sort of like this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort of like this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to provide a vague comparison or example that is not exact but gives a general idea of what you mean. Example: "When describing the painting, she said it was sort of like this, with vibrant colors and abstract shapes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Sort of like: this person existed and mattered".

The Guardian - Books

It was sort of like: "This can't be.

The New York Times

I think I was among those who were sort of like, "This can't possibly last".

The Guardian

Mr. Cameron has recently offered himself as a remodeling project -- sort of like "This Old House," except it's "This Old Man," suggests his sister -- and this book is the result.

The New York Times

At lunch in Berlin, Gerwig looked for a way to describe the experience: "It's sort of like — this is a ridiculous way to say it — but like a nun in a convent singing over a wall to someone she knows is on the other side.

The New Yorker

It wasn't like she was doing it as like, 'Oh, this is fun.' It was sort of like, 'This is a thing daddy asked me to do so I'll do this thing before I go back about my business.' We all complimented her on her choices.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Murakami sort of likes this kind of thing, not just as an indistinct modifier but as a form of category-definition.

The New York Times - Books

The weeks wore on, her prospects looked less and less inviting, and she started to realize that she sort of liked this new gig.

The New York Times

Sort of liked this feature.

Forbes

"We're sort of like in this limbo environment," said Gregory T. Swienton, chief executive of Ryder System, the truck rental and transportation company.

The New York Times

Pat Gelsinger: I just GA'd the product two weeks ago, and it's sort of like, wow, this is pretty good.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sort of like this" when you want to draw a loose comparison or provide an approximate example, indicating that there is a resemblance but not an exact match. It's best used in informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "sort of like this" in formal writing where precise language is preferred. Opt for more specific and formal comparison phrases to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of like this" functions as a qualifier, softening the comparison being made. It indicates that the similarity is approximate rather than exact. Ludwig AI suggests that this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sort of like this" is a common and grammatically correct way to express an approximate comparison or provide a general example. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts and is generally considered informal to neutral in register. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While acceptable in many situations, more precise language is recommended in formal settings. Alternatives such as ""somewhat similar to this"" or ""analogous to this"" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Remember to consider the formality of your writing when choosing the best phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat similar to this

Replaces "sort of" with "somewhat", implying a slightly lesser degree of similarity.

kind of like this

Uses "kind of" instead of "sort of", offering a more informal alternative with similar meaning.

in a way, like this

Adds "in a way" to emphasize the partial or limited nature of the comparison.

analogous to this

Replaces the informal "sort of like" with the more formal "analogous to", suggesting a more structured comparison.

reminiscent of this

Implies that something recalls or brings to mind something else, focusing on the suggestive aspect of the similarity.

comparable to this

Suggests that items being compared share key characteristics, suitable for more analytical contexts.

akin to this

Indicates a similarity in quality or character, often used in more formal or literary contexts.

along the lines of this

Suggests a general direction or approach is similar, rather than a direct comparison.

much like this

Emphasizes the degree of similarity by using "much", indicating a strong resemblance.

not unlike this

Expresses similarity by negating dissimilarity, useful for nuanced comparisons.

FAQs

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

You can use "sort of like this" to make a vague comparison or give an example. For example: "The texture is "sort of like this", but slightly smoother."

What are some alternatives to "sort of like this"?

Alternatives include "somewhat similar to this", "kind of like this", or "analogous to this", depending on the formality required.

Is "sort of like this" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "sort of like this" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, more precise and descriptive language is preferred.

What does "sort of like this" imply?

"Sort of like this" implies that there is a resemblance or similarity, but it's not exact. It's a way of making a comparison without committing to a precise likeness.