sort of idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort of idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a vague or approximate concept or notion that is not fully formed or defined. Example: "I have a sort of idea about how we can improve our marketing strategy, but I need to think it through more."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

What sort of idea might emerge next?

The Economist

Always some sort of idea of what comes next.

The New York Times

It's the sort of idea that gets Govian mouths frothing.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Dream Act was the sort of idea both sides of the immigration fight should embrace.

The New York Times

It's a me-looking-at-him-looking-at-me-looking-at-him sort of idea.

The Guardian - Music

It's not the sort of idea that puts everyone at ease.

The Guardian - Travel

"Some people are naturally sympathetic to this sort of idea," says Professor Gowers.

The Guardian

That's the sort of idea that could be a gimmick, but Gang is good enough to pull it off.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Instead of that... we talk about some sort of ideas.

The New Yorker

All along I've had the same sort of ideas that came out on this record.

The Guardian - Music

Clegg's announcement is designed to show the sort of ideas the Lib Dems would propose in future coalition negotiations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sort of idea" when you want to express a preliminary or not fully formed concept. It's appropriate in informal contexts, but consider more precise language for formal writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on phrases like "sort of idea" in formal writing. While acceptable in conversation, replace it with more specific and descriptive terms for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of idea" functions as a qualifier, softening the definiteness of the noun "idea". It indicates that the idea is not fully formed or precise. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and common usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sort of idea" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a tentative or not fully formed concept. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. While perfectly acceptable in informal settings, it's advisable to use more precise language in formal writing. Alternatives like "kind of idea", "a notion", or "a concept" offer subtle variations in meaning and formality. When using "sort of idea", be mindful of its vagueness and consider whether a more specific term would enhance clarity. It's particularly prevalent in News & Media sources. Overusing it in formal writing should be avoided in favor of more precise language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kind of idea

Direct synonym, expressing a similar level of approximation and informality.

a notion

More formal and concise, referring to a general understanding or belief.

a concept

Similar meaning but implies a more developed or theoretical understanding.

a feeling

Indicates an intuitive sense or vague awareness, often lacking concrete evidence.

an inkling

Suggests a slight or uncertain idea, often based on intuition or incomplete information.

a hunch

Emphasizes an intuitive feeling or premonition, typically without supporting evidence.

a theory

Implies a more structured and reasoned explanation, although possibly unproven.

a perspective

Focuses on a particular way of viewing something, highlighting subjectivity.

a viewpoint

Similar to "a perspective", indicating a particular angle or position on a topic.

a suspicion

Suggests a belief or idea based on limited evidence, often with a negative connotation.

FAQs

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

You can use "sort of idea" to express a concept that is not fully developed or concrete. For example, "I have a "sort of idea" about how to solve this problem, but I need to work out the details".

What can I say instead of "sort of idea"?

Alternatives to "sort of idea" include "kind of idea", "a notion", or "a concept", depending on the level of formality and precision required.

When is it appropriate to use "sort of idea"?

It is appropriate to use "sort of idea" in informal conversations or brainstorming sessions when you're expressing a preliminary or vague thought. However, it's best to avoid it in formal writing or presentations where clarity and precision are essential.

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

The phrases "sort of idea" and "kind of idea" are largely interchangeable and have very similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation.