that sort of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that sort of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something you are referring to in general terms without getting too specific. For example: "I'm not sure what kind of car he drives, but I think it's something like a Lexus...that sort of thing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

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 of" to indicate a general category or type, avoiding overly specific language when the details are unimportant or already understood.

Common error

While "that sort of" is versatile, avoid relying on it excessively in formal contexts. Opt for more precise language to maintain a professional tone. Alternatives such as "that type of" or "that nature of" may work better in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that sort of" functions as a qualifier, specifying a general category or type. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for describing something in general terms without needing to be overly specific. Examples from Ludwig illustrate usage in diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that sort of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a general category or type. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in diverse contexts. While extremely common in news and media, it can also appear in scientific and formal business communication. When writing, consider the audience and context. Use "that sort of" when generalization is appropriate, but opt for more specific language in formal settings or when precise detail is important. Alternatives include "that kind of" and "something like that".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that kind of

Indicates a very close synonym, almost perfectly interchangeable.

that type of

Offers a slight variation by using "type" instead of "sort", implying a classification.

something like that

More informal, suggesting approximation rather than precise categorization.

that general category

More formal, emphasizing the broad group to which something belongs.

that ilk

A more sophisticated and slightly archaic alternative, implying shared characteristics.

similar to that

Focuses on the resemblance between things, rather than their exact classification.

that nature

A more formal and abstract way to refer to the qualities or characteristics of something.

along those lines

Suggests a direction or tendency, rather than a strict category.

of that variety

Highlights the specific variation or strain within a larger group.

in that vein

Implies a shared style, tone, or approach, often in creative contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "that sort of" to refer to a general category or type of something, as in: "I enjoy reading books, especially mysteries and thrillers – "that sort of" thing."

What are some alternatives to "that sort of"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "that kind of", "that type of", or "something like that" instead of "that sort of".

Is it appropriate to use "that sort of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "that sort of" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise and professional alternatives, such as "that type of" or "that nature of".

What's the difference between "that sort of" and "that kind of"?

The phrases "that sort of" and "that kind of" are largely interchangeable and have very similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or subtle stylistic considerations.