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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Sort of like
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
56 human-written examples
Sort of like leprosy.
News & Media
It's sort of like goat.
News & Media
"It's sort of like boxing.
News & Media
It's sort of like time travel.
News & Media
"It's sort of like love.
News & Media
Well, sort of like Jesus".
News & Media
It's sort of like betting.
News & Media
Sort of like therapy, too".
News & Media
Sort of like, well, Britain.
News & Media
"It's sort of like shock and awe.
News & Media
It's sort of, like, unbelievable".
News & Media
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".
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.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
kind of like
Indicates a similar degree of approximation or resemblance.
similar to
Expresses a direct comparison, highlighting shared characteristics.
somewhat like
Indicates a partial or limited similarity.
in a way like
Highlights a specific aspect in which two things are alike.
much like
Emphasizes a strong degree of similarity.
reminiscent of
Suggests a similarity that evokes a memory or feeling.
More alternative expressions(6)
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested