kind of

USAGE SUMMARY

'kind of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is somewhat true or somewhat the case, but not entirely. For example: "This kind of feels like déjà vu."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kind of".

The New York Times

Same kind of pillows.

The New York Times - Travel

A kind of club.

The New York Times - Magazine

Kind of sweet, actually.

The New Yorker

What kind of spirits?

Independent

It's kind of ghostly.

The New York Times

Kind of embarrassing.

The New Yorker

"Rather kind of dark.

The New Yorker

Kind of archaic".

The New Yorker

Kind of funny, right?

The New York Times

"What kind of monster?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, consider replacing "kind of" with more specific adverbs or adjectives that accurately reflect the degree or extent you intend to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of" in formal writing or when precision is necessary. Overusing it can make your writing sound indecisive and unprofessional. Instead, opt for more direct and specific language.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "kind of" is as an adverbial modifier. It serves to soften or qualify the meaning of a verb, adjective, or another adverb. As Ludwig AI states, this indicates that something is somewhat true, but not entirely.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

20%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kind of" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial modifier used to express approximation or mildness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for indicating that something is somewhat true, but not entirely. It is very frequent in news and media, but should be used cautiously in formal contexts where precision is key. When aiming for clarity, consider alternatives like "somewhat" or "slightly". Be mindful of overuse, as it can weaken your writing. Despite its correctness, as Ludwig examples demonstrate, thoughtful application ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sort of

Similar in meaning, but might sound slightly more informal than "kind of".

kinda

An informal, shortened version of "kind of".

somewhat

More formal and direct, indicating a degree or extent.

a bit

More casual, implying a small amount or degree.

rather

Indicates a degree, often used in British English.

slightly

Implies a small degree or extent, often more precise.

in a way

Suggests a particular perspective or manner.

more or less

Indicates an approximation or near accuracy.

to some extent

More formal and precise, indicating a partial degree.

pretty much

Implies near completeness or accuracy.

FAQs

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

"Kind of" is used to express that something is approximately true or to soften a statement. For example, "I'm "kind of" tired" means you are somewhat tired, but not extremely so.

What are some alternatives to "kind of"?

You can use alternatives such as "sort of", "somewhat", or "a bit" depending on the context. Each alternative provides a slightly different nuance of approximation.

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

While grammatically correct, "kind of" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use more precise language such as "to some extent" or "slightly".

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

"Kind of" and "sort of" are very similar in meaning and are often interchangeable. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or regional dialect, though "kind of" might be perceived as slightly more common in American English.