It takes all sorts
/ɪt teɪks ɔːl sɔrts/
B2
Definition
This phrase is used to say that many different types of people exist and that all kinds of characters or personalities are part of life. It often means we should accept or understand people even if they are very different from us.
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See It in Action
Recognition of diversity in people’s characters or behaviors
- •It takes all sorts to make a world, so don’t be surprised by people’s different actions.
- •We all have different opinions because it takes all sorts to live together.
- •Remember, it takes all sorts—some people are quiet, some are loud, and that’s okay.
Acceptance that different personalities and types are necessary or normal
- •In a team, it takes all sorts to succeed because different skills are needed.
- •It takes all sorts in a family, and sometimes you have to accept strange habits.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "It takes all sorts" like "people are different," but with a friendly and accepting feeling—it means all kinds of people are important or needed.
- ✓Picture a big garden with many kinds of flowers—each one is different but makes the garden beautiful together.
- ✓It’s the feeling when you meet a group of friends who are all very different but still enjoy being together.
- ✓Sounds like "It takes all sorts" → imagine a basket full of different fruits, each one unique and needed to make a tasty mix.
- ✓Think of stories or movies where different characters with different skills come together to solve a problem—each person matters.
- ✓NOT like "everyone is the same" which means no difference; this phrase celebrates differences.
- ✓NOT like "only the best" or "only one type"—this phrase means all types, good or bad, are part of the world.
Try Other Words
- •Variety of people: many different kinds of people (Use when talking about many types without strong feeling)
- •All kinds of people: every type of person (Use when emphasizing diversity in a neutral way)
- •Everyone is different: people have different characters (Use when focusing on difference without acceptance tone)
- •People are diverse: people have many differences (Use in formal or general contexts)
Unboxing
- •Phrase made of simple words: "it takes" (means "it needs") + "all sorts" (means "all types" or "all kinds")
- •"Sorts" means types or kinds of things or people
- •Origin: This phrase is an old English saying, used for a long time to explain that many types of people exist in the world
- •Used today in everyday speech to accept or explain human differences
- •The phrase is often used to calm or explain strange behavior by saying everyone is different
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you used or heard "It takes all sorts" to explain someone’s unusual behavior?
•How does saying "It takes all sorts" help people be more patient or kind with others who are different?
Fill in the blanks
1.When working in a team, it takes all sorts ___ to complete different tasks well.
2.My grandmother always said, "It takes all sorts" ___ when people have different opinions.
3.Saying "It takes all sorts" helps us ___ people who act or think differently from us.
4.Unlike saying "everyone is the same," "It takes all sorts" ___ that people are very different.
5.In a big city, it takes all sorts ___ because people come from many places and backgrounds.
6.When you hear strange behavior, remember, it takes all sorts ___ to make the world interesting.
7.The phrase "It takes all sorts" is often used ___ to explain or accept unusual actions or ideas.