sort of person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort of person" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a person of a particular type, or to whom certain characteristics are attributed. For example, you could say "He's the sort of person who is always looking out for others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We ask every sort of person.

The New Yorker

Obama is not that sort of person.

The New York Times

I am not that sort of person.

The Washington Post

He was that sort of person.

The Guardian - Books

This sort of person annoys me.

The Guardian - Books

"I am a 'doing' sort of person.

The Guardian

I'm just not that sort of person.

The Guardian

What sort of person can make that journey?

The New York Times - Science

It shows his character, what sort of person he is".

The New York Times - Sports

I don't actually know what sort of person Romney is.

The New York Times

The answer depends on what sort of person you are.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sort of person" to describe someone's general traits or typical behavior, not necessarily specific actions.

Common error

Avoid using "sort of person" to make sweeping judgments about entire groups. Focus on individual characteristics rather than broad stereotypes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of person" functions as a descriptor, categorizing individuals based on their traits, behaviors, or characteristics. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct usage for depicting general qualities, aligning with its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sort of person" is a versatile descriptor used to categorize individuals based on their traits and behaviors. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards informal. The phrase functions primarily to characterize individuals, offering insight into their typical behavior or inherent qualities. Remember to use "sort of person" to describe general traits, avoid overgeneralizations, and consider more formal alternatives like "type of individual" when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

type of individual

Replaces "sort" with "type" and "person" with "individual", maintaining the overall meaning.

kind of person

Substitutes "sort" with "kind", offering a nearly identical expression.

type of person

Replaces "sort" with "type", keeping the intended meaning unchanged.

nature of person

Focuses on the inherent qualities or characteristics defining someone.

character of person

Emphasizes moral or ethical qualities, slightly altering the original scope.

variety of person

Highlights the diversity in types of individuals, adding a nuance of variety.

caliber of person

Indicates the quality or ability level of an individual.

manner of person

Refers to someone's typical behavior or way of interacting.

category of person

Emphasizes classification, introducing a formal tone.

form of person

Focuses on outward appearance, introducing a nuance of appearance.

FAQs

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

You can use "sort of person" to describe someone's general characteristics or typical behavior. For example, "He is the "kind of person" who always helps others."

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

In more formal contexts, consider using "type of individual" or "character of person" to convey a similar meaning with increased sophistication.

Is it correct to say "type of person" instead of "sort of person"?

Yes, "type of person" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "sort of person". They are largely interchangeable and maintain the same meaning.

Can "sort of person" be used in negative contexts?

Yes, "sort of person" can be used in both positive and negative contexts to describe someone's traits or behaviors. For example, "I'm not the "kind of person" who would cheat."