all sorts: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1informal
Quick answer
What does “all sorts” mean?
A wide variety of different kinds of things or people.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A wide variety of different kinds of things or people.
Often used to emphasize diversity, abundance, or inclusivity within a group or collection; can imply an indiscriminate or comprehensive mix.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant structural differences. 'All sorts of' is equally common in both varieties. The singular form 'all sort of' is considered nonstandard but may be heard in some regional dialects.
Connotations
Slightly more colloquial in American English; equally common and neutral in British English.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “all sorts” in a Sentence
[verb] all sorts of [noun]There are all sorts of [noun][noun] of all sortsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “all sorts” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- People were queuing all sorts of ways.
- He's been up to all sorts lately.
American English
- They were lined up all sorts of ways.
- She's been getting into all sorts lately.
adjective
British English
- An all-sorts mixture of sweets is traditional.
- It was an all-sorts crowd at the festival.
American English
- The bag had an all-sorts mix of candy.
- It was an all-sorts group at the rally.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The survey revealed all sorts of customer feedback, from praise to serious complaints."
Academic
"The data can be interpreted in all sorts of ways, depending on the theoretical framework."
Everyday
"We found all sorts of interesting shells on the beach."
Technical
Rare in highly technical writing; replaced by more precise terms like 'a heterogeneous set'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “all sorts”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “all sorts”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “all sorts”
- Using a singular noun after 'all sorts' (e.g., *'all sorts of problem'*). Correct: 'all sorts of problems'. Using 'all sort of' (nonstandard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily informal. In formal writing, alternatives like 'various', 'a range of', or 'a variety of' are often preferred.
Always use the plural noun after 'all sorts of'. The correct form is 'all sorts of things/people/problems/reasons'.
They are virtually synonymous and interchangeable in most contexts. 'All sorts of' is slightly more common in British English.
Yes, when it stands alone as a noun phrase. For example: 'Q: What did you see? A: All sorts.' When it modifies another noun, 'of' is required.
A wide variety of different kinds of things or people.
All sorts: in British English it is pronounced /ɔːl sɔːts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɔːl sɔːrts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “all sorts and conditions (of men/people)”
- “be all sorts of (something) (e.g., 'He's all sorts of talented')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a giant 'SORTING' machine at a post office. It doesn't just handle letters (one sort), it handles packages, parcels, magazines — 'ALL SORTS' of mail.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER (a category) holding DIVERSE CONTENTS.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'all sorts' INCORRECTLY?