various sorts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "various sorts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to different types or categories of something. Example: "The market offers various sorts of fruits, including tropical and seasonal varieties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There were competing mosques of various sorts".

The New York Times - Books

"Measures" were dance steps of various sorts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And cruelty-free products of various sorts.

The Guardian - Sport

Democratically, by legislation to criminalise various sorts of malware practices.

The Guardian - Tech

Instead, rhymes of various sorts layer to produce meaning.

The Guardian - Books

Animals of various sorts pop up again and again.

The New York Times

They are plagued by various sorts of piracy.

The New Yorker

Crises of various sorts are partly to blame.

The Economist

Partly as a result, many towns in the state boast bandstands of various sorts.

The New York Times

Today, communal living arrangements of various sorts are appealing to a broad group of single women.

The New York Times

Juan Miguel's uncle, Lazaro, is said to be weighing movie and book deals of various sorts.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "various sorts", ensure the context clearly indicates the basis for the variety or classification. For example, specify "various sorts of apples" rather than just "various sorts" if the items being described are apples.

Common error

Avoid using "various sorts" without providing sufficient context. Ensure the reader understands what is being categorized. Overuse can lead to vague and uninformative writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "various sorts" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically indicating that there are multiple categories or types of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and acceptable construction, exemplified by phrases like "various sorts of clothing" and "various sorts of insects."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "various sorts" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to denote multiple types or categories. Ludwig AI indicates it’s suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedic entries, and scientific writing. While versatile, ensure that it's accompanied by sufficient context to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "different types" or "assorted kinds" can be used for variety, but "various sorts" remains a clear and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

different types

Emphasizes the distinction between categories, similar to 'various sorts'.

assorted kinds

Highlights the mixed and varied nature of the items, akin to 'various sorts'.

diverse varieties

Focuses on the diversity within the range, like 'various sorts' but more formal.

multiple forms

Indicates that something exists in several distinct shapes or manifestations.

several categories

Highlights different established groupings, similar to 'various sorts'.

a range of types

Specifies a spectrum of options, comparable to 'various sorts'.

a multitude of classes

Suggests a great number of different groupings.

many different species

Focuses on biological or scientific classifications within a set.

a number of breeds

Relates primarily to animals, but can be extended to other domains when highlighting differences within a common lineage.

an array of options

Focuses on offering a selection or choice, somewhat similar to 'various sorts'.

FAQs

How can I use "various sorts" in a sentence?

Use "various sorts" to indicate different types or categories. For instance, "The store sells various sorts of cheese" implies a range of cheese types.

What phrases can I use instead of "various sorts"?

You can use alternatives like "different types", "assorted kinds", or "diverse varieties" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "various sorts" or "different kinds"?

"Various sorts" and "different kinds" are largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific tone you wish to convey. "Various sorts" might sound slightly more formal in some contexts.

What's the difference between "various types" and "various sorts"?

"Various types" and "various sorts" are very similar in meaning and usage. The distinction is subtle, with "various types" potentially implying a more structured or scientific classification, while "various sorts" can be slightly more informal or general.