under the sort of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under the sort of" is not standard in written English and may be considered awkward or incorrect.
It could be used in informal contexts where one is trying to describe a category or type of something, but it is better to use more conventional expressions. Example: "We are operating under the sort of conditions that require extra caution."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

I couldn't write under the sort of pressure I had with my early books".

The Guardian - Books

But Dr. Burkes now insists that he suffered from attention deficit disorder and was unable to make thoughtful decisions under the sort of pressure he faced that day.

The New York Times

But he's yet to demonstrate that he can win with his new Nike clubs, especially under the sort of pressure that the Masters entails.

The New Yorker

It's the most anticipated returning drama of the year, shrouded in secrecy and filmed under the sort of spoiler lockdown that would make Star Wars proud.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"We should, I think, be very sorry that this decision has been made, equally we are sorry that the organising committee and board has been put under the sort of pressure it has over the past few days.

The Guardian

His high-profile campaign to bring the Internet to Syria is calculated to appeal to a generation chafing under the sort of septuagenarian rulers and archaic Nasserite rhetoric that will mark the Arab summit.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The service has grown more polished with the years, and now, under Nigel Sutcliffe (the "sort-of manager," Mr. Blumenthal calls him), waiters can explain the most complex dishes quickly and clearly.

The New York Times - Food

And yet the law had already permitted Jones to ask, and required Clinton to answer under oath, the sort of aggressively intrusive questions any man would do what he could to evade, the law be damned.

The New York Times - Books

So he practices a sad under-the-table sort of medicine among Russian immigrants.

The New York Times - Books

While other discount businesses faded from the retail landscape, Rothmans was repositioned as an under-the-radar sort of place for men who were looking to get in and get out fast, with a nice suit or tux.

The New York Times

Australian doctors have never been under the sorts of pressures that they currently endure, while being faced with reduced resources.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under the sort of", ensure the context clearly defines what 'sort' of condition, pressure, or influence is being referred to. Vague references can confuse the reader. Instead of saying something like: "The project failed under the sort of pressures", be more explicit by saying, "The project failed under the sort of budgetary pressures that plague many startups".

Common error

Avoid using "under the sort of" excessively, as it can weaken your writing and make it sound less confident. Overusing "sort of" in conjunction with this phrase can dilute the impact of your statement. Instead of saying something like, "He was operating under the sort of pressure, sort of", opt for a more direct and assertive phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the sort of" functions as a prepositional modifier, specifying the nature or category of a condition, pressure, or influence that something or someone is subjected to. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase itself is considered somewhat awkward.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "under the sort of" is used to describe conditions or pressures, it is considered somewhat awkward by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to categorize a specific type of influence, mainly in neutral to formal settings like news and media. For more formal or clear communication, consider alternatives such as "subject to this type of", "facing this variety of", or other alternatives. While grammatically acceptable, mindful and judicious use of "under the sort of" will keep your writing precise and authoritative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to the type of

Replaces "under" with "subject to" while maintaining the core meaning.

experiencing this kind of

Focuses on the experience of the condition rather than the influence.

facing this variety of

Highlights the variety or range of conditions being experienced.

exposed to this form of

Emphasizes the exposure to a particular condition or influence.

affected by this manner of

Highlights the impact or effect of the condition.

governed by this style of

Implies that the conditions are dictating or controlling something.

controlled by this nature of

Similar to "governed by" but emphasizes the inherent nature of the condition.

in this category of

Emphasizes categorization or classification of the conditions.

within this class of

Similar to "in this category of" but slightly more formal.

under similar circumstances

Simplifies the phrase to focus on the similarity of circumstances without specifying the 'sort'.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "under the sort of pressure" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "subject to this type of pressure", "experiencing this kind of pressure", or /s/facing+this+variety+of "facing this variety of pressure" depending on the intended nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to say "under the sort of conditions"?

While understandable, "under the sort of conditions" can sound awkward. Consider alternatives like "subject to these conditions" or "in these circumstances" for improved clarity and grammatical flow.

What's the difference between "under the sort of" and "under similar" circumstances?

"Under the sort of" specifies a particular type of condition or pressure, while "under similar circumstances" implies a general resemblance in situation without specifying the nature of those circumstances.

When is it appropriate to use "under the sort of" in writing?

Use "under the sort of" when you want to emphasize a specific category or type of influence or pressure. Ensure the context provides clarity about the nature of this 'sort'. If the specific nature isn't important, simpler phrases like "under these conditions" may be more effective.