main sorts of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main sorts of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when categorizing or describing the primary types or categories of something. Example: "The main sorts of renewable energy include solar, wind, and hydroelectric power."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Surveys ask two main sorts of question.

The Economist

It's just the two main sorts of things the product can be.

The Guardian

Michael Gove, the education secretary, has rushed through two main sorts of supply-side reforms.

The Economist

A franchise for BDB would leave BSkyB in effective control of two of the three main sorts of digital television, and with an unrivalled knowledge of the names and addresses of subscribers.

The Economist

Despite the claim in 2005 to have produced an "active welfare state", the government has done too little to chivvy back to work claimants other than those on unemployment benefit.Altogether, there are 4.4m people of working age claiming the three main sorts of income support that go to the jobless, those who say they are incapacitated and lone parents.

The Economist

Philosophically, permutation symmetry has given rise to two main sorts of questions.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The main sort of algorithmic problem that arises is recognition: is the presented object equivalent to some standard one?

Princeton University

Many people park expensive watches there especially men, since that is the main sort of jewellery that convention allows them.

The Economist

But with the exception of HIV-1, the cause of the main sort of AIDS, they have either become established only in restricted areas or are biologically limited in their ability to pose a threat to international public health.

The Economist

Most have been wrong because of the political volatility that followed Mr Blair's departure, those economic and parliamentary convulsions and Mr Brown's surprising indestructibility.The second main sort of political comment has been interpretation: explaining what it meant when, say, Lord Mandelson returned to government or James Purnell resigned from it.

The Economist

It's the main sort of source of income certainly, yes.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "main sorts of", ensure that you are indeed referring to the most important or prevalent categories, and not just any random assortment.

Common error

Avoid using "main sorts of" when a more specific or nuanced categorization is needed. If the categories have overlapping characteristics, consider using alternative phrasing to avoid oversimplification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main sorts of" functions as a premodifier followed by a noun, typically used to categorize or classify a subject into its primary or most significant types. Ludwig provides examples across various domains where this phrase serves to introduce classifications.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main sorts of" serves as a useful tool for categorizing information, particularly when introducing primary types or classifications. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and acceptable for use across various contexts, although it is more commonly found in news and scientific domains. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure that the phrase accurately reflects the significance of the categories being presented and not oversimplify complex subjects. Remember to consider alternatives like "principal types of" or "primary kinds of" for a more formal or nuanced tone. By understanding these considerations, you can effectively integrate "main sorts of" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

principal types of

Replaces "main sorts" with "principal types", offering a more formal tone.

primary kinds of

Substitutes "sorts" with "kinds", providing a slightly simpler phrasing.

chief categories of

Uses "chief categories" instead of "main sorts", emphasizing categorization.

major classifications of

Replaces the phrase with a more formal and structured classification term.

key varieties of

Emphasizes variety rather than general sorts, slightly altering the focus.

leading forms of

Focuses on the leading or most prominent forms, implying importance.

essential classes of

Highlights essential classes, suggesting a more critical distinction.

significant divisions of

Uses "significant divisions" to denote important categorizations.

basic groups of

Replaces with a simpler, more fundamental grouping term.

fundamental categories of

Stresses the fundamental nature of the categories being described.

FAQs

How can I use "main sorts of" in a sentence?

Use "main sorts of" to introduce the primary categories or types within a broader subject. For example, "The main sorts of renewable energy are solar, wind, and hydroelectric power."

What are some alternatives to "main sorts of"?

Consider using alternatives such as "principal types of", "primary kinds of", or "chief categories of" to vary your language.

Is it appropriate to use "main sorts of" in formal writing?

Yes, "main sorts of" is generally acceptable in formal writing, although alternatives like "principal types of" may be preferred for a more elevated tone.

What's the difference between "main sorts of" and "different types of"?

"Main sorts of" typically refers to the most important or prevalent categories, whereas "different types of" is a more general term that can include less significant or less common categories.