by some kind of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by some kind of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an unspecified type or category of something, often to indicate a lack of specificity. Example: "The project was delayed by some kind of unforeseen circumstance that we could not have predicted."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Well, by some kind of conducting pattern.

Yale University

That's imposed by some kind of original order.

Yale University

What do we mean by "some kind of error"?

The New York Times

All the stuff in yellow has been inferred by some kind of commonsense rule.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Officials said they believe the shooting was sparked by some kind of an argument.

The New York Times

Clearly, we're living in a bad political novel written by some kind of liberal.

The New York Times

None of this has been imposed by some kind of overarching and sinister censorship.

Independent

It is believed Mr Hunt had been enveloped by some kind of "super heat".

Independent

He was bitten by some kind of rodent as he slept.

The Guardian

Like Memfils, she reports being exploited by some kind of uniformed Libyan authority.

The Guardian

They are not concealed by some kind of strategy to mislead.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by some kind of" when you want to indicate a general category or type without being specific. This is useful when the exact nature is unknown or unimportant.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on phrases like "by some kind of" in formal writing. If possible, strive for greater precision by identifying the specific type or method involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by some kind of" functions as a prepositional modifier, introducing a general or unspecified manner, method, or type. It indicates that something is done or characterized in a certain way, without providing precise details. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from explaining events to describing processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

28%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by some kind of" serves as a versatile prepositional phrase to introduce a sense of generality or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains. While it's suitable for general communication, more precise language may be preferred in formal writing. Its prevalence in news, academic, and encyclopedic sources underscores its broad applicability. Remember to use it when you want to refer to something without specifying exactly what it is, and consider the context to determine if a more precise alternative would be beneficial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through a certain type of

Specifies a type, maintaining a level of generality similar to the query.

by means of some form of

Highlights the tool or mechanism utilized.

via a particular method of

Emphasizes the process or technique involved.

using a specific variety of

Indicates a selection from a range of options.

with a certain manner of

Focuses on the style or approach.

in a fashion similar to

Suggests a resemblance or analogy.

employing a class of

Implies a broader categorization.

through one avenue of

Highlights one potential path or direction.

utilizing an element of

Suggests a component or part being used.

with an aspect of

Focuses on a particular feature or characteristic.

FAQs

How can I use "by some kind of" in a sentence?

Use "by some kind of" to refer to a general type or method when the specific details are unknown or unimportant. For instance, "The delay was caused "by some kind of" technical issue".

What phrases are similar to "by some kind of"?

Alternatives include "by some sort of", through a certain type of, or via a particular method of. The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "by some kind of"?

It's appropriate when you need to refer to something without specifying exactly what it is, either because you don't know or because the specific details aren't necessary for understanding the sentence.

Is "by some kind of" formal or informal?

"By some kind of" is generally considered neutral. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language is preferable in formal writing when possible.