of the sort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of the sort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific type or category of something, often in a context where you are describing or classifying items or ideas. Example: "I have never encountered a problem of the sort that you are describing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing of the sort.

The New York Times

Nothing of the sort happened.

The Economist

It's nothing of the sort.

Independent

He is doing nothing of the sort.

The Economist

But nothing of the sort happened.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nothing of the sort, Amazon says.

The New York Times

The reality is nothing of the sort.

Independent

Mr Page announced nothing of the sort.

The Economist

Here we have nothing of the sort".

The New York Times

Mr Yeltsin wanted nothing of the sort.

The Economist

They were nothing of the sort.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of the sort" to succinctly refer back to a previously mentioned type or category, avoiding unnecessary repetition and maintaining a concise writing style.

Common error

Avoid using "of the sort" excessively in highly formal writing where more precise or sophisticated language might be expected; consider stronger alternatives such as "of that nature" or "of that description" to enhance clarity and formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of the sort" functions as a post-modifier, specifying or categorizing something previously mentioned or implied. It is commonly used to refer back to a particular type or nature. Ludwig shows various examples in news and media, demonstrating its role in clarifying references.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of the sort" serves as a versatile tool for referencing previously mentioned categories or characteristics, contributing to concise and clear communication. As Ludwig confirms, it appears frequently in news and media sources, and it maintains a generally neutral to formal register. To maintain clarity and formality, consider stronger alternatives such as "of that nature" or "of that description" in highly formal writing. By avoiding overuse and choosing the appropriate alternatives, you can ensure effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of that kind

A more direct and common substitute, suitable for general use when referring to a category or type of thing.

of that nature

This alternative emphasizes the inherent characteristics or qualities being referred to, making it suitable when discussing abstract concepts.

of that description

Focuses on aligning with a previously provided explanation or depiction, suitable when referencing a specific set of details.

of a similar nature

Indicates a resemblance in qualities or attributes, providing a broader comparison than a direct equivalent.

of that variety

Emphasizes the specific variation or type within a larger group, useful when distinguishing between different forms.

of that ilk

This alternative is more informal and often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a shared undesirable trait.

of that character

Highlights the moral or ethical qualities associated with the subject, appropriate when discussing behavior or principles.

of that persuasion

Indicates a shared belief, opinion, or ideology, making it suitable when discussing viewpoints or affiliations.

of that feather

Suggests a similarity in traits or behaviors, often used metaphorically to imply belonging to the same group.

of that make

Refers to the origin, manufacture, or design of something, making it suitable when discussing concrete objects.

FAQs

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

You can use "of the sort" to refer to a specific type or category previously mentioned. For example, "I've never seen anything "of the sort" before" indicates you've never encountered something like what was just described.

What are some alternatives to "of the sort"?

Alternatives include "of that kind", "of that nature", or "of that ilk", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider the context to choose the best fit.

Is "of the sort" formal or informal?

"Of the sort" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might prefer more precise alternatives.

What's the difference between "of the sort" and "of that kind"?

While "of the sort" and "of that kind" are largely interchangeable, "of the sort" can sometimes imply a slightly more specific or refined categorization compared to the broader term "kind".