it is a kind of

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is a kind of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something being a particular type of something else. For example: "This type of flower is a kind of daisy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is a kind of chalky-russet.

The New Yorker

It is a kind of insurance.

The Economist

It is a kind of aesthetic abstraction.

The New York Times - Arts

It is a kind of sainthood.

The Guardian - Arts

It is a kind of nanofarming.

The New York Times - Science

It is a kind of moral cancer".

The New York Times

It is a kind of energy.

The Guardian - Books

It is a kind of standstill arrangement.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is a kind of behemoth".

The New York Times - Food

It is a kind of selfie".

The Guardian

It is a kind of collage aesthetic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is a kind of" when you want to broadly categorize something or provide a general understanding of its nature. For instance, "Jazz music, it is a kind of improvisation", is suitable for a general explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "it is a kind of" repeatedly in close succession, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "it's a type of" or rephrasing the sentence entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a kind of" serves as a descriptor or classifier, placing a subject into a specific category or type. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show its use in explaining the nature or essence of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is a kind of" functions as a versatile tool for categorization and explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's a phrase best used to broadly classify subjects, aiding in understanding their nature by relating them to known categories. While its register is generally neutral, it's crucial to avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity and flow. Remember, alternatives like "it is a type of" can add variety to your writing. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, this phrase is an effective way to provide accessible definitions and broad classifications in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's a type of

Replaces "kind" with "type", maintaining the same meaning but with a slightly different word choice.

it's essentially a

Highlights the fundamental nature or core identity of something.

it can be described as

Offers a more descriptive approach to categorization, focusing on the characteristics that define the subject.

it is classified as

Similar to "falls under the category of", but with a more official or technical connotation.

it functions as a

Focuses on the role or purpose that something serves.

it falls under the category of

A more formal way of classifying something into a specific group.

it's akin to

Indicates a similarity or resemblance to something else.

it is considered a

Indicates a general consensus or common opinion about the nature of something.

it resembles a

Similar to "akin to", but emphasizes visual or superficial similarities.

it's in the nature of

Focuses on the inherent qualities or characteristics of something.

FAQs

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

Use "it is a kind of" to classify or describe something as belonging to a particular category or sharing characteristics with a certain type. For example, "Abstract art, "it is a kind of" expression that doesn't depict reality directly".

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

You can use alternatives like "it is a type of", "it is essentially a", or "it can be described as" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to use "it is a kind of" or "it's a kind of"?

"It is a kind of" is slightly more formal than "it's a kind of", but both are generally acceptable in most writing contexts. Choose based on the overall tone and register of your piece.

What's the difference between saying "it is a kind of X" and "it is like X"?

"It is a kind of X" suggests that something belongs to the category of X. Saying "it is like X" implies a resemblance or similarity but not necessarily direct categorization. For example, "A metaphor "it is a kind of" comparison", while "His smile is like sunshine".