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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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Sort of like

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"sort of like" is a commonly used phrase in written English
It is generally used to mean "similar to" or "somewhat like." Example: The weather here is sort of like summer in Canada.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Sort of like leprosy.

News & Media

The New Yorker

It's sort of like goat.

"It's sort of like boxing.

News & Media

The New Yorker

It's sort of like time travel.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"It's sort of like love.

News & Media

The New York Times

Well, sort of like Jesus".

It's sort of like betting.

News & Media

The New York Times

Sort of like therapy, too".

Sort of like, well, Britain.

"It's sort of like shock and awe.

It's sort of, like, unbelievable".

News & Media

Forbes
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Use "sort of like" to introduce an analogy or comparison, making sure the comparison clarifies the point you're making. For example, "Learning this new software is "sort of like" learning a new language; it takes time and practice."

⚠ Common error

While "sort of like" is acceptable in informal writing, avoid it in formal or academic contexts. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives such as "similar to" or "comparable to".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of like" functions as a qualifier or hedge, softening a comparison or analogy. It indicates that something is similar to, but not exactly the same as, something else. Ludwig AI's examples showcase its role in making comparisons across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

6%

Science

25%

⚠ Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Sort of like" is a common phrase used to express similarity or resemblance in an inexact way. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media, though it leans towards informal registers. When writing, remember that it is better to use more precise language in formal academic or scientific writing. While "sort of like" serves as a useful hedge, consider alternatives such as "similar to" or "reminiscent of" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

FAQs

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

"Sort of like" is used to make a comparison or to indicate that something is similar to something else. For example, "His explanation was sort of like a riddle."

What are some alternatives to "sort of like"?

You can use alternatives like "similar to", "kind of like", or "reminiscent of" depending on the context.

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

"Sort of like" is generally appropriate in informal writing, conversations, or when you want to convey a sense of approximation. It might not be suitable for formal or academic writing.

What's the difference between "sort of like" and "exactly like"?

"Sort of like" indicates a partial similarity, while "exactly like" means the two things are identical. "Sort of like" implies an approximation, whereas "exactly like" implies precision.

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: