is a sort of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a sort of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is a type or category of something else, often implying a degree of similarity or approximation. Example: "The new smartphone is a sort of hybrid between a tablet and a traditional phone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a sort of religion.

The New York Times

This is a sort of progress.

The New York Times - Books

"This is a sort of rough glamor".

The New York Times

That is a sort of justice.

The Economist

"There is a sort of taboo.

The New York Times - Travel

This is a sort of probation.

The New Yorker

Why, knowledge is a sort of sacrilege.

Independent

It is a sort of genius.

The Guardian - Books

It is a sort of affirmation.

The Guardian - Arts

Critique is a sort of compassion.

The New Yorker

A millwright is a sort of troubleshooter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a sort of" to introduce a concept or item that shares characteristics with a broader category but isn't a perfect fit. It softens the categorization and allows for exceptions or nuances.

Common error

Avoid using "is a sort of" excessively in writing, as it can weaken your statements. If the connection is clear and direct, opt for stronger verbs like "is" or "resembles" instead of hedging with "sort of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a sort of" functions as a qualifier, softening a categorization. It introduces an element or concept that resembles a particular category but may not perfectly fit all its defining characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is a sort of" is a versatile phrase used to express an approximate categorization or similarity. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed across different contexts, notably in News & Media. It's valuable for softening categorizations and indicating nuance. While it's best practice is to use it for conveying precision, remember to use sparingly in formal context and avoid overuse to prevent vagueness. Alternative phrases such as "is a type of" or "is akin to" can be considered depending on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a type of

This phrase is a more direct and common way to categorize something.

is a kind of

This phrase is very similar, but slightly more informal.

is akin to

This phrase is more formal and suggests a close resemblance.

is comparable to

This phrase emphasizes the similarities between two things.

is analogous to

This phrase suggests a similarity in some respects, often for explanation.

resembles

This is a more concise way of indicating similarity.

can be seen as

This phrase indicates a particular interpretation or perspective.

functions as

This phrase emphasizes the role or purpose something serves.

is virtually

This indicates something almost has the properties of the other

approximates to

Implies nearing some features of other without being actually the same.

FAQs

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

You can use "is a sort of" to indicate that something belongs to a particular category in a loose or approximate way. For example, "A hybrid car is a sort of compromise between fuel efficiency and performance."

What are some alternatives to "is a sort of"?

Alternatives include "is a kind of", "is a type of", "is akin to", or "is comparable to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "is a sort of" or "is a type of"?

"Is a type of" is more direct and definitive, while "is a sort of" suggests a looser connection or approximation. Choose "is a type of" when you want to clearly categorize something. Use "is a sort of" when the categorization is not perfect or has exceptions.

When should I avoid using "is a sort of"?

Avoid using "is a sort of" when describing something definitively or when precision is essential. In technical or scientific writing, strive for more exact language. Overuse can make your writing seem uncertain or vague.