Language Research

sort · noun

/sɔːrt/Full view

sort

A2 C a type of something

Dictionary examples:

We both like the same sort of music.

I'm going to have a salad of some sort.

What sort of shoes will I need?

This sort of camera is very expensive.

Plants of this sort need lots of sun.

Learner example:

I like rap and techno but I don't know if everybody love[s] this sort of music! (Key English Test; A2; Others)

all sorts of sth

A2 many different types of something

Dictionary examples:

They had all sorts of jewelry for sale.

We saw all sorts of animals in the park.

Learner example:

I like all sorts of music but I prefer urban music! (Key English Test; A2; French)

that sort of thing

B1 used to show that what you have just said is only an example from a larger group of things

Dictionary example:

They sell souvenirs, postcards, that sort of thing.

Learner example:

I also enjoy using new clothes for the first time, but I prefer buying other stuff like electronic devices or that sort of thing. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

sort of

B2 used to describe something approximately

Dictionary examples:

It's a sort of pale orange color.

They were sort of waving.

Learner example:

I sort of felt like I had done my part to make the concert a suc[c]ess. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

sort · verb T

/sɔːrt/

sort (ORDER)

B2 to arrange things into different groups or types or into an order

Dictionary examples:

Paper, plastic and cans are sorted for recycling.

I'm going to sort these books into ones to keep and ones to give away.

You can use the computer to sort the newspaper articles alphabetically, by date, or by subject.

sort out sth or sort sth out (SOLVE PROBLEM)

B2 to successfully deal with something, such as a problem or difficult situation

Dictionary examples:

Did you get your schedule sorted out yet?

There are a few things I need to sort out at work.

Learner example:

The reason why I can't do that late in the evening is that they need the car themselves then, to sort out some last things before the wedding. (First Certificate in English; B2; Norwegian)

sort out sth or sort sth out (ORGANIZE)

B2 to organize or arrange things that are not neat

Dictionary example:

I need to sort out my closet.

Learner example:

To keep myself busy I started to sort out the files on my desk. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)