something of this sort

USAGE SUMMARY

"something of this sort" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to provide a broad description of something without providing specific details. For example, "She had a skill set that included something of this sort: management, problem solving, and creative thinking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Something of this sort.

The New Yorker

One could say that George Romney did something of this sort with American Motors.

Harvard Business Review

Something of this sort has been suggested many times over the years.

The New York Times - Books

It is easy to imagine Labour's next new leader saying something of this sort when the party returns to Brighton again this autumn.

The Guardian - Opinion

If something of this sort can hit an admired and trusted news organization like the BBC, then we've probably all got something to learn".

The New York Times

He worked out something of this sort for Ritz patrons - it was a soup involving a potato-and-leek puree strained twice, heavy cream, and, on its surface, a sprinkling of chopped chives.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Twenty years ago, something of this same sort happened to Paul Hindemith's opera Mathis der Maler when it was finally put on at Covent Garden.

The Guardian - Music

Tabb: Something of that sort.

Stanford University

Something of the sort is essential.

The Economist

Economically, something of the sort is already happening.

The Economist

Upstairs is a suit superstore, or something of the sort.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something of this sort" to maintain generality when specific details are unimportant or unknown. This prevents unnecessary precision and keeps the focus on the broader concept.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on phrases like "something of this sort" in formal writing. While useful for generalization, overuse can make your writing seem imprecise and lacking in concrete detail. If possible, provide specific examples or clarify the 'sort' you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something of this sort" functions as a qualifier or a hedge. It serves to indicate that what is being described is of a particular kind or category, without needing to specify the exact details. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something of this sort" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a general similarity or category without providing specific details. Ludwig AI affirms its acceptability. While it appears across various contexts, it's more common in news, scientific discussions, and general writing, leaning toward a neutral-to-informal register. When precision is crucial, consider providing more specific examples or using more formal language. Related phrases like "something along these lines" offer similar meanings. Remember to avoid overuse, which can dilute the clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something along these lines

Focuses on similarity in direction or approach rather than specific details.

something to that effect

Emphasizes the overall meaning or impact of what was said or done.

something of that nature

Indicates a similarity in kind or type.

something similar

Highlights the resemblance between two things.

a similar thing

Simplifies the expression to focus on the commonality between items.

something like that

Offers a more casual and less precise way of indicating similarity.

something to this effect

Emphasizes the overall meaning or impact of something.

a comparable item

Highlights that items belong to the same class or category.

a kindred thing

Emphasizes that items are analogous.

an analogous situation

Used when discussing similar scenarios or events.

FAQs

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

Use "something of this sort" when you want to indicate that what you're describing is similar to something previously mentioned, but you don't need to be precise. For example, "He mentioned needing assistance with marketing or "something of this sort"."

What phrases can I use instead of "something of this sort"?

Alternatives include "something along these lines", "something similar", or "something like that". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it appropriate to use "something of this sort" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "something of this sort" might be considered too vague for highly formal contexts. In such cases, consider providing more specific details or using a more precise phrase like "something of that nature".

What's the difference between "something of this sort" and "something like this"?

"Something of this sort" and "something like this" are largely interchangeable. The former might be perceived as slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal and often depends on personal preference.