specific sort of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specific sort of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to describe a particular category or type of something. Example: "We are looking for a specific sort of candidate who has experience in project management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Often, the allergen is in a specific sort of food.

The Economist

What if you wanted to research hazards in a specific sort of gathering place?

The New Yorker

To find a specific sort of religious structure, search under that building usage.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Historically, the position has mostly been reserved for a very specific sort of person: white, Christian, preferably blue-collar.

The New Yorker

The other is a very specific sort of lie detector, and no home should be without one.

The New York Times

Wealthy men who are in their late teens and early 20s and attend a specific sort of educational institution are at the highest risk.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

There are some handheld detectors which do very specific sorts of chemical analyses," says Cooks.

The Guardian

In India, for example, Ismail noticed that a lot of the hit mobile games revolve around specific sorts of puzzles with only one solution – like sudoku.

The Guardian - Tech

While keeping us warm and helping us in mechanical ways, they simultaneously hold out an invitation for us to be specific sorts of people".

The New York Times - Books

But it would allow a profitable political discussion of these differences, focusing on the specific sorts of regulation that our current economic system requires.

The New York Times

Do you have suggestions for one, two and three week itineraries, for the first-timer to India, targeted to specific sorts of travelers?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "specific sort of" when you want to be precise about the category or type you're referring to. It adds a layer of detail that 'type of' might not convey.

Common error

Avoid using "sort of" excessively in formal writing or when precision is needed. While "specific sort of" is acceptable, too many similar phrases can make your writing seem vague or indecisive. Opt for more direct language when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific sort of" functions as a pre-modifier, adding detail and precision to a noun or noun phrase. It indicates a particular category or type, as seen in Ludwig's examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

22%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "specific sort of" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression for indicating a particular category or type. According to Ludwig's analysis, it functions as a pre-modifier, adding precision to a noun phrase. While versatile, it's particularly common in news, scientific, and academic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is suitable for formal and informal settings but enhances clarity in professional discourse. For alternative expressions, consider ""particular kind of"" or "certain type of" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular kind of

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the type.

certain type of

Indicates a definite but not necessarily unique category.

particular type of

Similar to 'certain type', highlights a specific category.

distinct variety of

Focuses on the unique characteristics within a broader group.

specialized form of

Suggests a more refined or adapted version of something.

precise manner of

Focuses on the how something is done.

exact nature of

Emphasizes the qualities or characteristics.

detailed method of

Highlights the exact steps in how something is achieved.

unique class of

Highlights the uniqueness of a category.

defined category of

Points to a more structured or conventional set of criteria.

FAQs

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

You can use "specific sort of" to describe a particular category or type. For example, "We are looking for a "particular kind of" candidate who has experience in project management".

What's the difference between "specific sort of" and "type of"?

"Specific sort of" emphasizes a more precise or distinct category, while "type of" is more general. Using "specific sort of" implies a higher level of detail and distinction.

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

You can use alternatives like "certain type of", ""particular kind of"", or "distinct variety of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a specific sort of thing"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "specific sort of thing" is often used to refer to a particular kind or category of something without being overly precise. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.