sort of man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort of man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a type or category of man, often implying a certain quality or characteristic that is not fully defined. Example: "He is the sort of man who always puts others before himself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What sort of man was he?

The New Yorker

Only Harvey isn't that sort of man.

The New Yorker

What Sort of Man Is Donald Trump?

The New Yorker

What sort of man, indeed, was he?

The Guardian - Books

What sort of man was Pakistan's new generalissimo?

Independent

He was the sort of man Kearns imagined himself becoming.

The New Yorker

But it showed the sort of man Bourdieu was.

The Guardian

Enough about what sort of man Obama is.

The New Yorker

He's not the sort of man who has "a drink".

The Guardian - Books

You look just the sort of man we could use".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Dangerous Acceptance of Donald Trump What Sort of Man Is Donald Trump?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sort of man" when you want to describe someone's general characteristics or typical behavior without being overly specific. It's suitable for creating a quick impression or conveying a general idea about a person's qualities.

Common error

While "sort of man" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in formal writing can make your prose sound less precise. Consider using more specific adjectives or descriptive phrases to convey the intended meaning with greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of man" functions as a descriptor, categorizing or characterizing an individual based on perceived attributes or behaviors. This phrase allows for a general and often subjective assessment, as seen in Ludwig's examples, such as describing someone as 'the sort of man for whom idleness is something of a curse'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sort of man" is a versatile phrase used to generally characterize an individual based on their typical behaviors or qualities. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and prevalence, particularly in News & Media, Academia and Formal contexts. While effective for conveying quick impressions, consider opting for more specific language in formal writing. Alternatives like "type of man" or "kind of man" offer similar meanings, and its register is considered neutral, suitable for various communication settings. Remember to be mindful of your audience and the level of formality required when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

type of man

This alternative is a direct synonym, replacing "sort" with "type" to convey a similar meaning.

kind of man

This alternative uses "kind" instead of "sort", offering a near-identical meaning and usage.

character of man

This alternative shifts the focus to the inherent qualities and moral strength of a man.

quality of man

This alternative highlights specific attributes that define a man's personality or behavior.

nature of man

This alternative refers to the fundamental essence and inherent traits of a man.

caliber of man

This alternative emphasizes the quality and competence of a man, suggesting a level of ability or worth.

manner of man

This alternative focuses on a man's typical way of behaving or conducting himself.

style of man

This alternative describes a man's distinctive and characteristic approach to life.

breed of man

This alternative suggests a particular group or class of men with shared characteristics.

stamp of man

This alternative emphasizes the unique and recognizable mark or impression a man leaves.

FAQs

What does "sort of man" mean?

The phrase "sort of man" refers to the characteristics, qualities, or typical behavior associated with a particular type of man. It describes someone's general attributes without needing to specify details.

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

You can use alternatives like "type of man", "kind of man", or "character of man" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "sort of man" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "sort of man" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more precise language to clearly convey the intended meaning.

How do I use "sort of man" in a sentence?

You can use "sort of man" to describe someone's traits. For example, "He's the "sort of man" who always helps others" or "What "sort of man" would do such a thing?"