what sort of situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what sort of situation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about the nature or type of a particular circumstance or context. Example: "Can you describe what sort of situation led to this decision?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In what sort of situation might I be using it, sir?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

What rules this sort of situation?

The New York Times

We even know what sorts of situations are likely to trigger these evolutionary leaps: habitat encroachment and close association with other species, especially with those closely related to us.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Ask about a time frame for arranging work-from-home opportunities, or what sorts of situations would allow you to work at home.

WikiHow

Also include what sort of professional situation you are looking for at this time.

Huffington Post

In encountering new problem situations, we determine what sort of ethical reaction to the new situation is correct by asking which of the cases in which we've had paradigm judgments are relevantly similar.

SEP

Confucianism and Daoism emphasize the need to to pay attention to the concrete details of the situation at hand and displays healthy skepticism about the power of general principle to reveal what sort of action is suitable to the situation.

SEP

And understanding what sort of deal patients get in an urgent or emergency situation, so that's being independently evaluated by [local university]." (PCO 26. Community matrons.

BMC Health Services Research

Ask your psychiatrist about what sort of treatments he often suggests to people in your situation.

WikiHow

"What sort of thing?" "Exercises.

The New Yorker

But what sort of weapon?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what sort of situation", ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you are seeking a general categorization or a more specific description of the circumstances. Be prepared to provide clarifying details or examples if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using overly formal alternatives like "what manner of situation" in everyday conversation, as it can sound stilted or unnatural. Reserve such phrasing for more formal writing or specific rhetorical effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what sort of situation" functions as an interrogative phrase, used to inquire about the nature, type, or characteristics of a particular set of circumstances. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable. It prompts for a description or categorization of an event or scenario.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what sort of situation" is a versatile interrogative phrase used to inquire about the nature or type of a circumstance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki articles. While it is generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives exist for academic or professional settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in your inquiry, indicating whether you seek a general categorization or a specific description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what kind of situation

Uses "kind" instead of "sort", offering a slightly more informal tone but maintaining semantic equivalence.

what type of situation

Replaces "sort" with "type", resulting in a synonymous expression with a slightly more formal feel.

what manner of situation

Employs "manner" instead of "sort", increasing formality and suggesting a more critical or analytical inquiry.

what form of situation

Substitutes "sort" with "form", focusing on the structure or configuration of the situation.

what variety of situation

Replaces "sort" with "variety", emphasizing the diversity or range of possible situations.

under what circumstances

Shifts focus to the surrounding conditions that define the situation, implying a search for contributing factors.

in what context

Broadens the inquiry to the overall setting or environment, rather than the specific situation itself.

what are the characteristics of the situation

Breaks down the inquiry into specific attributes or features, seeking a detailed description.

what is the nature of the situation

Explores the inherent qualities or essence of the situation, aiming for a deeper understanding.

how would you describe the situation

Solicits a subjective assessment or interpretation of the situation from another person.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what sort of situation" to sound more casual?

You can use phrases like "what kind of situation" or simply, "what's going on?" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "what sort of situation" and "what type of situation"?

The phrases "what sort of situation" and "what type of situation" are largely interchangeable and carry the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "what sort of situation"?

The phrase "what sort of situation" is appropriate in a wide range of contexts, from informal conversations to formal reports, whenever you need to inquire about the nature or characteristics of a particular set of circumstances.

What are some more formal alternatives to "what sort of situation"?

More formal alternatives include "under what circumstances" or "what is the nature of the situation", which are suitable for academic or professional settings.