items of the sort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "items of the sort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific categories or types of items in a general sense. Example: "We need to gather items of the sort that are suitable for the upcoming event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In Japan, however, all the skill goes into engineering the scarcity: designers produce only limited editions of T-shirts or jackets, items of the sort that can be easily mass-produced.

The New Yorker

The remaining revenue comes from the gift shop, which, despite the intellectual rigor of some of the museum's pursuits, features Museum of Sex shot glasses and other items of the sort that often surface at bachelor parties.

The New York Times - Arts

Even if we restrict the discussion to a small number of items of the sort that Aristotle regards as categories, many issues remain to be settled about them, and philosophers frequently disagree about how to settle them.

SEP

Some propose a compromise according to which the kind of intrinsic value that can sensibly be ascribed to individual objects like frying pans is not the same kind of intrinsic value that is the topic of this article and can sensibly be ascribed to items of the sort on Frankena's list (cf. Bradley 2006).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It is a further question which items of the relevant sort (which diagonal propositions or epistemic possibilities, for example) constitute the narrow content of a particular state of a particular subject.

SEP

There were also a number of lesser items — small purses of the sort once sold to tourists, a band for a headdress from which all the feathers had been removed, tobacco pouches, woven carrying straps and reed mats.

The New Yorker

Of each item the sort and amount will be recorded.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Writer receives a letter from an outfit in Dallas called the Lake Park Research Specialists, W.D. Cross, President, with a catalogue containing luxury items of every sort, ranging from a $4.95 can of pretzels to an airplane costing $540,000.

The New Yorker

Based on the validation study, the items of the PRAQ will then be sorted into their final domains.

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

But some stores have changed their policies in general, to shorten the window during which items of all sorts may be returned or exchanged.

The New York Times

The year closes with two news items of rather mellow sort.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "items of the sort" when you want to refer to a category of things without listing specific examples. It's a concise way to indicate that you're talking about things that share certain characteristics.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "items of the sort" can sound stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "things like that" or "stuff like this" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "items of the sort" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a general descriptor for a category of things. Ludwig confirms that it is appropriate for use in written English. The phrase refers to a set of objects sharing common attributes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "items of the sort" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase used to generalize about a category of things with shared characteristics. While most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. For more informal settings, consider alternatives like "things like that". Remember to use "items of the sort" when you want to refer to a category of things without listing specific examples. Be cautious not to overuse it in informal contexts where it could sound unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

articles of the sort

Replaces "items" with "articles", referring to a piece of writing or a specific object.

properties of the sort

Replaces "items" with "properties", focusing on characteristics rather than objects.

materials of the sort

Substitutes "items" with "materials", suggesting a focus on substances or ingredients.

themes of the sort

Replaces "items" with "themes", shifting the context to ideas or topics.

material of the sort

Similar to 'materials of the sort' but in singular form

things of that nature

Uses a more generic term, "things", and replaces "sort" with "nature", providing a less formal option.

lines of the sort

Substitutes "items" with "lines", suggesting a focus on rows, boundaries, or products.

anything of the sort

Broadens the scope to include anything resembling the described type.

section of the sort

Specifies that the reference is to a part or division.

project of the sort

Replaces "items" with "project", focusing on ventures or undertakings.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "items of the sort" to sound more natural?

Consider using phrases like "things like that", "items of this kind", or "products of this nature", depending on the context.

Is "items of the sort" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "items of the sort" is appropriate for academic writing. It's a clear and concise way to refer to a category of objects or concepts without listing them individually. However, ensure the tone aligns with the formality of the specific academic context.

What's the difference between "items of the sort" and "anything of the sort"?

"Items of the sort" refers specifically to multiple objects sharing particular characteristics, while "anything of the sort" is a broader phrase that encompasses any action, event, or object resembling something previously mentioned.

How to use "items of the sort" in a sentence?

You can use "items of the sort" to generally describe a category or type. For example, "The museum displays various "artifacts of the sort" found in ancient civilizations".