model of sorts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "model of sorts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is a type or kind of model, but not necessarily a definitive or standard one. Example: "The prototype we created is a model of sorts, showcasing some features we hope to refine further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The U.S. restaurant business even provides a model of sorts.

The New York Times

In the end, he says, his father did prove a role model of sorts.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Instead, she sits alone at the helm, operating under a curatorial model of sorts.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Rucker's league became a model of sorts for others around the country, including Philadelphia's famous Baker League.

The New York Times

Ms. Quinlan is a model of sorts for Real Simple because, she said, "I had an affinity for the idea of simplifying your life; I did it myself".

The New York Times

It now stands as a model, of sorts, for the restoration of other historic properties in Eastern Europe, from the palaces of Prague to those in St . Petersburg

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

So far Pusan's model of sorting and expediting other people's cargo has been successful.

The New York Times

A model home — of sorts.

Los Angeles Times

It might be a giant model of some sort of beetle.

The Guardian - Music

Standing outside this dangling world, with its sizzle of tinny voices, one views it almost as a model of some sort.

The Guardian

"Top of the Lake" needn't be a template for all TV production, but it's an eye-opener, in both senses: a model of the sort of series in which words and images carry equal weight.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "model of sorts" when you want to suggest that something serves as a model but may not be perfect or complete. It's useful for describing something that approximates a standard or ideal model.

Common error

Avoid using "model of sorts" when a more precise or definitive term is appropriate. If the subject is a well-established and recognized model, using "model of sorts" can undermine its credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "model of sorts" functions as a qualifier, softening the assertion that something is a perfect or complete model. Ludwig examples show it's used to describe approximations or imperfect examples of models.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "model of sorts" is a useful qualifier when describing something that functions as a model but isn't necessarily a perfect or complete example. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in various reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. It serves to communicate that something approximates a model, without fully adhering to its ideal form. Alternatives such as "a kind of model" or "a type of model" can be used for similar effect, providing subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a kind of model

Replaces "of sorts" with a more direct expression of approximation.

a type of model

Similar to "a kind of model", it offers a straightforward substitution.

an approximate model

Highlights the inexact nature of the model being described.

a rough model

Emphasizes the preliminary or undeveloped state of the model.

a basic model

Suggests a simplified or fundamental version of a model.

a limited model

Indicates that the model has constraints or is not fully comprehensive.

a quasi-model

Implies that something resembles a model but doesn't fully qualify as one.

a semblance of a model

Suggests that something only faintly resembles a model.

a theoretical model

Indicates that the model is based on theory rather than practical application.

an illustrative model

Highlights the use of the model for demonstration or explanatory purposes.

FAQs

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

Use "model of sorts" to describe something that functions as a model but might not be perfect or complete. For instance, "The restaurant's tipping system is a "model of sorts" for how other service industries could operate".

What does "model of sorts" mean?

The phrase "model of sorts" means something serves as a model or example, though it may not be a perfect, standard, or fully realized version. It implies an approximation or resemblance to a typical model.

What are some alternatives to "model of sorts"?

Alternatives include "a kind of model", "a type of model", or "an approximate model". These phrases offer similar meanings while varying slightly in emphasis.

Is it correct to say "model of sorts"?

Yes, the phrase "model of sorts" is correct and commonly used in English. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's suitable for contexts where you want to indicate that something is a type of model, but not necessarily a definitive or standard one.