i kinda like

USAGE SUMMARY

"I kinda like" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about something that you are fond of or that you find appealing. Example: "I kinda like the way this necklace looks on me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

YEAH! BUT I KINDA LIKE HIM--FOR NOWO; it ended five days later when Mr. McAlary and three of the PostOs other top journalists, including its editor Lou Colasuonno, decided to defect to the Daily News.

The New Yorker

(It gets worse: The unit cost for the nickel was 9.41 cents. Though I kinda like nickels).

Los Angeles Times

Don't be nervous about asking them just say simply "I kinda like you" and see what there reaction is to you.

WikiHow

I kinda like it".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I kinda like old things".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I kinda like the juxtaposition," he explained.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

"I kinda liked the beat and it felt good," Leiber later told Reuters.

The Guardian - Music

"My wife used to be an anchorwoman in Arizona, so she knew John McCain and she liked him and I kinda liked him.

The Guardian - Film

I kinda liked my childhood.' It's an interesting way to take your own temperature if you're looking for excuses in your past.

The Guardian - Film

I kinda liked him.

Huffington Post

And y'know, I kinda liked R.E.M. a bit more from that point on..

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "i kinda like" in informal settings when you want to express a mild preference or enjoyment without being overly enthusiastic. It's suitable for casual conversations, blog posts, or personal writing where a relaxed tone is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "i kinda like" in formal writing or professional presentations where a more sophisticated or precise expression of preference is required. Alternatives like "i quite like" or "i am partial to" may be more suitable in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i kinda like" functions as an expression of mild preference or enjoyment. It indicates a positive sentiment that is less intense than strong liking or love. As shown in Ludwig, the phrase is often used in informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i kinda like" is a common phrase used to express a mild preference or enjoyment in informal contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for casual conversations and personal writing. While it shouldn't be overused in formal settings, it effectively conveys a positive sentiment without strong enthusiasm. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media sources and is a valid expression for conveying a gentle liking or approval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i somewhat like

Substitutes "kinda" with "somewhat", indicating a slightly more formal tone and a more moderate level of liking.

i quite like

Replaces "kinda" with "quite", suggesting a stronger degree of liking and a slightly more sophisticated tone.

i rather like

Uses "rather" instead of "kinda", presenting a more refined and somewhat old-fashioned expression of liking.

i'm partial to

Expresses a preference using "partial to", indicating a leaning towards something without strong enthusiasm.

i'm fond of

Replaces the entire phrase with "fond of", conveying a warm and affectionate liking.

i have a liking for

Uses a more formal structure to express liking, indicating a general positive feeling.

i'm keen on

Employs "keen on", suggesting enthusiasm and interest.

i'm into

Uses "into", a more modern and casual way to express interest and liking.

i'm drawn to

Indicates an attraction or inclination towards something, suggesting a subtle liking.

it appeals to me

Focuses on the object's ability to attract the speaker, indicating a favorable impression.

FAQs

How can I use "i kinda like" in a sentence?

"I kinda like" is typically used to express a mild preference or enjoyment. For example, "I kinda like this new song" or "I kinda like the way you've decorated your room."

What's a more formal alternative to "i kinda like"?

If you need a more formal alternative, consider using phrases like "i quite like", "i rather like", or "i'm partial to".

Is it appropriate to use "i kinda like" in professional emails?

While "i kinda like" is grammatically correct, it might be too informal for professional emails. Opt for a more direct and professional expression, such as "i appreciate" or "i find value in".

What's the difference between "i kinda like" and "i really like"?

"I kinda like" indicates a mild preference, while "i really like" expresses a stronger degree of enjoyment or appreciation. The choice depends on the intensity of your feeling.