the sort that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the sort that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific type or category of something, often followed by a noun or clause that provides more detail. Example: "She enjoys reading novels, especially the sort that transport her to different worlds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sort that could climb Everest.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dr. Deaton's story is the sort that makes people cringe.

The New York Times - Health

It's equality, but not of the sort that counts.

The Guardian

Financial innovation of the sort that encouraged risk to multiply elsewhere is scarcely known in Japan.

The Economist

(Ryan Rumery's electronic music is the sort that might trigger Ecstasy flashbacks).

The New York Times

Pernickety state watchdogs of the sort that kept Apple out of Massachusetts will lose their say.

The Economist

This is scandalous stuff, but perhaps not of the sort that moves merchandise.

The New York Times - Books

Its problems with Pakistan are not of the sort that can be solved militarily.

The Economist

The party itself was of the sort that might delight any novelist, romantic or otherwise.

The New Yorker

The stories were mildly unflattering (of the sort that have since come out).

The New York Times

She's got a husky voice, the sort that sounds bruised regardless of how it's deployed.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the sort that" to clearly categorize or specify a particular instance within a broader group. For example, "He enjoys movies, especially "the sort that" make you think."

Common error

Avoid using "the sort that" when a more specific descriptor would provide clarity. Instead of saying, "It was "the sort that" made him uneasy", specify the quality causing unease, such as "It was the ambiguity that made him uneasy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the sort that" functions as a relative clause, introducing additional information about a preceding noun. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. For instance, "The party was "the sort that" might delight any novelist" (from The New Yorker).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sort that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as a relative clause to specify or categorize something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts and serves to provide clarity by narrowing down general concepts. While versatile, it's best practice to avoid overuse and ensure that it adds value to the clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the type that

Direct synonym, replacing "sort" with "type" for a very similar meaning.

the kind that

Similar to "the type that", using "kind" to specify a category.

of the variety that

More formal and verbose, emphasizing the variety or class.

the style that

Focuses on a particular style or manner.

the character that

Emphasizes the distinctive traits or characteristics.

the nature that

Highlights the inherent qualities or essence.

the description that

Highlights the description that defines something.

the brand that

Specifies a brand with certain characteristics.

the model that

Refers to a specific model within a broader category.

the ilk that

A more formal or literary way of saying "the sort that".

FAQs

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

Use "the sort that" to describe a particular type or category of something. For instance, "She appreciates books, particularly "the sort that" explore complex moral themes."

What are some alternatives to "the sort that"?

You can use phrases like "the type that", "the kind that", or "of the variety that", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the sort of that" instead of "the sort that"?

No, the correct phrase is "the sort that". Adding "of" is grammatically incorrect and alters the meaning.

How does "the sort that" differ from "such as"?

"The sort that" is used to categorize, while "such as" is used to provide examples. For example, "He enjoys "the sort that" are action-packed (categorizing)" versus "He enjoys movies such as action movies (examples)".