying a noun by indicating a variation or different type within a broader category. As per Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and usable. This is confirmed by the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an alternative sort of" is a grammatically sound way to introduce a variation or non-traditional type. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its relatively low frequency suggests it's not the most common choice. It's most often found in news and scientific contexts. For more formal writing, consider using phrases like "a different type of" for enhanced precision and formality. Understanding its subtle nuance will help writers use it effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a different type of

Focuses on the aspect of something being dissimilar from the original.

another kind of

Highlights the aspect of something being different but within the same category.

a substitute form of

Emphasizes the role of replacement or acting in place of something else.

a variant style of

Highlights the stylistic aspect, referring to a different variation in style or design.

an unconventional form of

Stresses the aspect of not conforming to what is generally done or believed.

a non-traditional variety of

Emphasizes the departure from established customs or methods.

a modified version of

Focuses on the change or alteration made to an original item or idea.

a disparate manner of

Highlights the distinct or different way something is done or expressed.

a contrasting nature of

Focuses on a complete divergence from something else.

a divergent means of

Focuses on different methods or approaches in achieving something.

FAQs

How can I use "an alternative sort of" in a sentence?

You can use "an alternative sort of" to introduce a different type within a category. For example, "We are exploring "an alternative sort of" energy source that is more sustainable."

What's a more formal way to say "an alternative sort of"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "a different type of", "an alternative approach", or "a distinct form of". These options often lend a more polished tone to academic or professional writing.

Is it always necessary to replace "an alternative sort of" with another phrase?

No, not always. The phrase "an alternative sort of" is perfectly acceptable in many contexts. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In some situations, a more precise or formal phrase might be preferable.

How does "an alternative sort of" differ from just saying "an alternative"?

Adding "sort of" softens the statement and suggests that the alternative might not be completely different or fully established. It implies a variation or a slightly different take on something, rather than a completely new entity.