sort of stuff

USAGE SUMMARY

"sort of stuff" is acceptable in written English and can be used as an informal way to refer to unnamed items or qualities.
For example, "I don't have the money for this kind of stuff" or "I'm not into that sort of stuff."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That sort of stuff.

The New York Times - Sports

What sort of stuff?

MIT Technology Review

I struggle with this sort of stuff.

Independent

Just the sort of stuff critics love!

Independent

Again, basic sort of stuff.

The Guardian

All that sort of stuff.

The Guardian - Music

"I don't read that sort of stuff.

Independent

"That's just rubbish, that sort of stuff.

The Guardian - Sport

sort of stuff seems to be taken.

The New Yorker

You can't buy that sort of stuff.

The Guardian - Sport

You know, all that sort of stuff".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "sort of stuff" in formal writing, as it can make your writing seem vague or imprecise. Instead, opt for more specific and descriptive language.

Common error

Avoid using "sort of stuff" excessively in academic papers, business reports, or other formal documents. Replace it with more precise and descriptive language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of stuff" functions as a vague noun phrase, allowing speakers and writers to refer to unspecified items or concepts without explicitly naming them. Ludwig examples show it frequently used to denote general categories or activities. It is mostly acceptable in colloquial English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sort of stuff" is a versatile but informal way to refer to unspecified items or qualities. As Ludwig AI explains, it's acceptable in conversation and informal writing but should be used sparingly in formal contexts. Alternatives such as "kind of things" or "things like that" may be more appropriate depending on the situation. The phrase is frequently found in news and media sources but is less common in academic or business writing. While grammatically acceptable, it's important to be mindful of the context and audience when using "sort of stuff" to maintain clarity and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kind of things

Replaces "sort of" with "kind of", emphasizing the variety or category of items.

that kind of stuff

Adds "that" to specify items previously mentioned or understood in context.

things like that

Uses "things like that" to indicate similarity to a preceding example or topic.

odds and ends

Refers to miscellaneous small items, implying a collection of unimportant things.

bits and pieces

Similar to "odds and ends", suggesting a collection of small, often unrelated items.

various items

More formal, denoting a collection of different things without specific details.

miscellaneous things

Highlights the diverse and unorganized nature of the items being referred to.

sundry items

A slightly archaic term for various and assorted items, often small or insignificant.

assorted things

Emphasizes the varied nature of the items, suggesting a diverse collection.

general paraphernalia

Implies a collection of items associated with a particular activity or setting.

FAQs

What does "sort of stuff" mean?

The expression "sort of stuff" is an informal way to refer to unnamed items or qualities, or things that are implied by the context.

Is "sort of stuff" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "sort of stuff" is generally considered informal and is better suited for casual conversations or less formal writing. In formal writing, use more specific and descriptive language.

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

You can use alternatives like "kind of things", "that kind of stuff", or "things like that" depending on the context.

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

You might say, "I don't have the money for this sort of stuff" or "I'm not into that sort of stuff". It's used to refer to things generally without being specific.