distinct sort of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinct sort of" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is clearly different or unique in a particular category. An example would be: "She has a distinct sort of charm that sets her apart from others." Alternative expressions include "unique type of" and "particular kind of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

We in this country have a distinct sort of society.

The New York Times

But a quite distinct sort of claim is also made in the "double standards" debate.

The Economist

To take a different example, starting in the 17th century many British (and later other Anglophone) philosophers of law argued for the central importance of judicial institutions for the very existence of a legal system and debated the idea of legal reasoning as a distinct sort of deliberative activity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In addition, the surfaces of bones often showed a distinct sort of cracking typically seen only when a living or freshly dead creature is exposed to intense heat, Jiang says.

Science Magazine

In contrast to his earlier suggestion that our free acts involve either a turning of our natural inclination or an inactivity coupled with such an inclination, Malebranche's view here is that such acts are inactivities coupled with a distinct sort of free inclination.

SEP

Since the extension of names changes when they are combined to form compounds of the "as hard to white" type, a proponent of this view must insist that the objects denoted by such compounds be treated as distinct from the objects denoted by either of their constituent names: white horses are neither white nor horse, but a distinct sort of thing.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Last spring it was decided to have three distinct sorts of lawn — carefully divided and labeled with wooden signs.

The New Yorker

Aristotle famously said that humans are "political animals," meaning that they naturally organize themselves into distinct sorts of communities, the largest of which is the city, or city-state (in Greek, the polis).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nonetheless, mental events and bodily events are distinct sorts of events in the world of phenomena.

SEP

When city governments adopted these distinct interventions they encountered quite distinct sorts of resistance because of the house fly's tight links with urban nature and domestic practices.

Journal of Historical Geography

The structural-psychical positions of masculinity and femininity embody constitutively out-of-synch and inherently incommensurable subjective stances, incompatible (yet interacting) arrangements of distinct sorts of libidinal economies.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinct sort of" when you want to emphasize that something belongs to a particular category that is easily differentiated from others. It's suitable when highlighting unique characteristics within a broader classification.

Common error

Avoid using "distinct sort of" in very casual conversations or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "unique" or "different" would suffice. The phrase can sound overly formal in relaxed settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinct sort of" functions as a pre-modifying adjectival phrase, adding specificity and differentiation to a noun. It highlights that the noun belongs to a unique category. Ludwig's examples show usage across various contexts to denote unique characteristics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "distinct sort of" is used to denote something as belonging to a unique or easily differentiated category. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for use. While not extremely common, it finds its place in news, science, and encyclopedia articles, indicating a neutral to formal register. For simpler contexts, alternatives like "unique kind of" might be preferable. Keep in mind its function of categorization and differentiation when incorporating it into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unique kind of

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the type or category.

particular type of

Highlights the specificity of the type being referenced.

specific variety of

Focuses on the specific nature of the variation.

special form of

Suggests a unique manifestation or configuration.

different class of

Indicates a separate categorization or grouping.

uncommon breed of

Implies rarity and a specific set of characteristics.

singular instance of

Stresses the individuality and uniqueness of the case.

discrete category of

Highlights the separateness and defined boundaries of the category.

exceptional example of

Focuses on the outstanding and atypical nature of the instance.

atypical case of

Emphasizes the deviation from the norm or usual pattern.

FAQs

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

You can use "distinct sort of" to describe something that is uniquely categorized or different. For example, "She possesses a "distinct sort of" intelligence that allows her to solve complex problems quickly."

What are some alternatives to "distinct sort of"?

Alternatives include "unique kind of", "particular type of", or "specific variety of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "distinct sort of" or "distinctive sort of"?

"Distinct" implies a clear separation or difference, while "distinctive" suggests something stands out due to specific characteristics. Use "distinct sort of" when emphasizing categorization and separation, and "distinctive sort of" when highlighting noticeable qualities.

In what contexts is "distinct sort of" most appropriate?

This phrase is suitable for academic writing, formal reports, and professional communications where precise categorization and clear differentiation are important. Consider using simpler alternatives in casual contexts.