something of that sort

USAGE SUMMARY

"something of that sort" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is commonly used when referring to something that is similar in nature to what has already been discussed. For example, "We have a variety of flavors in our ice cream shop. If you don't like these, perhaps you would like something of that sort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"It would be painful to demolish something of that sort".

The New York Times

And I think that Anatole needed something of that sort".

The New Yorker

Something of that sort was on Mr. McCardell's mind as well.

The New York Times

Then it was "I'm not the comfort candidate," or something of that sort.

Independent

Take him out to dinner, buy him a bottle of wine, something of that sort".

The New York Times

BlackRock, the world's biggest asset manager, attempted something of that sort with a trading platform it set up in 2012.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

An expression or something of the sort that 'pops'pops

WikiHow

I think being able to plan further than just day-by-day is something that sort of lifts the trauma of having grown up undocumented.

Huffington Post

I agree, and I think that something of the sort is beginning to make its appearance.

The New Yorker

It is not impossible that something of the sort might happen in Zimbabwe, too.There could, for instance, be developments along Indonesian lines.

The Economist

Be sure to have something of this sort so that you'll know what notes each string is supposed to play.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something of that sort" to subtly indicate that you are generalizing or providing a non-exhaustive list, allowing room for related possibilities without explicitly naming them all.

Common error

Avoid using "something of that sort" repeatedly in close proximity, as it can make your writing sound vague and less precise. Vary your language by using synonyms or more specific details to maintain clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something of that sort" functions as a qualifier or hedge, indicating a general category or type rather than a specific instance. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

32%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something of that sort" is a versatile phrase used for generalizing and approximating a concept without getting into specifics. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and very common across various contexts, primarily in news and media, and wiki articles. While it adds a touch of informality, it's generally acceptable in most writing situations. Just remember to avoid overuse and be mindful of contexts requiring precise language. Consider alternatives like "something along those lines" or "something of that kind" to prevent repetitiveness. This phrase is your go-to when you need to indicate a general category rather than listing all the details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something of that kind

Uses "kind" instead of "sort", a simple synonym with almost identical meaning.

something along those lines

Replaces "sort" with "lines", slightly altering the imagery while maintaining the same meaning of approximation.

something to that effect

Focuses on the general message or outcome rather than the specific details.

something to that effect

Highlights the intended outcome or result, rather than the specific details.

something of that nature

Replaces "sort" with "nature", emphasizing the inherent characteristics of what is being referred to.

something similar

A more concise way of saying something that shares characteristics with what was previously mentioned.

something in that vein

Emphasizes a shared thematic or stylistic connection.

or something like that

A more informal way to indicate approximation or similarity.

or words to that effect

Indicates the speaker is paraphrasing or not quoting exactly.

something to that degree

Emphasizes the extent or intensity of something.

FAQs

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

Use "something of that sort" to refer to something similar to what you've just mentioned, without needing to specify all the details. For instance, "I'm looking for a book about history, or "something of that sort"".

What are some alternatives to "something of that sort"?

You can use phrases like "something along those lines", "something to that effect", or "something of that kind" depending on the context.

Is "something of that sort" formal or informal?

"Something of that sort" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal, suitable for most conversations and writings but it may be better to use a more precise term if the context calls for it.

When should I avoid using "something of that sort"?

Avoid using "something of that sort" when precise details are necessary or in highly formal or technical writing where specificity is crucial. In such cases, opt for more descriptive language.