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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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certain sort of

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain sort of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific category or type of something, often implying a degree of vagueness or generalization. Example: "She has a certain sort of charm that draws people to her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You know, there is a certain sort of sincerity that is opposed to a certain sort of fun.

News & Media

The New Yorker

This outward lie makes a certain sort of truth possible.

Every presidential candidate tells a certain sort of story.

News & Media

The New York Times

A certain sort of flourishing, a certain sort of what the Greeks called eudaimonia, available to people whose souls exhibit a certain kind of harmony.

If you attend a certain sort of conference, hang out at a certain sort of coffee shop or visit a certain sort of university, you've probably run into some of these wonderful young people who are doing good.

News & Media

The New York Times

When I'm afraid, I have this certain sort of clammy feeling or my heart's going poundingly.

So maybe one can't reach that far without having a certain sort of insanity.

News & Media

The New Yorker

For a certain sort of Tory traditionalist, this was an egregious betrayal.

News & Media

The Economist

Evolutionary biology certainly renders a certain sort of Biblical literalism untenable.

News & Media

The New Yorker

There's a bunch of words a certain sort of woman likes that are like LUXE.

News & Media

Independent

It's just a way of bringing in a certain sort of client".

News & Media

Independent
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain sort of" to introduce a general category without needing to be overly specific. It's useful when precision isn't critical, or when you want to avoid over-defining a concept.

Common error

Avoid using "certain sort of" excessively in formal or academic writing where precise language is expected. Opt for more specific terms to enhance clarity.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain sort of" functions as a determiner that modifies a noun, indicating a specific, yet undefined, category or type. Ludwig shows examples of how it adds a level of generality, useful when precision is not essential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain sort of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a general category without being overly specific. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media. While suitable for many contexts, avoid overuse in formal writing where precision is key. Alternatives like "particular type of" or "specific kind of" may offer enhanced clarity in such instances. Keep in mind it provides a loose classification where detailed definitions are either unnecessary or intentionally avoided.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain sort of" to describe a general category or type, such as "There is a certain sort of charm in old movies".

What can I say instead of "certain sort of"?

You can use alternatives like "particular type of", "specific kind of", or "particular kind of" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "certain sort of" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "certain sort of" might be too vague for academic writing. Consider using more precise language unless the vagueness is intentional.

What's the difference between "certain sort of" and "specific type of"?

"Certain sort of" is more general and less formal than "specific type of". The latter implies a greater degree of precision.

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Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: