kind of goodbye

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of goodbye" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a farewell that is not definitive or is somewhat ambiguous in nature. Example: "As she left the party, it felt like a kind of goodbye, as if she might not return for a long time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It was, I suggest, a kind of goodbye poem.

The Guardian - Arts

"Every day, I ride this train into work, so this is a kind of goodbye," Ms. Martínez said.

The New York Times

As "a kind of goodbye to what may not be", and "very much in the hope that others will take up one or two of the issues", the book details seven projects he'd have liked to carry off.

The Guardian - Books

And you knew that Great Neck was synonymous with a kind of "Goodbye, Columbus" suburban experience -- privileged, insulated, largely Jewish but essentially secular -- so familiar as to occasion an almost reflexive rolling of the eyes.

The New York Times

In Mr. Roeg's science-fiction film "The Man Who Fell to Earth," it is the name of an album made by Jerome Newton (an alien played by David Bowie) as a kind of goodbye message to be sent by the radio back to his dying planet.

The New York Times - Arts

Zanisnik, who is playing with iconic images of New York, considers his current project, photographed outside the Queens Museum, to be a kind of "goodbye to New York".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

I needed to know, should I flush Squishy before the kid woke up, or should I wait until the morning and hold some kind of ceremonial goodbye?

The Washington Post

"It turns out," he said, "this isn't one of the presidencies where you ride off into the sunset, you know, kind of waving goodbye".

The New York Times

"This being my last year, it would be pretty special to kind of say goodbye that way, see the guys and be a part of that".

The New York Times - Sports

Then he came clean: "Just kidding — I was fired today". Mr. Mason added a dose of humor to what many can only hope will be a new kind of corporate goodbye: the honest one.

The New York Times

In the tech world, where failure is seen as an opportunity for spiritual growth, some dismissed chief executives are delivering a new kind of corporate goodbye: the honest one.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of goodbye" to soften the impact of a departure, especially when the finality is uncertain or when emphasizing a particular aspect of the farewell, rather than the absolute end.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of goodbye" so frequently that "kind of" becomes a filler phrase detracting from the message. Ensure it adds meaningful nuance to the farewell being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of goodbye" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptor to qualify the nature of the farewell. It suggests that the goodbye isn't complete, permanent, or typical. As Ludwig shows, it is used to soften the impact of a departure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

29%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kind of goodbye" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe farewells that are not straightforward or entirely final. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appears primarily in news and media contexts. The phrase is categorized as having a neutral to slightly informal register and is best used when describing departures with a degree of uncertainty or a particular nuance. While not overly frequent, its usage is consistent and readily understood. Related phrases like "sort of farewell" or "preliminary goodbye" can offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments. When writing, consider whether the nuance of a not-quite-final departure is what you intend to convey, and avoid overusing "kind of" as a filler.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sort of farewell

This alternative uses "farewell" instead of "goodbye", which has a slightly more formal tone. "Sort of" is used instead of "kind of", and has no significant difference in meaning.

partial farewell

This implies that the goodbye is not complete or permanent, suggesting a temporary separation.

preliminary goodbye

This indicates a goodbye that precedes a final departure, suggesting more goodbyes to come.

quasi farewell

Using "quasi" makes the farewell seem tentative or not fully realized.

virtual adieu

This is a more figurative and less concrete way of saying goodbye, like a symbolic gesture.

informal parting

Focuses on the casual nature of the farewell.

unsentimental leave-taking

This emphasizes the lack of emotional attachment during the goodbye.

perfunctory valediction

Highlights the routine or obligatory nature of the goodbye.

token of departure

This is a more abstract way of describing a symbolic goodbye.

fleeting separation

Emphasizes the short duration and non-permanence of the parting.

FAQs

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

You can use "kind of goodbye" to describe a farewell that isn't definitive or has a specific characteristic. For example, "Her leaving the company felt like a "kind of goodbye" to the old ways of doing things."

What's a more formal way to say "kind of goodbye"?

A more formal alternative could be "a sort of farewell" or "a preliminary parting", depending on the context.

Is "kind of goodbye" grammatically correct?

Yes, "kind of goodbye" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Ludwig confirms its usability based on numerous examples from reliable sources.

When should I use "kind of goodbye" versus a more direct phrase?

Use "kind of goodbye" when you want to express a farewell that's nuanced or not entirely final. If you want to express a firm farewell, use a more direct phrase like "final goodbye" or simply "goodbye".