sort of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a degree of uncertainty or to soften a statement, often implying that something is not entirely accurate or complete. Example: "I sort of understand the concept, but I still have some questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I sort of agree.

The New York Times

Sort of.

The New York Times

What sort of rigor?

The New York Times

It sort of rhymes.

The New York Times

That sort of tough.

Independent

What sort of malpractice?

The New York Times

Feel it?" "Sort of.

The New Yorker

It's sort of heartwarming.

The New York Times - Books

It's sort of subtle".

The New Yorker

Maybe, sort of.

Independent

"A sort of blank".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sort of" to soften statements or express uncertainty. It adds a touch of nuance and prevents your writing from sounding overly assertive.

Common error

Avoid using "sort of" excessively, as it can make your writing sound indecisive or vague. Opt for more direct language to convey your meaning clearly.

How to use

Learn how to use "sort of" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate a degree of approximation, uncertainty, or mitigation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it softens statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sort of" is a very common adverb phrase used to express approximation, uncertainty, or mitigation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to soften statements and add nuance. While versatile, overusing "sort of" can weaken writing, so it's essential to balance its usage with more direct language. Alternatives like "kind of", "somewhat", and "rather" can provide variety while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Kind of

Similar in meaning, indicating a slight or partial degree.

Kinda

Informal contraction of "kind of", used in casual speech.

Somewhat

Implies a moderate degree or extent.

Rather

Suggests a degree that is noticeable but not extreme.

A little

Indicates a small degree or extent.

Slightly

Implies a small degree or amount.

Partially

Indicates that something is only partly true or complete.

To some extent

More formal, indicating a partial agreement or truth.

In a way

Suggests a particular perspective or manner.

More or less

Indicates an approximate equivalence or accuracy.

FAQs

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

"Sort of" is used to express that something is partially true or accurate. For example, "I "sort of" understand the concept" means you have a partial understanding.

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

The phrases "sort of" and "kind of" are largely interchangeable and have nearly identical meanings. Both are used to indicate an approximation or to soften a statement.

When is it inappropriate to use "sort of"?

Avoid using "sort of" in formal writing or when precision is crucial. In such contexts, opt for more definitive and specific language.

What are some alternatives to "sort of"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat", "rather", or "a little" depending on the context to convey a similar sense of approximation or mitigation.