it kind of

USAGE SUMMARY

"it kind of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to mean "somewhat" or "a little bit." For example, "I'm it kind of nervous about giving this presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It kind of snowballed.

Independent

It kind of works.

The New York Times - Magazine

It kind of worked.

The New York Times

It kind of did.

The New York Times

It kind of sucks.

The Economist

So it kind of hurts.

The New York Times - Sports

It kind of blindsided me".

The New York Times

It kind of killed me".

The Guardian - Film

It kind of surprised me.

The New York Times

It kind of doesn't matter.

The New York Times - Tech

It kind of erases it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it kind of" when you want to express something in a casual, non-committal way. It's suitable for everyday conversations and informal writing where precision isn't crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "it kind of" in formal writing or professional settings where a more precise or direct expression is expected. Opt for alternatives like "somewhat" or "to some extent" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it kind of" functions as an adverbial modifier, softening or qualifying a statement. As Ludwig AI says, it indicates something is partially true, aligning with examples like ""it kind of works"".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it kind of" is a versatile phrase used to express approximation or mildness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in informal contexts. While prevalent in news and media, it should be used cautiously in formal writing, where alternatives like "somewhat" or "to some extent" may be more appropriate. Be mindful of your audience and the desired level of formality when choosing to use "it kind of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sort of

Similar in meaning, but slightly more concise.

kind of

Omission of "it" makes it more colloquial.

somewhat

More formal and direct in conveying partial agreement.

slightly

More precise and formal, focusing on a small degree.

a little bit

Emphasizes the small degree or extent.

to some extent

More formal and indicates a limited degree.

rather

More formal and can imply a stronger degree than "it kind of".

more or less

Indicates an approximation or general agreement.

in a way

Highlights a particular perspective or aspect.

pretty much

Implies near completeness or accuracy.

FAQs

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

Use "it kind of" to express a degree of uncertainty or approximation. For example, "I think "it kind of works"" suggests that something functions, but not perfectly.

What does "it kind of" mean?

"It kind of" means "somewhat" or "a little bit". It indicates that something is partially true or partially the case, but not entirely.

What are some alternatives to "it kind of"?

Alternatives include "sort of", "somewhat", or "a little bit". The best alternative depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it okay to use "it kind of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it kind of" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "to some extent" or "slightly".