sort like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort like that" is informal but can be considered correct and usable in written English, particularly in conversational contexts.
You can use it when you want to express a vague similarity or approximation to something previously mentioned. Example: "I was thinking of a movie, sort like that one we watched last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The rockets common to Afghanistan are of the high-explosive sort, like that shown above.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's sort of like that here," Mr. Bernard said.

The New York Times

She was never the It girl, but we sort of like that about her.

Huffington Post

Well, I sort of liked that.

The New Yorker

David: I sort of liked that.

The New York Times

I always sort of liked that George W. Bush.

The New York Times

A lot of people counted us out, and everybody sort of liked that".

The New York Times

It is very generic, but in the end I sort of like that.

The New York Times

I'm not saying it's the same, but it's sort of like that.

The New York Times - Sports

And I think all of New York is sort of like that.

The New Yorker

Put money in the box and take the pineapples you want.' The Web is sort of like that.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sort like that" in informal settings when you want to draw a loose comparison without being overly precise.

Common error

Avoid using "sort like that" in formal writing or presentations where precision and formality are required. Opt for more precise alternatives like "similar to that" or "comparable to that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort like that" functions as an informal comparator, indicating a general similarity or resemblance between two things. It is often used to provide a loose comparison, as seen in the Ludwig examples, where it connects different ideas or situations by highlighting their analogous qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sort like that" is a common and acceptable expression in informal English, used to convey a general similarity or approximation. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples, highlights its prevalence in news and media sources, as well as its suitability for casual conversations. While it may not be appropriate for formal writing, "sort like that" serves as a useful tool for simplifying explanations and drawing loose comparisons. Consider alternatives like "something like that" or "kind of like that" to fit different contexts. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase in situations that demand precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something like that

Replaces "sort" with "something", indicating a general similarity rather than a specific kind.

kind of like that

Substitutes "sort" with "kind of", maintaining a similar level of informality and approximation.

similar to that

Uses "similar" instead of "sort of", providing a slightly more formal tone while retaining the meaning.

in that vein

Employs a more figurative expression, indicating a similarity in style or approach.

along those lines

Suggests a general direction or concept similar to the one being discussed.

of that nature

Offers a formal alternative, indicating a similarity in type or characteristic.

in a similar fashion

Highlights the similarity in manner or method.

comparable to that

Indicates that a comparison can be made, suggesting shared qualities.

reminiscent of that

Implies that something brings to mind a previous thing with similar characteristics.

akin to that

A formal way of saying that something is similar or analogous to something else.

FAQs

What does "sort like that" mean?

The phrase "sort like that" is an informal way of saying that something is similar or comparable to something else, without being exactly the same. It implies a general resemblance.

When is it appropriate to use "sort like that"?

It's appropriate to use "sort like that" in casual conversations or informal writing where a relaxed tone is acceptable. Avoid using it in formal or professional settings.

What can I say instead of "sort like that"?

You can use alternatives like "something like that", "kind of like that", or "similar to that" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "sort like that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "sort like that" is grammatically acceptable in informal English. While it might not be suitable for formal writing, it's a common expression in spoken language and casual communication.