sort of folks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort of folks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a particular type or category of people in a casual or informal context. Example: "I enjoy spending time with sort of folks who appreciate art and creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

For the sort of folks who attended her events, the wines were expensive, $15 to $30.

The New York Times - Food

He's looking for the sort of folks willing to clap to keep Tinkerbell alive.

The New York Times

They were the sort of folks who referred to themselves as "cineastes" because they went to movies at the Thalia.

The New York Times - Books

The G.O.P., while it has hardly reconverted to Eisenhower Republicanism, has declined to help the Democrats keep control of the Senate by nominating unelectable candidates — the sort of folks who get enthusiastically endorsed by Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann.

The New Yorker

In recent times, particularly, he's also shown a commendable regard for ordinary Americans who live a long way from Washington and Wall Street — the sort of folks he grew up with in Dillon, South Carolina.

The New Yorker

In recent times, particularly, he's also shown a commendable regard for ordinary Americans who live a long way from Washington and Wall Street the sort of folks he grew up with in Dillon, South Carolina.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

A sort of folk pop, as it turned out.

The New Yorker

"You seem a very decent sort of folk, you Glasgow booksellers.

The Guardian - Books

It has this crazy sort of folk story, plus a mystery, plus some metaphysical stuff.

The Guardian - Books

"It's a sort of folk theater tradition brought up to date".

The New York Times

We made a rock record!' " The idea that he is some sort of folk-art naïf, or an Ivy League dropout pretending to be some sort of folk-art naïf, long haunted and irritated him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sort of folks" in contexts where you want to convey a sense of familiarity or informality. It's suitable for describing groups of people in a conversational or narrative manner.

Common error

Avoid using "sort of folks" in highly formal or professional writing, as it may sound too casual. Opt for more formal alternatives like "type of people" or "individuals" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of folks" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, typically used to categorize or characterize a group of people. It adds a touch of informality to descriptions, as shown in examples found on Ludwig. It functions as a way of broadly identifying individuals with similar qualities or interests.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sort of folks" is a grammatically sound and commonly used way to describe a group of people, particularly in informal and semi-formal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is especially prevalent in news and media, providing a relatable and accessible way to categorize individuals with shared traits. While suitable for narratives and conversational writing, it should be avoided in highly formal or professional settings in favor of more precise alternatives like "type of people" or "individuals".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

type of people

Replaces "folks" with the more formal "people" while retaining the meaning of a specific category.

kind of people

Similar to "type of people" but uses "kind" as the descriptor.

those kinds of people

Emphasizes the 'kind' of people being discussed.

people of that description

Focuses on the shared characteristics that define the group.

people of that ilk

Uses "ilk" to refer to a specific category, often with a negative connotation.

people of that persuasion

Refers to people sharing a specific belief or viewpoint.

such individuals

A more concise and formal way to refer to a specific group of people.

individuals of that nature

More formal and indirect way of referring to a certain group.

the likes of them

A slightly informal way to refer to people similar to those already mentioned.

that class of person

Uses "class" to denote a category, often implying social or economic status.

FAQs

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

You can use "sort of folks" to describe a group of people with similar characteristics. For example: "I enjoy spending time with the "sort of folks" who appreciate art and creativity."

What's a more formal alternative to "sort of folks"?

If you need a more formal option, consider using phrases like "type of people" or "individuals of that nature".

Is "sort of folks" grammatically correct?

Yes, "sort of folks" is grammatically correct and commonly used in informal and semi-formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

When is it appropriate to use "sort of folks" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "sort of folks" in informal writing, narratives, or when speaking conversationally. Avoid it in formal reports or academic papers.