that sort of action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that sort of action" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific type of behavior or activity that has been previously mentioned or is understood in context. Example: "I don't agree with that sort of action, as it can lead to negative consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"I'm quite disappointed because I don't like to see that sort of action in a game".

Independent

At Thinking Caps Tutoring, Ms. Mayzler said, the issues are never big enough to warrant that sort of action.

The New York Times

We knew already from the previous readings and lectures that Aristotle says: in order to be just you have to act as the just one does and habituate yourself to that sort of action.

Yale University

Of course that sort of action is not the whole action – you've got to look after the refugees, you need governments that can look after all their people, you need to fight corruption, you've got to do all those things.

The Guardian

That sort of action adds credence to the claims that the drone campaign is likely to cause more damage by creating anger at the US than it does in eliminating terrorist threats.

The Guardian

While some of India's nearly 50 million Facebook users and millions of Twitter users are up in arms about the recent arrests in Mumbai and are sharing the woman's original post, under the theory that the police can't arrest everyone, conservative advocates don't recommend that sort of action on the Internet.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

NYPD officials were reportedly considering banning so-called "career criminals" from the subway system as of last week though that sort of blanket action likely wouldn't be legal.

Vice

Well, I've said before that I'm not sure schools should be doubling up as soup kitchens, although it is very worrying that so many children – around half in deprived areas according to Magic Breakfast – are living in such poverty that this sort of action is necessary.

Independent

That means that either this sort of action is either standard procedure, or at the very least doesn't violate any Virginia ABC rules or guidelines for alcohol enforcement.

Huffington Post

In Italy, governments do at least ask the legislature that sort of question before, not after, taking action.

The Economist

It was just the sort of action that Hirschman thought the political arena in America lacked.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that sort of action", ensure the context clearly identifies the action being referred to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "that sort of action" without clearly establishing what action you're referring to. Without context, the phrase becomes meaningless and confuses the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that sort of action" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun phrase. It refers to a specific kind of activity or behavior already mentioned or understood in the context. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

14%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that sort of action" is a versatile phrase used to refer back to a specific type of behavior or activity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in News & Media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "such actions" or "that type of activity". Remember to always provide sufficient context when using "that sort of action" to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that kind of behavior

Replaces 'sort of action' with 'kind of behavior', focusing on the behavioral aspect.

such actions

A more concise way of referring to actions previously mentioned or understood.

that type of activity

Substitutes 'action' with 'activity', which can be more appropriate depending on the context.

this kind of conduct

Replaces 'sort of action' with 'kind of conduct', implying a moral or ethical dimension.

those sorts of activities

Pluralizes 'sort' and 'action' to refer to multiple instances.

that line of behavior

Emphasizes the direction or pattern of the behavior.

this form of action

Uses 'form' instead of 'sort', offering a slightly more formal tone.

similar conduct

A more direct way of referencing conduct with resemblances to a previously mentioned instance.

comparable actions

Focuses on actions that are similar and worthy of comparison.

analogous behavior

A formal alternative, indicating behavior that is parallel or similar in some respects.

FAQs

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

Use "that sort of action" to refer back to a previously mentioned or implied type of behavior or activity. For example, "I don't condone "that sort of action" because it is unethical".

What phrases are similar to "that sort of action"?

Alternatives include "that kind of behavior", "such actions", or "that type of activity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "that sort of action" formal or informal?

"That sort of action" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives exist for specific situations.

When should I avoid using "that sort of action"?

Avoid using "that sort of action" if the context doesn't clearly define what action you're referring to, as it can lead to confusion. In such cases, be more specific or use a more descriptive phrase.