kind of both

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of both" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that something partially fits into two categories or describes two different aspects simultaneously. Example: "When it comes to my favorite hobbies, I’m kind of both a reader and a writer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

And we were kind of both kind of in shock, because for me, anyway, I've never seen anything like that".

The New Yorker

McNamee said the grey area in the laws requiring doctors to assess "psycho-social distress" in women meant that Pyne and Kelly "are kind of both right".

The Guardian

He told me that when a classmate had a novel accepted, he thought, "'We've got a lot of other things to do now.' And then I think we were kind of both working through all that.

The Guardian - Books

"He would have had a lot less to learn and a lot more to teach me in football, but in golf, we kind of both have learned and grown together".

The New York Times

Research scientists at Queen's University's Human Media Lab have built a prototype touchscreen device that's neither smartphone nor tablet but kind of both — and more besides.

TechCrunch

MF: Kind of both.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

My heritage, my parents, kind of embody both.

Huffington Post

"We kind of are both stupid and good-hearted".

The New York Times

"They've kind of talked both ways," Mr. Boughton said.

The New York Times

"I kind of want both".

Los Angeles Times

"There's discrimination kind of on both sides.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of both" when you want to indicate a partial or mixed characteristic, rather than a definitive classification. It adds nuance to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of both" excessively in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound vague or informal. Opt for more precise language when clarity is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of both" functions as a qualifier or hedge, indicating that something possesses characteristics of two distinct categories without fully belonging to either. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase is frequently used to denote ambiguity or a blend of features.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kind of both" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something shares characteristics of two categories without fully belonging to either. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability. While generally acceptable, it is advisable to use more precise language in formal contexts. The phrase's prevalence in News & Media and Wiki contexts suggests a neutral to informal register. Alternatives such as "sort of both" or "a bit of both" can be used interchangeably depending on the nuance desired. Understanding these aspects allows for effective and appropriate use of "kind of both" in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sort of both

Interchangeable in many contexts; emphasizes approximation to two categories.

a bit of both

Highlights a smaller degree of belonging to each category compared to "kind of both".

somewhat of both

Implies a moderate degree of belonging to two categories.

partly one, partly the other

More explicit and descriptive, breaking down the combined nature.

a mixture of both

Emphasizes the blending of two distinct elements or qualities.

falls between two stools

An idiomatic way to express not fully belonging to either category, often with negative connotations.

in between both

Directly indicates a position or state that is intermediate to two others.

a cross between the two

Suggests a hybrid with qualities of both categories.

not quite either, but tending toward both

Highlights the uncertainty and direction of belonging.

a hybrid of the two

Implies a merging of different aspects, creating something new.

FAQs

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

You can use "kind of both" to describe something that shares characteristics of two distinct categories. For example: "The movie was "kind of both" a comedy and a thriller."

What's a more formal alternative to "kind of both"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "partly one, partly the other" or "a mixture of both" instead of ""kind of both"" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "kind of both" grammatically correct?

Yes, ""kind of both"" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English, particularly in informal settings.

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

The phrases "sort of both" and ""kind of both"" are largely interchangeable, both indicating something is partially or somewhat in two categories. The choice often comes down to personal preference.