sort of a

USAGE SUMMARY

"sort of a" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it to indicate that something is somewhat like something else. For example, "I'm sort of a jack-of-all-trades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Sort of a mystical sadness".

The New York Times

"It's sort of a bible".

The New York Times

It's sort of a given.

The New Yorker

"It's sort of a joke.

Independent

"It's sort of a docudrama.

The New York Times

He's sort of a dreamer.

The New Yorker

It's sort of a signature.

The New York Times

"It's also sort of a birdhouse".

The New Yorker

"It is sort of a war.

The New York Times

This is sort of a unique suburb.

The New York Times

It was sort of a small oasis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sort of a" to soften statements or indicate a degree of uncertainty. It's useful when you want to avoid being too direct or precise in your description.

Common error

Avoid using "sort of a" in formal or academic writing where precision is crucial. Opt for more specific and descriptive language to convey your intended meaning accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of a" functions as a qualifier or approximator, softening the description of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and grammatical correctness in English. It's frequently used to indicate that something is similar to, but not exactly the same as, what is being described. For example, "It's sort of a joke."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sort of a" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves to soften or qualify a statement, indicating approximation rather than exactness. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered correct in written English. Primarily found in news and media, its informal tone makes it less appropriate for formal or academic contexts. Alternatives such as "kind of a" or "something like a" offer similar meanings, allowing for stylistic variation. However, for formal writing remember to use more specific language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Kind of a

Indicates a similar meaning of being somewhat like something but not exactly the same.

Something like a

Suggests a comparison, implying that something is similar to another thing.

In a way a

Indicates that something possesses a quality or characteristic to some extent.

A bit of a

Implies a slight or partial resemblance to something.

More or less a

Indicates an approximate or general similarity.

After a fashion a

Suggests that something is done or exists in a particular style or manner, though perhaps imperfectly.

To some degree a

Highlights that something is true or accurate to a certain extent.

In some respects a

Indicates a similarity in specific aspects or features.

Analogous to a

Suggests a parallel or comparable relationship between two things.

Resembling a

Implies a visual or superficial similarity.

FAQs

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

You can use "sort of a" to describe something that resembles or approximates something else, such as "He's "sort of a dreamer"" or "It's "sort of a signature"".

What phrases are similar to "sort of a"?

Alternatives include "kind of a", "something like a", or "a bit of a", which all suggest approximation or resemblance.

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

While grammatically correct, "sort of a" is generally more appropriate for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise language to avoid ambiguity.

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

The phrases "sort of a" and "kind of a" are largely interchangeable and carry the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation.