this sort of

USAGE SUMMARY

"this sort of" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It can be used to refer to a more specific example of something previously mentioned. For example: Not all dogs like to play fetch, but this sort of activity is popular with some breeds.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do teachers resist this sort of program?

The New York Times

But this sort of thing is ridiculous.

The New Yorker

What rules this sort of situation?

The New York Times

This sort of encapsulates the point.

The Economist

This sort of thing has a history.

The New York Times - Arts

This sort of talk may seem familiar.

The New York Times - Sports

This sort of thing never ends well.

The New York Times - Arts

Did you expect this sort of reaction?

The New York Times

I struggle with this sort of stuff.

Independent

But this sort of change is gradual.

The Economist

This sort of uncertainty discourages investors.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this sort of" to refer back to something already mentioned, creating a clear connection for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "sort of" excessively as a hedge or filler. While "this sort of" is acceptable, overusing "sort of" on its own weakens your writing. Be direct and specific instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this sort of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically acting as a pre-modifier to a noun. It helps to classify or categorize the noun it precedes. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a common and accepted way to refer back to a more specific example.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this sort of" is a versatile and commonly used determiner phrase for specifying or categorizing nouns. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in written English. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, holding a neutral register suitable for both everyday conversation and professional writing. While alternatives like "this type of" and "this kind of" exist, "this sort of" remains a reliable and widely accepted choice. To maintain writing clarity, it's advisable to use "this sort of" to refer back to something already mentioned and avoid overusing "sort of" as a mere filler.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this type of

Replaces "sort" with "type", maintaining the same meaning.

this kind of

Substitutes "sort" with "kind", resulting in a phrase with identical meaning.

this variety of

Uses "variety" instead of "sort", emphasizing the diversity within the category.

this manner of

Replaces "sort" with "manner", focusing on the way something is done or happens.

such a type of

Reorders the words and introduces "such a", providing a slightly more formal tone.

this form of

Uses "form" in place of "sort", highlighting the structure or shape of something.

this category of

Substitutes "sort" with "category", emphasizing the classification of something.

this genre of

Replaces "sort" with "genre", specifically referring to a class or category in arts or culture.

this class of

Uses "class" instead of "sort", referring to a group with shared characteristics.

a similar kind of

Adds "similar" to indicate a resemblance to a previously mentioned type.

FAQs

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

Use "this sort of" to refer to a specific category or type of something you've already mentioned. For example, "I enjoy reading novels; this sort of entertainment helps me relax."

What's a good alternative to "this sort of"?

Alternatives include "this type of", "this kind of", or "such a type of" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "this sort of" and "this kind of"?

The phrases "this sort of" and "this kind of" are largely interchangeable and carry the same meaning. The choice between them is often a matter of personal preference.

When should I avoid using "this sort of"?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "this sort of" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language may be preferred. Consider using specific classifications instead.