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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
certain sort of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
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
This outward lie makes a certain sort of truth possible.
News & Media
Every presidential candidate tells a certain sort of story.
News & Media
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.
Academia
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
When I'm afraid, I have this certain sort of clammy feeling or my heart's going poundingly.
Academia
So maybe one can't reach that far without having a certain sort of insanity.
News & Media
For a certain sort of Tory traditionalist, this was an egregious betrayal.
News & Media
Evolutionary biology certainly renders a certain sort of Biblical literalism untenable.
News & Media
There's a bunch of words a certain sort of woman likes that are like LUXE.
News & Media
It's just a way of bringing in a certain sort of client".
News & Media
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.
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
certain type of
Very close in meaning, but less emphatic on the 'sort' or manner.
particular type of
Emphasizes a specific category with a degree of precision.
particular sort of
Emphasizes the manner or style within a category.
specific kind of
Highlights the unique characteristics of a category.
particular kind of
Similar to 'specific kind of', but with a slightly broader connotation.
special type of
Highlights the unique or exceptional characteristics of a category.
distinctive type of
Stresses the characteristic features setting one category apart.
some type of
Indicates a non-specific category, with less emphasis on precision.
specific nature of
Focuses on the inherent qualities of a category.
some variety of
Suggests one of many forms of a thing.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested