sort of topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort of topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a subject that is somewhat related or loosely connected to the main topic at hand. Example: "The discussion shifted to a sort of topic that was only tangentially related to our original agenda."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Twitter's 140 characters do not lend themselves to this sort of topic.

Independent

That's the sort of topic that would certainly exercise a judge.

The Guardian - Tech

But the magazine's own troubles have involved just the sort of topic that Ms. Hu and Caijing relished covering.

The New York Times

The story of Ms Politkovskaya's death in 2006 and the bungling, evasive behaviour of the Russian authorities in dealing with it was just the sort of topic suited for her own fiery pen.The jury acquitted two brothers, Dzhabrail and Ibragim Makhmudov, who were charged with acting as accomplices in the murder.

The Economist

For one thing, it has no recipes: not for Foodie the prosaic coverage of, say, the best way to insert raw chicken into an oven to achieve an edible result, the sort of topic to which magazines like Gourmet and Fine Cooking -- and yes, even Mr. Food's Easy Cooking -- have devoted pages in recent issues.

The New York Times - Food

I particularly liked the relaxed, upbeat tone, rather than the solemn, statistics-laden puddings usually done on that sort of topic.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

What sort of topics are you talking about?

The Guardian

When I ask what sort of topics were on her mind, she pauses.

The Guardian - Music

What sort of topics, research questions, approaches, theories and concepts lead to an integration of various kinds of knowledges?

Stanford University

"These cable channels' sensitivities in terms of how brave they can be, and the sort of topics they can tackle, are much closer to British television.

The Guardian

And so today, the sort of topics that we'll bring up, and we'll bring up a number of different topics that have a relationship to the workplace.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sort of topic", ensure the context is clear and the audience understands the connection between the main subject and the related idea. It's best used when introducing a related but not central theme.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid using "sort of topic" too frequently, as it can sound vague or informal. Opt for more precise language to clearly define the subject matter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of topic" functions as a qualifier before a noun, indicating that the topic is being described in a general or somewhat indefinite way. It is used to introduce a subject that is loosely defined or connected to the main discussion, as illustrated by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

23%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sort of topic" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, primarily functioning to qualify a noun by suggesting a general or indefinite subject. Ludwig examples reveal its occurrence in various contexts, from news articles to academic discussions, although it is more frequent in general media. While acceptable, Ludwig AI highlights to be mindful of its usage in formal writing, where more precise language might be preferred. Alternative phrases such as "subject matter" or "area of discussion" can provide a more formal tone when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject matter

A more formal and direct way of referring to a topic.

type of subject

Changes the wording to focus on "type" instead of "sort", emphasizing categorization.

kind of theme

Replaces "topic" with "theme", suggesting a broader, more overarching subject matter.

the issue being addressed

Highlights that there is a problem or matter that requires attention and resolution.

area of discussion

Uses a more formal tone, highlighting the conversational aspect of the subject.

point of discussion

Emphasizes a specific item or idea being talked about.

matter at hand

Emphasizes the immediacy and relevance of the subject being discussed.

the question at issue

Focuses the consideration on a query or matter that requires resolving.

theme in question

Focuses on a specific theme that is under consideration or debate.

subject under consideration

Highlights the act of deliberation and analysis regarding the subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "sort of topic" to introduce a related but slightly different subject, as in "The discussion shifted to a "sort of topic" that was only tangentially related to our original agenda."

What's a more formal alternative to "sort of topic"?

For a more formal alternative, consider using phrases like "subject matter" or "area of discussion", which provide a more precise and professional tone.

Is it appropriate to use "sort of topic" in academic writing?

While "sort of topic" is grammatically correct, it might be too informal for academic writing. Consider using more specific and academic language, such as "theme in question" or "subject under consideration", to maintain a formal tone.

How does "sort of topic" differ from "kind of topic"?

"Sort of topic" and "kind of theme" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. However, "sort of topic" might imply a slightly more vague or indefinite connection to the main subject.