there is a sort of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there is a sort of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a vague or approximate quality or type of something. Example: "There is a sort of charm in the way she tells stories that captivates her audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are also tired of tourism, so there is a sort of rejection of the camera.

The Guardian - Arts

"There is a sort of taboo.

The New York Times - Travel

There is a sort of gallows humour.

The Guardian - Books

There is a sort of exception.

The Guardian - Travel

"There is a sort of archetypal, mystical quality about it.

The New Yorker

So there is a sort of manic-depressive cycle".

Independent

There is a sort of timeless delight in them.

The Economist

But there is a sort of fatigue setting in.

The New York Times

"There is a sort of mental cleansing that goes on".

The New Yorker

And so there is a sort of a schizophrenia.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

There is a sort-of serious point being made.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there is a sort of" to introduce an approximation or a subjective assessment. For example, "There is a sort of magic in the air during the holidays."

Common error

Avoid using "there is a sort of" excessively, as it can make your writing sound vague and unassertive. Instead, consider using more precise language when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is a sort of" functions as a hedge or qualifier. It softens a statement by indicating that something possesses a quality or characteristic in an approximate or indefinite manner. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it introduces a sense of vagueness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there is a sort of" is a versatile expression used to indicate approximation or vagueness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it is generally acceptable, it's important to avoid overuse and to consider more precise language when appropriate. The phrase's neutral to informal register makes it suitable for a wide range of writing styles, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there is a kind of

Replaces "sort" with "kind", offering a very similar meaning but with a slightly different word choice.

there is a type of

Substitutes "sort" with "type", indicating a similar level of approximation.

there is something of a

Emphasizes that the characteristic exists to some degree, but not fully.

there is a semblance of

Suggests an outward appearance or imitation of something.

there is an element of

Highlights a particular component or aspect that is present.

there is a hint of

Indicates a subtle or slight presence of something.

there is a touch of

Similar to "hint of", but possibly even more subtle.

there is a degree of

Implies that something exists to a certain extent or level.

there appears to be a

Adds a level of uncertainty, suggesting that something seems to exist.

there seems to be a

Similar to "appears to be a", indicating an impression rather than a certainty.

FAQs

What does "there is a sort of" mean?

The phrase "there is a sort of" indicates that something has a particular quality, characteristic, or state to some degree, but it may not be entirely accurate or complete. It implies a vague or approximate description.

How can I use "there is a sort of" in a sentence?

You can use "there is a sort of" to soften a statement or to describe something that is not easily defined. For example, "There is a sort of quietness that descends upon the forest at dusk."

What are some alternatives to "there is a sort of"?

Alternatives include "there is a kind of", "there is a type of", or "there is something of a" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "there is a sort of" formal or informal?

"There is a sort of" leans towards the informal side. For more formal writing, consider using phrases like "there is a degree of" or "there is an element of".