that sort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that sort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific type or category of something previously mentioned or implied. Example: "I prefer books of that sort, as they tend to be more engaging and thought-provoking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She said that?" "Sort of".

The New Yorker

We bracket that sort of approach here.

SEP

That sort of tough.

Independent

That sort of stuff.

The New York Times - Sports

That sort of rhymes.

The New Yorker

"That sort of thing".

The New York Times

Rationalism, that sort of thing.

The New York Times

It's that sort of place.

Independent

She's that sort of animal".

The New York Times - Sports

That sort of propelled us".

The New Yorker

That sort of thing works.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that sort" to refer back to a specific category or type that has already been mentioned or is clearly understood from the context. This helps maintain clarity and conciseness in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "that sort" when the type or category you're referring to is not clear from the context. This can lead to confusion. Instead, be more specific or provide additional details to ensure your reader understands what you mean.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that sort" functions as a determiner phrase. It specifies a particular category or type of something that has been previously mentioned or implied. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various sentence structures to indicate a class or group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that sort" is a versatile determiner phrase used to refer to a previously mentioned or implied category. As Ludwig AI confirms, it enjoys widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's generally considered grammatically correct and acceptable, ensure the category you're referencing is clear to avoid confusion. Alternatives like "that kind" or "that type" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. Pay attention to clarity and avoid overusing the phrase without proper context. According to Ludwig, the register is considered neutral and the frequency is very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that kind

Simple substitution of "sort" with "kind" maintains nearly identical meaning.

that type

Replaces "sort" with "type", offering a slightly more formal tone.

that variety

Substitutes "sort" with "variety", implying a specific range within a broader category.

that manner

Replaces "sort" with "manner", focusing on the way something is done.

that fashion

Similar to "that manner", but may imply a style or trend.

that ilk

A more informal substitution, referring to a group or category with shared characteristics.

something like that

Expands the phrase to be less specific, indicating an approximation.

that nature

Replaces "sort" with "nature", focusing on the essential qualities or characteristics.

a similar fashion

Shifts the phrase to describe the way something is done in a comparable way.

along those lines

Indicates a general direction or category of thought or action.

FAQs

How can I use "that sort" in a sentence?

Use "that sort" to refer to a previously mentioned category or type. For example, "I enjoy mystery novels and books of "that sort"."

What is a good alternative to "that sort"?

Alternatives include "that kind", "that type", or "something like that" depending on the level of formality and desired precision.

Is "that sort of thing" different from "that sort"?

"That sort of thing" is generally used to refer to activities or items that are similar to something already mentioned, while "that sort" refers more directly to a category or type. For example, "I enjoy hiking and "that sort of thing"" implies other similar outdoor activities.

When is it appropriate to use "that sort" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to avoid repeating a specific noun or description, and the context makes the intended category clear. It's often used in informal or conversational writing but can also appear in more formal contexts when clarity is maintained.