there was a sort of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there was a sort of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an impression or a vague quality of something, often when the speaker is unsure or wants to convey a sense of ambiguity. Example: "As I entered the room, there was a sort of tension in the air that made me feel uneasy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was a sort of power there".

Independent

There was a sort of magic there.

The Guardian

There was a sort of melancholy.

The Guardian - Music

There was a sort of double bookkeeping, forced by circumstances.

The New York Times

"So there was a sort of fortuitous side to this".

The New York Times

Still, there was a sort of international air to it.

The New York Times

There was a sort of desperate celebration to it.

The New Yorker

"There was a sort of one-upsmanship to it".

The New York Times - Magazine

There was a sort of equality about it".

The Guardian - Opinion

"And there was a sort of retrenchment in spending".

The New York Times

After that there was a sort of snowball effect.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there was a sort of" to introduce an observation or feeling that is not precise or easily defined. This phrase works well when you want to avoid being overly assertive or specific in your description.

Common error

Avoid using "there was a sort of" excessively, as it can weaken your writing and make it seem indecisive. Strive for more precise language when possible to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there was a sort of" functions as a qualifier, softening a statement or observation. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates an indefinite or approximate quality, adding nuance without making a definitive claim. Examples show its use in describing feelings, atmospheres, or characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there was a sort of" serves as a versatile phrase to introduce a subjective impression or an imprecise quality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, predominantly in News & Media. While useful for adding nuance, overuse can weaken writing, making it essential to balance vagueness with clarity. Alternatives like ""there was a kind of"" or ""there was an element of"" can offer similar effects with slight variations in emphasis. Ultimately, mastering its application enhances writing with descriptive flexibility and tonal control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there was a quality of

Replaces "sort of" with "quality of", emphasizing an attribute or characteristic.

there was an element of

Substitutes "sort of" with "element of", focusing on a component or aspect of something.

there was a degree of

Replaces "sort of" with "degree of" indicating a measured amount of something.

there was a hint of

Substitutes "sort of" with "hint of", suggesting a subtle or indirect indication.

there was a touch of

Replaces "sort of" with "touch of", indicating a slight or delicate presence of something.

there was a shade of

Substitutes "sort of" with "shade of", suggesting a subtle variation or nuance.

there existed a semblance of

Replaces "sort of" with "semblance of" to emphasize a superficial or outward appearance.

there seemed to be a trace of

Emphasizes the subjective perception of a subtle indication using "seemed to be a trace of".

it had a vaguely

Reformulates the sentence to use "vaguely" as an adverb, modifying the adjective that follows.

there was something vaguely like

Rephrases to highlight the indefinite and approximate nature of the comparison.

FAQs

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

Use "there was a sort of" to describe something that is not easily defined or has a vague quality. For example, "There was a sort of sadness in her eyes that I couldn't quite explain."

What phrases are similar to "there was a sort of"?

Similar phrases include "there was a kind of", "there was a hint of", or "there was an element of". Each conveys a sense of something being present but not strongly defined.

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

"There was a sort of" is generally considered informal and is more suitable for conversational or less formal writing. In formal contexts, consider using more precise and direct language.

When should I avoid using "there was a sort of"?

Avoid using "there was a sort of" in situations where precision and clarity are crucial, such as in scientific reports or legal documents. Opt for more definitive language to avoid ambiguity.