of a sort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of a sort" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is similar or analogous to something else in a broad way, without going into specifics. For example, "He's working on a plan of a sort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A violation of a sort.

The New Yorker

That is altruism of a sort, surely.

The Economist

All are pastiches of a sort.

The New Yorker

And there is singing, of a sort.

The New Yorker

That will be unification of a sort.

The Economist

That is progress of a sort.

The Economist

Yet optimists see progress of a sort.

The Economist

"They are folk heroes of a sort.

The New Yorker

They're sacrificial animals of a sort".

The New York Times

Peace (of a sort) at last.

The New York Times - Arts

That counts as victory of a sort.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "of a sort" when you want to acknowledge limitations or imperfections in something you are describing. It adds a layer of nuance and honesty to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "of a sort" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound hesitant or uncertain. Opt for more direct language when the context allows, to maintain a confident and clear tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of a sort" functions as a qualifier, softening a statement or indicating that something is not entirely accurate or complete. It serves to add nuance and acknowledge limitations, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of a sort" is a versatile qualifier used to indicate that something is true or accurate in a limited sense. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It functions to soften statements, express approximation, and acknowledge limitations, fitting comfortably within a neutral register. As highlighted by the frequent occurrence in News & Media sources, "of a sort" is a useful tool for journalists and writers seeking to add nuance and avoid overly definitive language. While versatile, overuse can dilute the impact of writing, so mindful application is key. The provided examples demonstrate the variety of contexts where "of a sort" can add subtle but significant meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a manner of speaking

Implies the statement is not entirely accurate but conveys a general idea.

kind of

A more informal way to express that something is approximately true.

sort of

Similar to "kind of", indicating something is partially true or accurate.

to some degree

Indicates that something is true or applicable to a limited extent.

in a certain sense

Suggests that a statement is true under specific conditions or from a particular perspective.

after a fashion

Implies something is done or exists, but not very well.

in some ways

Indicates that a statement is true in certain aspects but not necessarily in all.

more or less

Expresses that something is largely true, with minor inaccuracies or exceptions.

in a way

Suggests a limited or qualified truth.

so to speak

Used to qualify a statement, indicating it's not entirely literal.

FAQs

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

You can use "of a sort" to qualify a noun or description, indicating it's not entirely accurate or complete. For example, "The project was a success "of a sort", despite facing numerous challenges".

What's the difference between "of a sort" and "sort of"?

"Of a sort" is typically used to qualify a noun, whereas "sort of" can modify verbs or adjectives. For instance, "It was an apology "of a sort"" versus "I'm sort of tired".

What are some alternatives to "of a sort"?

Alternatives to "of a sort" include "kind of", "in a way", or "to some degree", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "of a sort" formal or informal?

"Of a sort" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal writing, though it's more common in journalistic or narrative contexts than in highly technical or academic writing.