this sort of thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this sort of thing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a general concept or idea without getting into specifics. For example: "I don't want to get into the details, but I'm sure you understand this sort of thing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This sort of thing.

The Guardian

But this sort of thing is ridiculous.

The New Yorker

This sort of thing has a history.

The New York Times - Arts

This sort of thing is inherently unpredictable.

The Economist

Politicians love this sort of thing.

The Economist

This sort of thing still happens today.

The New York Times

This sort of thing never ends well.

The New York Times - Arts

Serota excels at this sort of thing.

The New Yorker

This sort of thing goes way back.

The New York Times

This sort of thing never happens there.

Independent

In short, this sort of thing happens.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your context. While versatile, the phrase might not suit highly formal or technical writing where more precise language is expected.

Common error

Avoid relying on "this sort of thing" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound vague or lazy. Substitute with more descriptive terms when possible to provide clarity and depth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this sort of thing" functions as a general noun phrase, often used as a placeholder for specific details or examples. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, indicating that it's a standard English expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this sort of thing" is a versatile phrase used to refer to general concepts or situations without being overly specific. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. While it's acceptable in many contexts, it's important to consider the formality of your writing and avoid overuse. For more formal settings, consider using more precise alternatives such as "similar occurrences" or "such events". Be mindful of clarity and specificity to ensure your writing remains engaging and informative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that kind of thing

Uses "kind" instead of "sort", offering a slightly different nuance but maintaining the same general meaning.

that sort of behavior

Replaces "thing" with "behavior", focusing on actions or conduct rather than a general concept.

this type of activity

Substitutes "sort" with "type" and "thing" with "activity", highlighting a specific action or pursuit.

similar occurrences

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal term, emphasizing the repetition of events.

such events

Uses a more concise and formal expression to refer to happenings or incidents.

these instances

Focuses on specific examples or cases, providing a more concrete reference.

this pattern

Highlights a recurring sequence or arrangement, shifting the emphasis to predictability.

this phenomenon

Introduces a more scientific or academic term to describe an observable fact or event.

this practice

Refers to a customary or habitual way of doing something, emphasizing routine.

this situation

Highlights the circumstances or conditions surrounding an event, focusing on context.

FAQs

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

You can use "this sort of thing" to refer to general situations or concepts, like in the sentence: "I'm not a fan of "that sort of music", but I appreciate the effort."

What phrases are similar to "this sort of thing"?

Similar phrases include "that kind of thing", "such events", or "similar occurrences", depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "this sort of thing" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "this sort of thing" might be too informal for academic papers or business reports. Consider using more precise language in those contexts.

How can I avoid overusing "this sort of thing" in my writing?

To prevent overuse, try to replace it with more descriptive and specific terms that accurately reflect what you're referring to. Instead of saying "I don't like "this sort of thing"", specify what exactly you dislike.