kind

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "kind" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something that is generous, courteous, or considerate. For example: "The teacher was so kind to help me with my homework."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Well, kind of.

The New York Times

He's very sweet, polite, hard-working, kind and generally lovely.

The Guardian - Opinion

The grievances aren't unreasonable, on either side, but the focus on fairness, by making it harder to reach any kind of agreement at all, could prove disastrous.

The New York Times

It's kind of in its own little bubble.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I'm in a successful TV show in a kind of leading man way and it can sometimes feel like your art is being put to one side for your sex appeal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The reaction is always kind and compassionate.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm not that kind of person.

The New York Times

Beyond anecdote, we know very little about what kind and quantity of information is being delisted from search results, what sources are being delisted and on what scale, what kinds of requests fail and in what proportion, and what are Google's guidelines in striking the balance between individual privacy and freedom of expression interests.

The Guardian - Tech

History will be as kind to him as he was to others.

The Guardian

Rusbridger said: "Every newspaper is on a journey into some kind of digital future.

The Guardian

"I wanted to do some sort of pay-it-forward kind of thing", Vorobyov said Sunday.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kind" to describe someone's personality, ensure the context clarifies the specific aspect of kindness you're highlighting (e.g., generosity, empathy, gentleness).

Common error

Avoid using "kind of" excessively as a filler phrase. Instead, consider more precise alternatives or rephrase the sentence for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "kind" functions primarily as a noun referring to a type, category, or class of things. It also functions as an adjective describing someone as generous, considerate, or benevolent. According to Ludwig AI, the word is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Opinion

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Sport

8%

Film

6%

Music

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "kind" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and an adjective. As a noun, it denotes a type or category, while as an adjective, it describes someone's benevolent nature. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its frequency is very common, particularly in news and media contexts. When describing personality, synonyms like "compassionate" or "generous" may offer more precision. Avoid overusing "kind of" as a filler phrase. Understanding its various functions ensures its effective use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

type

Focuses on categorization or classification.

sort

Indicates a particular variety or class.

nature

Refers to the inherent character or disposition.

variety

Highlights the range or diversity within a category.

form

Emphasizes the shape or structure of something.

character

Stresses moral or ethical qualities.

description

Relates to a detailed account or representation.

genre

Specifies a category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter.

class

Implies a grouping based on shared attributes or status.

species

Denotes a fundamental category of biological classification.

FAQs

How can I use "kind" in a sentence?

You can use "kind" to describe someone's nature (e.g., "She is a very kind person"), to specify a type or category (e.g., "What kind of music do you like?"), or as part of the phrase "kind of" to express approximation (e.g., "I'm kind of tired").

What are some synonyms for "kind" when describing someone's personality?

Alternatives to "kind" when describing someone's personality include "compassionate", "generous", "benevolent", "considerate", and "sympathetic". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "kind of" in formal writing?

While "kind of" is acceptable in informal contexts, it's often better to use more precise language in formal writing. Instead of "kind of", consider alternatives like "somewhat", "rather", or rephrase the sentence for greater clarity.

What's the difference between "kind" and "sort"?

"Kind" and "sort" are often interchangeable when referring to a type or category. However, "kind" can also refer to someone's benevolent nature, while "sort" typically does not carry this meaning. For example, you can say "She is a very kind person" but not "She is a very sort person".