sort of
sorta
/ˈsɔrɾə/ReductionT sounds
In real speech
What happens to the sounds
of becomes /ə/, the f drops out, and the t between vowels is a flap T (American): sort of → “SORD-a”.
When to use it
Same as kinda: uncertainty or “in a way”. British speakers keep the t clearer.
Casual → formal
Slang
sorta
Neutral
sort of
Formal
to some extent
Sound notes
Reduction: unstressed words get squeezed, and their vowels turn into the neutral sound /ə/.