the right sort of

USAGE SUMMARY

"the right sort of" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate something as being the proper or preferred type, and can be used in many different contexts. For example: "If you want to have a successful career, you should look for the right sort of job – one that aligns with your interests and goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In England today nobody (not even people who are the right sort of people) talks about the "right sort of people".

The New York Times - Books

One is the right sort of cells.

The Economist

Presumably the right sort of Jewish?

The Guardian - Books

With the right sort of drugs, many would have recovered.

Independent

He waited for hours, reading a book, for the right sort of light and the right sort of weather.

The New Yorker

He would wait for hours, reading a book, for the right sort of light and the right sort of weather.

The Guardian - Arts

But I'm not the right sort of person.

The Guardian - Tech

But it has to be the right sort of people".

The Guardian

The right sort of name is a key element.

The Guardian - Money

But his pounding energy was the right sort of fit.

The New York Times

It is not the right sort of surprise, somehow.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the right sort of" when you want to emphasize that a specific type or kind is needed for a particular purpose or situation. It implies a degree of discrimination or discernment.

Common error

While "the right sort of" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "appropriate", "suitable", or "ideal" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the right sort of" functions as a pre-modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, used to describe a noun. It indicates that a particular item or person is of the desired or appropriate type, aligning with examples found through Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the right sort of" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a preference or requirement for a specific type or quality. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. When using this phrase, consider its neutral register and ensure it aligns with your intended message. If you need an alternative, phrases like "the appropriate type of" or "the correct kind of" can be used. Overusing it can be avoided by using synonyms as appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the appropriate type of

Focuses on suitability for a specific purpose.

the correct kind of

Emphasizes accuracy and being free from error.

the suitable variety of

Highlights the fitness and appropriateness of a specific option.

the ideal form of

Suggests the most perfect or desirable version.

the proper category of

Indicates adherence to established norms or standards.

the precise nature of

Highlights accuracy and exactness.

the perfect style of

Focuses on achieving aesthetic or functional perfection.

the required standard of

Indicates a necessary level of quality or performance.

the designated class of

Highlights a specific category based on predetermined factors.

the selected brand of

Focuses on the choice of a particular manufacturer or label.

FAQs

How can I use "the right sort of" in a sentence?

Use "the right sort of" to indicate a preference for a specific type or quality. For example, "You need "the right sort of tools" for this job" or "She's looking for "the right sort of candidate" to fill the position".

What phrases are similar to "the right sort of"?

Similar phrases include "the correct kind of", "the appropriate type of", or "the suitable variety of". These alternatives also convey the need for a specific or preferred option.

Is "the right sort of" formal or informal?

"The right sort of" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it might lean slightly towards informal depending on the specific usage.

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

While both phrases indicate a preference, "the best kind of" usually implies a higher degree of quality or superiority compared to "the right sort of", which focuses more on suitability or appropriateness.