sort of like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort of like that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a similarity or approximation to something previously mentioned or described. Example: "When I think of a perfect vacation, I imagine something sort of like that—relaxing on a beach with a good book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"It's sort of like that here," Mr. Bernard said.

The New York Times

She was never the It girl, but we sort of like that about her.

Huffington Post

It is very generic, but in the end I sort of like that.

The New York Times

I'm not saying it's the same, but it's sort of like that.

The New York Times - Sports

And I think all of New York is sort of like that.

The New Yorker

Put money in the box and take the pineapples you want.' The Web is sort of like that.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

David: I sort of liked that.

The New York Times

Well, I sort of liked that.

The New Yorker

I always sort of liked that George W. Bush.

The New York Times

A lot of people counted us out, and everybody sort of liked that".

The New York Times

Norman Mailer called him a "Royal Baby" ("I sort of looked like a Royal Baby then. I sort of liked that," Nichols said); his widow, Diane Sawyer, teased him as "His Royal Cuteness".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sort of like that" when you want to draw a loose comparison or analogy, without implying an exact match. It's suitable for casual explanations and when precision isn't critical.

Common error

Avoid using "sort of like that" in formal writing or professional presentations. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives such as "somewhat similar to" or "analogous to" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of like that" functions primarily as a qualifier or modifier, indicating a degree of similarity or approximation. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it is used to draw comparisons between different scenarios or objects, softening the comparison to suggest it's not an exact match.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sort of like that" is a versatile phrase used to express a loose comparison or approximation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media contexts. While perfectly acceptable in informal settings, it's advisable to opt for more formal alternatives like "somewhat similar to" in professional or academic writing. Remember that the purpose of "sort of like that" is to make information relatable, so use it judiciously to enhance clarity without sacrificing precision where it matters most.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kind of like that

Similar in meaning, but uses "kind of" instead of "sort of".

somewhat similar to that

More formal, replacing the colloquial "sort of" with "somewhat".

reminiscent of that

Implies a similarity that evokes memories or associations.

analogous to that

Suggests a more precise comparison, highlighting specific points of similarity.

comparable to that

Indicates that the items being compared are of similar quality or nature.

along the lines of that

Suggests a general similarity in approach or concept.

in that vein

Implies a similarity in style, tone or approach.

of a similar nature

A more formal way of expressing a general similarity.

in the same ballpark

Colloquial expression suggesting a rough or approximate similarity.

not entirely dissimilar

A more subtle way of indicating similarity by negating dissimilarity.

FAQs

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

You can use "sort of like that" to draw a comparison or analogy. For example, "The feeling of anticipation was "sort of like that" you get before opening a present."

What's a more formal way to say "sort of like that"?

For formal contexts, consider using phrases like "somewhat similar to", "analogous to", or "comparable to".

Is "sort of like that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "sort of like that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in informal English. It's suitable for everyday conversation and writing.

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

The phrases "sort of like that" and "kind of like that" are largely interchangeable. Both are informal ways of expressing a similarity or comparison.