kind of borrows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of borrows" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that takes or uses elements from another source in a somewhat informal manner. Example: "The new movie kind of borrows from classic horror films, incorporating familiar tropes and themes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Over the next three years, she went into a kind of borrowing frenzy.

The New Yorker

Labour should be making the case that borrowing for housing differs from almost any other kind of borrowing.

The Guardian

With a few exceptions, the corporate sector had not gone on the kind of borrowing spree seen in the late 1990s.

The Economist

"We will not be doing any other kind of borrowing if we possibly can avoid it," Mayor Bloomberg said.

The New York Times

That kind of borrowing could be off-putting coming from someone who was trying to pass herself off as Sweden's dancehall queen.

The New Yorker

Davy and Stephenson had worked independently, and there is no persuasive evidence of any kind of "borrowing" on either side in 1815.

The Guardian

If that kind of borrowing to pay operating expenses were to continue, "you could see a downgrading" of credit for states and municipalities across the country.

The New York Times

"The immediate action is the RAN," said the Democratic Assembly speaker, Karen Bass, using shorthand for "revenue anticipation notes," the kind of borrowing the state is seeking in the market.

The New York Times

He has refused to do the exact kind of borrowing to pay for city services that he is now fighting for.

The New York Times

Charles Bovary's conversation is likened to a pavement, over which many people have walked; twentieth-century literature, violently conscious of mass culture, extends this idea of the self as a kind of borrowed tissue, full of other people's germs.

The New Yorker

The Fed keeps making it cheaper to borrow, but the nation's favorite kind of borrowing is the mortgage loan, and the mortgage market — well, let's just say it's a little broken.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of borrows" when you want to describe a partial or somewhat informal influence, not a direct copy or plagiarism. This softens the implication of direct imitation.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of borrows" when the influence is substantial or direct. Instead, opt for stronger terms like "directly uses" or "is heavily based on" to accurately reflect the extent of the borrowing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of borrows" functions as a qualifying verb phrase, indicating a partial or inexact appropriation. It softens the assertion of direct borrowing, suggesting an influence rather than outright duplication. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kind of borrows" functions as a qualifying verb phrase to indicate a partial influence rather than a direct copy. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it is important to consider the context and degree of influence to ensure accurate communication. The phrase is generally neutral in register and suitable for a variety of writing contexts. Given the current data, its frequency is labeled as missing but alternatives like "somewhat adopts" or "partially incorporates" may be considered based on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat adopts

Replaces "borrows" with "adopts", suggesting a more deliberate taking of something.

partially incorporates

Indicates that something is being included as part of a larger whole.

slightly adapts

Suggests a small change or modification when taking something.

loosely integrates

Implies a less structured or formal combination of elements.

marginally appropriates

Indicates a less direct or significant borrowing, potentially with a hint of criticism.

gently alludes to

Suggests a subtle reference rather than a direct borrowing.

subtly references

Implies an indirect or understated connection to another source.

vaguely resembles

Indicates a distant or superficial similarity.

in some ways mirrors

Suggests that a certain aspect is similar, but there might be other dissimilar ones.

takes cues from

Emphasizes that something is influenced by another but does not copy it directly.

FAQs

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

You can use "kind of borrows" to describe how one thing is influenced by another, such as, "The movie "kind of borrows" from classic science fiction films, updating the themes for a modern audience."

What can I say instead of "kind of borrows"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat adopts", "partially incorporates", or "slightly adapts" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "kind of borrows"?

Yes, "kind of borrows" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a partial or indirect influence. However, ensure that it accurately reflects the degree of influence; avoid using it when the influence is direct or substantial.

What's the difference between "kind of borrows" and "directly copies"?

"Kind of borrows" implies a partial or indirect influence, suggesting that elements are taken and adapted rather than exactly replicated. "Directly copies", on the other hand, means a complete and exact duplication without any modification.