in any sort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in any sort" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used to express a lack of preference or to indicate that something is applicable in various forms or types. Example: "I don't have any sort of preference when it comes to food; I'm open to trying anything."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

IN ANY sort of test, not least a drugs trial, one should expect the unexpected.

The Economist

I'm not a bruiser in any sort of physical sense.

The Guardian - Music

It's a basic requirement in any sort of negotiation.

The Guardian - Music

So I don't think I would put myself in any sort of isolationist wing.

The New York Times

The jokes were few and far between and distinctly lacking in any sort of humour.

Independent

Wynalda does not even play his team in any sort of rigid formation.

The New York Times

This requires, of course, that they be in any sort of position to make the playoffs.

The New Yorker

"Iran is not in any sort of routine groupings," Zarif said.

The New Yorker

I'm not getting wrapped up in any sort of extra motivation.

The New York Times - Sports

There is also work-related travel, which may be conducted in any sort of vehicle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Immigrants who engage in any sort of political activity ought to be nervous.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in any sort", ensure the context clearly conveys a general sense of non-discrimination or lack of specific preference. Overuse might lead to wordiness; consider direct alternatives like "any" or "some" for brevity.

Common error

Avoid using "in any sort" when a more specific term would enhance clarity. For example, instead of "avoid any sort of delay", specify the type of delay to provide actionable information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in any sort" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, adjective, or verb. It introduces a generalized condition or state, indicating a lack of specificity or limitation. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, showing its adaptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in any sort" is a prepositional phrase used to express generality or a lack of specificity. Ludwig reports that this phrase is acceptable, although it may sound awkward or wordy, and suggests alternatives such as "of any kind" or "in any way". It appears most frequently in News & Media, and is generally neutral in tone. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and consider whether more specific language or a simpler alternative might be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of any kind

Emphasizes a lack of specific limitation regarding the type or nature of something.

in any way

Focuses on the absence of restriction in the manner or method.

in some way

Indicates a non-specific manner or degree.

in any form

Highlights the absence of constraints on the appearance or structure.

in any manner

Similar to 'in any way' but may suggest a more formal tone.

of some type

Indicates a lack of specificity concerning the category or classification.

in every respect

Emphasizes the comprehensiveness of the inclusion.

to any extent

Focuses on the degree or measure without being specific.

under any circumstances

Specifies a broad range of conditions where something applies.

in all respects

Similar to 'in every respect' but can emphasize entirety.

FAQs

How can I use "in any sort" in a sentence?

You can use "in any sort" to express a lack of specificity or preference, like "I'm not involved in "any sort of" conflict" or "It doesn't come in "any sort" of package".

What phrases are similar to "in any sort"?

Alternatives include "of any kind", "in any way", or "of some type" depending on the context.

Is "in any sort" formal or informal?

"In any sort" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both informal and professional contexts, though more precise language is often preferred in formal writing.

When should I avoid using "in any sort"?

Avoid "in any sort" when a more precise or specific term would provide clarity or when it leads to unnecessary wordiness. Simpler terms like "any" or "some" may suffice.