sort of example

USAGE SUMMARY

"sort of example" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to mean "for example" or "in a manner of speaking." For example, "That's sort of an example of why being honest is important."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Opinions vary as to just what sort of example "The Big Hack" presents.

The Washington Post

Forget the idea that Britney's job was to set any sort of example; calls for pop stars to be role models, especially in their music, are moralistic cant.

The Guardian - Music

What sort of example are we setting by deciding with a lottery who gets a chance?Honestly, as a human being I feel devastated this is even considered.

The Economist

So that's like a sort of example of how you can have a system that really is basically there to enable you to communicate with other people, but then you can use it to be smart in other ways.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

When a high-tech giant sets this sort of example, it's difficult to believe in the promise of satisfactory virtual substitutes like telecommuting, online shopping, online entertainment, and -- something that concerns me greatly as a teacher -- online education.

The New York Times

Most epistemologists reacted to this sort of example by arguing that knowledge is belief that is true and justified and meets some further condition which would rule out the broken-gauge kind of example.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"One sort-of example would be Everton who won the Cup Winners Cup in 1985," says Mitchell Sandler.

The Guardian - Sport

"They were sort of examples to us because we had really fulfilling careers and great relationships, but we couldn't really figure out how to fit in motherhood".

The New York Times

What sort of examples and arguments provide opportunities for meaningful engagement from whom?

BMJ Open

There are, however, all sorts of examples.

Harvard Business Review

He gives all sorts of examples of this in the book.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sort of example" when you want to provide a casual or less formal illustration. It softens the introduction of the example.

Common error

Avoid using "sort of example" in formal writing where a more direct phrase like "for example" or "a case in point" would be more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound less precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of example" functions as an introductory element to provide an illustration or instance relevant to the discussion. Ludwig confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase, typically softening the introduction of an example.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sort of example" is a commonly used introductory phrase that serves to present an illustration or instance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and usable phrase often employed to soften the introduction of an example. While prevalent across various domains, including News & Media, Academia, and Science, it is less common in more formal or scientific contexts. For more formal writing, alternatives like "for instance" or "a case in point" may be more suitable. However, "sort of example" remains a valuable tool for making explanations more accessible and relatable in less formal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for instance

Replaces with a common phrase used to introduce examples.

an example being

Replaces with a structure that introduces an example directly.

to illustrate

Replaces with a phrase indicating the purpose of the example.

a case in point

Substitutes with an idiom indicating a relevant illustration.

by way of example

Replaces with a more formal phrase to introduce an example.

as an illustration

Replaces with a phrase specifying that an example will be provided.

an instance of

Replaces "sort of example" with a more formal term for a specific case.

a typical example

Specifies that the example is representative or common.

a demonstration of

Replaces with a phrase highlighting the showing or proving aspect.

consider this

Replaces with a phrase that invites the listener or reader to think about an example.

FAQs

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

You can use "sort of example" to introduce a case or illustration, like: "That situation is a "sort of example" of how things can go wrong."

What are some alternatives to saying "sort of example"?

Alternatives include "for instance", "as an illustration", or "a case in point", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "sort of example"?

Yes, "sort of example" is grammatically correct, although it is more informal than alternatives such as "for example" or "an instance of".

When should I avoid using "sort of example"?

Avoid using "sort of example" in formal writing or professional settings where a more precise or sophisticated phrase is preferred, like "a typical example" or "consider this".