kind of distinctive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of distinctive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a unique or notable quality, but in a somewhat informal or vague manner. Example: "The artist's style is kind of distinctive, setting her apart from her contemporaries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"At that time it was a symbol, a kind of distinctive sign.

The New Yorker

Paintings in another small gallery have the kind of distinctive personality that Mr. Koestenbaum's lack.

The New York Times - Arts

You represent exactly the kind of distinctive voice public broadcasting ought to be encouraging.

The Guardian - Opinion

That kind of distinctive value added by volunteers isn't just complementary, it is something money can't buy.

The Guardian

Again and again, in both poetry and prose, Pessoa denied that he existed as any kind of distinctive individual.

The New Yorker

"And we'll do this by concentrating on the kind of distinctive content that, in the ecosystem of the ABC, RN can provide.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"We live under the myth of homogeneity, of oneness here in Korea," Byung-ho Chung told me, "but these kinds of distinctive physical markings are a scar.

The New York Times - Magazine

Bob succeeded brilliantly at making money for Dimension, even if he wasn't developing the kinds of distinctive films that Miramax had pledged to make... Weinstein may quarrel with producers and directors, but he pampers actors.

The New Yorker

This 3D Hough space not only provides a segment representation but also encloses canonical configurations of two kinds of distinctive points: corners and non-intersection endpoints.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

The same proposed strategy for corner detection is also used for detecting other kinds of distinctive points corresponding to segment endpoints that do not intersect other line segments.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

A different strategy would be to distinguish varieties of positive attitudes such that one sort involves a kind of approval distinctive of rightness, whereas another involves a kind distinctive of goodness.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of distinctive" when you want to express that something possesses a noticeable but not overwhelming unique quality. It's suitable for situations where you want to avoid strong or definitive statements.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of distinctive" excessively, as it can weaken your writing. If possible, replace it with more precise language that specifies the distinctive quality you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of distinctive" functions as a qualifier, softening the adjective "distinctive". It suggests a quality that sets something apart but in a subtle or moderate way. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kind of distinctive" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for indicating a noticeable but subtle uniqueness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides real-world examples across various contexts. While "distinctive" alone is a stronger assertion, adding "kind of" softens the claim. It is more appropriate for neutral to informal communication, as it adds a touch of casualness. Consider stronger, more precise vocabulary when the degree of distinctiveness warrants it. Be mindful of overuse to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sort of distinctive

Replaces "kind" with "sort", offering a slightly more casual alternative.

somewhat unique

Substitutes "distinctive" with "unique" and "kind of" with "somewhat", indicating a slightly stronger degree of uniqueness.

rather distinctive

Uses "rather" instead of "kind of", suggesting a slightly more formal tone.

slightly different

Focuses on the difference rather than the distinctiveness, implying a subtle variation.

somewhat remarkable

Replaces "distinctive" with "remarkable", emphasizing the noteworthiness of the subject.

moderately unique

Synonymous substitution indicating a noticeable uniqueness.

noticeably different

Highlights the perceived difference from something else.

unusually specific

Shifts focus to the specificity of the subject, suggesting a unique characteristic.

particularly individual

Highlights the unique individuality of a person or thing.

uncommonly special

Emphasizes the extraordinary or special nature of the subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "kind of distinctive" to describe something that has a unique or notable quality, as in "The building had a "kind of distinctive" architectural style".

What are some alternatives to "kind of distinctive"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "somewhat unique", "rather distinctive", or "slightly different".

Is it better to use "kind of distinctive" or "distinctive"?

Using "distinctive" is stronger and more direct. "Kind of distinctive" implies a milder or less pronounced uniqueness. Choose the phrase that best reflects the degree of distinctiveness you want to convey.

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

The phrases ""kind of distinctive"" and "sort of distinctive" are largely interchangeable and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.