they are sort of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are sort of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a degree of uncertainty or to indicate that something is not entirely one way or another. Example: "They are sort of like siblings, having grown up together in the same neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Somehow they are sort of monuments".

The New York Times - Arts

They are sort of psychedelic nan shoes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are sort of high-tech chairs".

The New York Times

"They are sort of fanzines for misogyny.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are sort of the doomsday-scenario bugs".

The New Yorker

They are sort of opposite sides of the same coin.

Independent

"They are sort of a yin-and-yang personality.

The New York Times

"They are sort of unknown quantities," she said.

The New York Times

"They are sort of sleep-away camp friends," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a setup for having stereotypes shattered, and they are, sort of.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"His relations with his assistant/companion are always platonic and they are... sort of...but with a ton of sexual chemistry".'.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are sort of" when you want to express a degree of uncertainty or approximation. It's ideal for casual contexts where precise language isn't necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "they are sort of" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "they are somewhat" or "they are relatively" to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "they are sort of" is as a qualifier or hedge. It modifies a statement, expressing a degree of approximation or uncertainty. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable, reflecting its common usage in modifying statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are sort of" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to indicate approximation, uncertainty, or a qualified statement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, although it's important to note that its register is generally informal. While examples can be found across various contexts, including news and media, it's advisable to reserve it for casual conversation and less formal writing. In more formal settings, alternatives like "they are somewhat" or "they are relatively" are more appropriate to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are kind of

Very similar in meaning and usage, providing a casual alternative to "sort of".

they are somewhat

Indicates a degree of something, similar to "sort of", but may imply a slightly higher degree or formality.

they are almost

Similar to 'nearly', indicating that something is just shy of being a certain way.

they are nearly

Suggests approaching a certain state or condition, emphasizing closeness.

they are virtually

Implies something is effectively or practically the same, though not in every detail.

they are practically

Similar to 'virtually', emphasizing a real-world effect or outcome.

they are roughly

Indicates an estimated or approximate state, typically quantifiable.

they are approximately

A more formal alternative to 'roughly', denoting an estimated value.

they resemble

Focuses on similarity in appearance or nature, rather than approximation.

they are similar to

States a likeness between things, without implying exact equivalence.

FAQs

What does "they are sort of" mean?

The phrase "they are sort of" indicates that something is approximately or somewhat the case. It implies a degree of uncertainty or that something doesn't entirely fit a specific description.

When is it appropriate to use "they are sort of"?

The phrase "they are sort of" is suitable for informal conversation, casual writing, or situations where precision isn't crucial. It's best to avoid it in formal or academic contexts.

What can I say instead of "they are sort of"?

You can use alternatives like "they are somewhat", "they are kind of", or "they are almost" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "they are sort of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "they are sort of" is grammatically correct, although it is considered informal. It follows standard English syntax and is widely understood.