the sort of

USAGE SUMMARY

"the sort of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are writing about broad categories of things and when you are expressing an opinion about something. For example, "The sort of people I admire are those who help others and make a positive difference in the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's just the sort of thing.

The Economist

You know the sort of thing".

Independent

Just the sort of stuff critics love!

Independent

The sort of woman he couldn't abide.

The New Yorker

That's the sort of surprise it is.

The New Yorker

That's the sort of guy you want".

Independent

That's the sort of politics Ukip abhors.

Independent

That's the sort of bloke he is".

The Guardian - Sport

That's the sort of place SoBe is.

The New York Times - Books

Here's the sort of thing it recommends.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The sort-of truth?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the sort of" to introduce a general category or type of thing, allowing you to provide examples or further descriptions. For instance, "That's the sort of book I enjoy reading on vacation."

Common error

While "the sort of" is acceptable, avoid overuse, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "the kind of" or "such as" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the sort of" functions as a determiner phrase that qualifies a noun, specifying a particular type or category. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Examples in Ludwig show its use in various contexts, indicating general characteristics or preferences. It helps in describing the nature or quality of something without being overly precise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academic sources

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sort of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a type or category. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usability. The analysis reveals that it is frequently found in news and media, serving to generalize or describe without excessive detail. When aiming for greater precision, consider alternatives such as "the kind of" or "of that nature". While "the sort of" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse and tailor your language to the specific context for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the kind of

Emphasizes a specific category or type of something, similar to "the sort of" but with a focus on classification.

the type of

Highlights a particular category or class, akin to "the sort of" but more focused on formal classification.

such as

Introduces examples that illustrate a general category or type, working to clarify "the sort of" thing being described.

like that

Indicates something similar to what was previously mentioned, providing a casual alternative to "the sort of".

of that nature

Refers to something with similar characteristics or qualities, offering a formal alternative to "the sort of".

of that variety

Denotes a particular type or selection within a broader group, akin to expressing "the sort of" something.

something like that

Suggests an approximation or something similar to what has been mentioned, similar to indicating "the sort of" thing.

a similar type of

Highlights the similarity in type or class between two items, akin to discussing "the sort of" item.

a comparable kind of

Stresses the comparability in kind or type, presenting it as an alternative way of saying "the sort of".

akin to

Implies a resemblance or similarity to something else, mirroring "the sort of" when describing traits or characteristics.

FAQs

What does "the sort of" mean?

The phrase "the sort of" is used to refer to a type, kind, or category of something. It's often used to generalize or describe something without being overly specific. For example, saying "That's "the kind of" music I like" means you're referring to a general type of music you enjoy.

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

You can use "the sort of" to describe qualities or characteristics. For instance, "He's "the type of" person who always helps others." It can also introduce examples. For example, "They sell "items such as" books and stationery."

What's a more formal alternative to "the sort of"?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "of that nature" or "of that variety". For example, instead of saying "It was "something like that"", you could say, "It was of that nature."

Is it okay to use "sorta" instead of "the sort of"?

While "sorta" (short for "sort of") is sometimes used in very informal speech, it's generally not appropriate for formal writing. It is better to use the full phrase "the sort of" in written communication or use similar, more formal alternatives. In general, avoid colloquialisms in formal writing.