A sorites is a series of two or more enthymemes where the predicate of each statement is the subject of the next with their intermediate conclusions implied.

Before expansion of the ordinary language sorites into standard form with major, minor, and conclusion, the predicate of the first statement is the subject of the next statement, and so likewise until the final conclusion where its subject is the same subject of the first statement and the predicate is the predicate of the final minor premise.

In order to expand an Aristotelian sorites each intermediate statement is a major premise of one of the syllogisms.The first statement is the minor premise of the the first syllogism, and the conclusion of each syllogism is the minor premise of the next syllogism.

For example:

Studying philosophy improves analytical ability.

What improves analytic ability improves the mind.

What improves the mind helps the citizenry.

What helps the citizenry deserves to be promoted.

Thus, studying philosophy deserves to be promoted.

To test this sorites, the argument is translated into standard form and order. Implicit statement are bracketed thusly: [ … ]

All instances of improved analytical ability are cases of improved minds.

All times of studying philosophy are instances of improved analytical ability.

[All times of studying philosophy are cases of improved minds]

All instances of improved minds are occurrences of better citizenry

All times of studying philosophy are instances of improved minds].

[All times of studying philosophy are occurrences of better citizenry]

All occurrences of better citizenry are occasions to be encouraged.

[All times of studying philosophy are occurrences of better citizenry.]

All times of studying philosophy are occasions to be encouraged.

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