things of the sort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things of the sort" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase is used to refer to things that are similar or related to a certain thing. For example, "I've heard of other cases like this one; things of the sort, you know."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

NASA has done great things, of the sort that private enterprise would not and should not cough up for, with its unmanned scientific space missions.

The Economist

(iii) Since the cases in which we experience sense-data include cases in which no material things of the sort in question, or with the features in question, are experienced, it follows that sense-data are not (in general) material things, or elements in the environment independent of the individual experiencer.

SEP

Know what is going on, be up to date on trends, at least know about political events, music, and things of the sort.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This might be because, although we experience something of the sort in question, the thing we experience lacks the features in question; or it might be because we don't experience a thing of the sort in question at all.

SEP

It sets a limit to the things of that sort" (2004: 73).

SEP

Not, all things considered, the sort of thing to be expected from the stolid, earthbound Netherlanders, except that they took to it like ducks to a Dutch canal.

The New Yorker

These are the sorts of things and the sorts of needs that inspired me to want to be a lawyer.

Huffington Post

Which is to say – for those who like this sort of thing, this is the sort of thing they like.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I draw up a list of the sort of things likely to provoke complaint, so that I can avoid them.

Independent

"It was a really good example of the sort of things Becky does well.

Huffington Post

Take an obvious example of the sort of thing we see.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "things of the sort", ensure the context clearly establishes what 'sort' you're referring to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.

Common error

While acceptable in general writing, avoid "things of the sort" in highly formal or academic contexts. Opt for more precise and descriptive language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things of the sort" functions as a general noun phrase, allowing the speaker or writer to refer to a category of items or experiences without listing them individually. It's a convenient way to group similar concepts, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "things of the sort" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to refer to items or situations similar to those already mentioned. According to Ludwig, while versatile, it is best suited for general conversational and writing contexts, and may be less appropriate in formal or technical writing where more precise language is warranted. Its frequency is common, appearing in various sources like News & Media and Science. The phrase offers a convenient shorthand for grouping related concepts while avoiding redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

items of that nature

Emphasizes the inherent characteristics or qualities of the items being referred to, rather than just their classification.

matters of that kind

Focuses on the subject or issue at hand, implying a certain level of importance or complexity.

objects of that variety

Highlights the diversity or range of the objects in question, suggesting a spectrum of possibilities.

affairs of this type

Implies involvement or concern, often used in contexts where discretion or sensitivity is required.

phenomena of that ilk

Introduces a sense of intrigue or peculiarity, drawing attention to the unusual or extraordinary nature of the phenomena.

incidents of that class

Conveys a sense of order or organization, suggesting a systematic or hierarchical arrangement.

examples of that fashion

Evokes a sense of style or trend, implying a cultural or aesthetic dimension to the examples being cited.

occurrences of that breed

Suggests a lineage or heritage, often used in contexts where tradition or history is relevant.

aspects of that character

Highlights the unique attributes or traits of the aspects being considered, inviting closer examination.

instances of that stripe

Conveys a sense of individuality or distinctiveness, emphasizing the unique qualities of the instances being cited.

FAQs

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

Use "things of the sort" to refer to items or situations similar to those previously mentioned. For example, "I enjoy hiking, camping, and "other things of the sort"".

What is a more formal alternative to "things of the sort"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "similar items", "related matters", or "comparable instances" instead of "things of the sort".

Is "things of the sort" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "things of the sort" is generally too informal for academic writing. Opt for more specific and precise language to enhance clarity.

What's the difference between "things of the sort" and "something like that"?

"Things of the sort" implies a category or type of items, whereas "something like that" is more vague and can refer to a broader range of possibilities. Choose the phrase that best fits the level of specificity required.