that sort of thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"that sort of thing" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is usually used when you want to reference a concept, action or idea without using specific details. For example, "I don't like to talk to strangers, that sort of thing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They poll that sort of thing?

The Guardian

Fruit, veg –that sort of thing.

Vice

"That sort of thing".

The New York Times

Rationalism, that sort of thing.

The New York Times

That sort of thing works.

The New York Times

The accused' – that sort of thing.

The Guardian

Fine joinery and that sort of thing.

The New Yorker

Insurance, wills, that sort of thing.

The New York Times

"They stand for that sort of thing.

The New Yorker

If you like that sort of thing.

The New York Times - Arts

That sort of thing is hugely expensive.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that sort of thing" to avoid unnecessary detail or when specifics are either unknown or irrelevant to the context.

Common error

Avoid using "that sort of thing" excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise language to maintain clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that sort of thing" functions as a generalizing expression. It refers to a category of items, activities, or ideas without specifically naming them. As Ludwig suggests, it helps to reference a concept without going into detailed specifics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that sort of thing" is a versatile phrase used to generalize or avoid specific details. Ludwig AI validates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that its register is generally neutral, leaning towards informal, and it frequently appears in news and media. While acceptable in many contexts, writers should use it judiciously in formal settings, opting for more precise language when appropriate. Alternatives like "and so forth" and "and the like" can provide a similar meaning with slight variations in formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

etcetera

A direct Latin equivalent; commonly abbreviated as "etc.", indicates an unfinished list.

and so forth

Suggests a continuation of a list that is already implied or mentioned; more formal.

and the like

Similar to "and so forth", implying a list of similar items; slightly more formal.

or something along those lines

Indicates an approximation or a general direction of thought; less direct.

and similar items

Directly implies a list of items that are alike in some way.

things of that nature

More formal and emphasizes the nature or quality of the unspecified items.

similar actions

Focuses on actions that are comparable to the one mentioned, rather than a variety of items.

and other related matters

Very formal and suited for professional or academic contexts.

suchlike

A more concise and less common way to refer to similar items.

and everything else

Implies all other related or connected things; can be somewhat dismissive.

FAQs

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

Use "that sort of thing" to refer generally to actions, items, or ideas without being specific. For instance, "I enjoy reading novels, short stories, "that sort of thing"".

What can I say instead of "that sort of thing"?

You can use alternatives such as "and so forth", "and the like", or "or something along those lines" depending on the context.

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

While grammatically correct, "that sort of thing" is generally considered informal. More formal alternatives like "and other related matters" may be more suitable in formal contexts.

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

The phrases "that sort of thing" and "that kind of thing" are generally interchangeable and carry the same meaning. Both are used to refer to something in a general or non-specific way.