this is a sort of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is a sort of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a comparison or to describe something that is not exactly one thing but has characteristics of another. Example: "This is a sort of hybrid model that combines elements of both traditional and modern design."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

This is a sort of progress.

The New York Times - Books

"This is a sort of rough glamor".

The New York Times

"This is a sort of tipping point," he said.

The New York Times

This is a sort of alternative dimension Others can enter.

The New York Times - Tech

"This is a sort of pop-rock-folk-soul record.

The Guardian - Music

"This is a sort of watershed," she says.

The Guardian

Baroness Harding told the Times: "This is a sort of cyber security arms race.

Independent

"This is a sort of Super Bowl hangover for us," Barber said Friday.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is a sort of middle course they have adopted," he told the Dawn news channel.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

This is a sort-of symbiosis of these two long-past cultural phenomena.

Vice

Here, she explained one of her latest pieces, "Moon Mirror .This is a sort of reflection tower.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is a sort of" when you want to convey that something doesn't perfectly fit a category or definition, allowing for nuance and flexibility in your description.

Common error

Avoid using "this is a sort of" excessively, as it can weaken your writing and make it seem less precise. Opt for more direct language when possible to strengthen your descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is a sort of" functions as a qualifier, introducing an approximation or resemblance rather than a precise definition. Ludwig AI examples show it softening claims across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

29%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is a sort of" serves as a versatile qualifier, allowing speakers and writers to categorize or describe something in an approximate way. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very common across varied sources, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki. While adaptable, overuse should be avoided for precision. Consider alternatives like "this is somewhat like" or "this is akin to" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is somewhat like

Emphasizes a resemblance but suggests a degree of difference.

this is a bit like

Indicates a similarity, often in a casual or informal way.

this is akin to

Suggests a close resemblance, often used in more formal contexts.

this resembles

Focuses on the similarities in appearance or nature.

this is similar to

States a general similarity without specifying the degree.

this approximates to

Implies a rough or inexact correspondence.

this is analogous to

Highlights a parallel or comparison between two things.

this is roughly equivalent to

Indicates an approximate equivalence in value or meaning.

this is comparable to

Suggests that the two things are worthy of comparison.

this mirrors

Highlights a reflective or close correspondence.

FAQs

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

Use "this is a sort of" to describe something that approximates a particular category or characteristic, without being a perfect example. For instance, "This is a sort of compromise, where neither side gets everything they want."

What's the difference between "this is a sort of" and "this is a type of"?

"This is a type of" implies a more definitive categorization, whereas "this is a sort of" suggests a looser, more approximate classification. For example, saying "this is a type of apple" indicates it's definitively an apple, while "this is a sort of apple" implies it has apple-like qualities but might not be a perfect specimen.

Are there formal alternatives to "this is a sort of"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "this is analogous to", "this is akin to", or "this approximates to". These alternatives provide a similar meaning but with a more sophisticated tone.

When should I avoid using "this is a sort of"?

Avoid using "this is a sort of" when you need to be precise or when describing something that definitively belongs to a category. In those cases, use more direct language or phrases like "this is a" or "this is a type of".