is kind of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is kind of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is somewhat, but not completely, like something else. For example, "This solution is kind of complicated; it'll take some work to understand it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Paynes is kind of stunning.

Independent

"One is kind of slurvy.

The New York Times - Sports

It is kind of over.

The Guardian - Film

This is kind of exciting".

The New York Times - Arts

This is kind of crazy.

The New York Times

It is kind of plush".

The New York Times

"That is kind of awkward".

The New York Times

Which is kind  of annoying".

Independent

That is kind of amazing.

The New York Times

Which is kind of strange.

The New York Times

Everyone is kind of equal".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is kind of" to soften statements or express opinions without sounding overly assertive. For example, instead of saying "This is bad", try "This is kind of bad".

Common error

Avoid using "is kind of" excessively, as it can make your writing sound hesitant or uncertain. Choose more direct language when appropriate to maintain clarity and confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is kind of" primarily functions as a hedge or mitigator, softening the impact of a statement or expressing an opinion in a less direct way. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is kind of" serves as a versatile tool for expressing approximation and softening statements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage. While highly common, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid sounding hesitant and consider using alternatives like "somewhat" or "sort of" for more formal settings. Top sources like The New York Times frequently employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sort of

Uses 'sort' instead of 'kind', maintaining a very similar level of formality and approximation.

somewhat

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adverb that expresses a similar degree of qualification.

slightly

A direct adverb indicating a small degree of difference.

rather

A more formal adverb than 'somewhat', but still indicating a degree of approximation.

almost

Suggests that something is close to being true, but not quite.

a little bit

More informal, using a longer phrase to convey a small degree.

pretty much

An informal way to indicate near completeness or high degree of similarity.

to some extent

A more formal and precise way of expressing partial agreement or similarity.

in a way

Indicates a particular perspective or aspect from which something is true.

more or less

Suggests an approximation that is generally accurate but not perfectly precise.

FAQs

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

Use "is kind of" to express something that is true to a certain degree, but not entirely. For example, "The movie was "is kind of long", but I still enjoyed it".

What are some alternatives to "is kind of"?

You can use alternatives like "sort of", "somewhat", or "slightly" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "is kind of"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English, although it's generally considered informal.

When should I avoid using "is kind of" in my writing?

Avoid using "is kind of" in formal or academic writing, where more precise and direct language is preferred. Use alternatives like "somewhat" or "rather" in those contexts.