kind of clumsy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of clumsy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is awkward or lacking grace in movement or action. Example: "He was kind of clumsy when he tried to dance at the party, stumbling over his own feet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Kind of clumsy, you know?

The New York Times

"I felt kind of clumsy," Ellis said.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Lazio is relying on that kind of clumsy candor to turn off Republican voters.

The New York Times

"I think I have the reputation for being kind of clumsy, but I've always been athletically very gifted, actually," she said.

The New York Times

My big, lumbering shaggy-dog stuff is a kind of clumsy effort to do what they do in the only style I know.

The New Yorker

"We were really depressed," said The Edge. "Bono … felt it had been kind of clumsy and that generally the whole thing hadn't lifted up".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

She reminded me of those kinds of clumsy, bumbling kids who worship athletes but have no athletic talent, so they become the equipment manager for the high-school baseball team.

The New Yorker

But if you met him in a bar in Japan or China or Korea, and asked him what he did, he'd probably say, "I do my best as a teacher and I'm kind of a clumsy farmer".

The New Yorker

"It was kind of like clumsy girls rule!" she said.

Huffington Post

I unabashedly turned away in a sort of clumsy nervousness.

Huffington Post

"He was kind of skinny and clumsy and had those big feet," Frank Sr .said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of clumsy" to describe actions or behaviors, not inherent personality traits, to avoid being overly critical. For instance, say, "He was "kind of clumsy" when he tried to dance" instead of "He's a "kind of clumsy" person".

Common error

Avoid using "kind of clumsy" in contexts where it could be perceived as a direct insult. Instead of saying, "You're "kind of clumsy"," try a more constructive approach like, "Maybe we can practice this together to improve your technique."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of clumsy" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a mild degree of awkwardness or lack of coordination. It adds detail to the subject being described. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and acceptable usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kind of clumsy" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase to describe a mild form of awkwardness. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct. Its frequency is classified as common, with a neutral register primarily found in News & Media contexts. When writing, it's best to use it to describe actions rather than inherent traits, and avoid using it as a direct insult. Related phrases like "somewhat awkward" or "a bit ungainly" can offer alternative nuances depending on the context. Overall, it's a versatile phrase for expressing a moderate level of clumsiness in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat awkward

Emphasizes a degree of unease or social discomfort in addition to physical clumsiness.

a bit uncoordinated

Focuses specifically on the lack of physical coordination.

slightly inept

Highlights a general lack of skill or competence.

rather ungainly

Suggests a lack of elegance or grace in movement or appearance.

kind of maladroit

Implies a lack of dexterity and tact.

sort of bumbling

Suggests a tendency to make mistakes and act in a confused manner.

a touch graceless

Focuses on the absence of grace or elegance.

slightly klutzy

Informal and emphasizes physical awkwardness.

somewhat ham-fisted

Suggests a heavy-handed or awkward approach.

a little butterfingered

Emphasizes a tendency to drop things.

FAQs

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

You can use "kind of clumsy" to describe someone or something that lacks grace or coordination. For example, "He was "kind of clumsy" when he tried to fix the shelf, and it fell apart."

What are some alternatives to "kind of clumsy"?

You can use alternatives such as "somewhat awkward", "a bit ungainly", or "slightly inept" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "sort of clumsy" or "kind of clumsy"?

"Sort of clumsy" and "kind of clumsy" are largely interchangeable. Both phrases are informal ways to indicate a mild degree of clumsiness. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference.

When is it appropriate to use "kind of clumsy" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "kind of clumsy" in informal writing or conversational contexts where a relaxed tone is suitable. Avoid it in formal or academic writing where more precise language is preferred.