exert some sort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exert some sort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the application of effort, influence, or force in a general or unspecified manner. Example: "In order to achieve the desired results, we need to exert some sort of influence on the decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I tried many times to persuade my grandmother to let me take her home with me, as if just keeping her close would exert some sort of talismanic power; but she would not be swayed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Call it spite, or even just a desire to exert some sort of influence on the world because many of these people have felt powerless for a very long time.

The Guardian - Opinion

"These are people who are the losers in life," Mr. McCrary said, "who feel powerless and are attempting to exert some sort of twisted power and control over others".

The New York Times

Until Bloomberg, a political neophyte, all mayors attempted to exert some sort of control over their police commissioners, albeit with varying degrees of success.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

A lot of the work has to do with raising this question: is simply choosing or exerting some sort of preference a form of production or making?" --Jonah Wolf.

Huffington Post

Rather, it is probable that the environment exerts some sort of pressure which acts upon all phyla to influence the GC-content in the same direction.

Genome Biology and Evolution

He just exerted some kind of hold on her.

The Guardian

The party should be able to exert some political power.

The New York Times

Why didn't he exert some control over his cast?

The New York Times

Nobody seriously doubts that movies exert some influence.

The New York Times

We have to exert some control.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exert some sort" in your writing, consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended level of influence or force. For example, in formal contexts, consider alternatives like "exercise a type of" for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "exert some sort" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, specify the nature of the influence or force being applied to provide clarity and impact in your writing. For example, instead of "exert some sort of pressure", specify "exert financial pressure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exert some sort" functions as a verb phrase, typically followed by a noun indicating what is being exerted, such as influence, control, or pressure. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in describing attempts to apply a generalized form of power or influence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exert some sort" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe the application of influence or force in a general manner. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears primarily in news and media contexts, with some usage in scientific writing. Alternative phrases, such as "apply some influence" or "exercise some control", can provide greater precision depending on the intended nuance. To enhance clarity in writing, it's often advisable to specify the nature of the influence or force being exerted. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's usage, context, and potential alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert a degree of

Replaces "sort" with "degree", indicating the measurement in terms of intensity or amount.

apply a kind of

Replaces "sort" with "kind", suggesting an action of a specific nature.

apply some influence

Focuses on the application of influence, suggesting a more direct and intentional action.

exercise a type of

Offers a more formal and precise alternative by using "type" instead of "sort".

apply a form of

This option is a more formal option by using "form" instead of "sort".

exercise some control

Emphasizes the act of controlling, implying a degree of authority or power.

bring to bear some effect

Highlights the resulting effect, indicating an impact or consequence.

have some sway

Implies having persuasive influence or power.

wield some power

Conveys the exertion of power, suggesting a more forceful or dominant action.

bring about something

Shifts the focus to causing something to happen or exist, rather than the manner of exertion.

FAQs

How can I use "exert some sort" in a sentence?

You can use "exert some sort" to describe applying influence or effort in a general way. For example, "The organization needed to exert some sort of pressure to achieve its goals."

What are some alternatives to "exert some sort"?

Alternatives include "apply some influence", "exercise some control", or "wield some power", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use a more specific phrase instead of "exert some sort"?

In many cases, yes. While "exert some sort" is grammatically correct, using a more precise phrase can enhance clarity and make your writing more impactful. Consider specifying the type of influence or control being exerted.

What's the difference between "exert some sort of influence" and "have some influence"?

"Exert some sort of influence" implies an active effort to apply influence, whereas "have some influence" simply indicates possessing the ability to influence. The former suggests action, while the latter suggests potential.