is a kind of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a kind of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when you want to compare one thing to another and explain a relationship between the two. For example, "Kiwi fruit is a kind of berry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"This is a kind of political empowerment".

The New York Times

The book is a kind of archive.

The New Yorker

The edifice is a kind of greenhouse.

The New York Times - Arts

Waste, paradoxically, is a kind of reservoir.

The New Yorker

Colombia is a kind of adoptive home.

The New Yorker

Their brutality is a kind of protection".

The New Yorker

The picture is a kind of portal.

The New Yorker

It is a kind of chalky-russet.

The New Yorker

Celebrity is a kind of heat.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Comunita is a kind of….

The New Yorker

"It is [a] kind of breeding strategy".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a kind of" to clearly establish a relationship between a specific item and a broader category, enhancing clarity and understanding for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of" as a substitute for adverbs like "somewhat" or "slightly." Using it this way weakens the precision of your writing and can make your statements vague. Instead of "It is kind of important", say "It is somewhat important."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a kind of" serves as a categorical descriptor, placing a specific noun or concept within a broader classification. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase denotes that something belongs to a particular category, as demonstrated in the example "A beech is a kind of tree".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Lifestyle

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a kind of" serves as a straightforward means of classifying items or concepts within broader categories. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across various contexts, from formal writing to informal conversation. While alternatives like "is a type of" or "is an example of" exist, choosing "is a kind of" often provides a clear and simple way to define and clarify information. When writing, be mindful of its potential for overuse in formal contexts and avoid using it as a vague intensifier.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a type of

Direct synonym, implies classification into a specific type.

is a form of

Similar to "is a type of", but can also suggest a specific manifestation or variation.

is an example of

Highlights a particular instance as representative of a broader category.

is considered a

Indicates a general perception or classification of something.

can be classified as

More formal phrasing emphasizing the act of categorization.

falls under the category of

Explicitly denotes placement within a defined group.

belongs to the class of

Similar to previous one, however it shows more formality.

is akin to

Suggests similarity or resemblance, rather than strict categorization.

is analogous to

Emphasizes a comparison based on shared characteristics or functions.

is comparable to

Implies a level of similarity that allows for meaningful comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "is a kind of" in a sentence?

The phrase "is a kind of" is used to classify something by stating what category it belongs to. For example, "A Labrador is a kind of dog".

What are some alternatives to "is a kind of"?

You can use alternatives like "is a type of", "is a form of", or "is an example of" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "is a kind of"?

While grammatically correct, "is a kind of" might be too informal for certain contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise or sophisticated alternatives.

What's the difference between "is a kind of" and "is similar to"?

"Is a kind of" implies categorization, meaning one thing belongs to a group. "Is similar to" suggests a comparison based on shared traits, without necessarily implying membership in the same category.