kind of instinct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of instinct" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling or intuition that is not fully formed or is somewhat vague. Example: "I had a kind of instinct that something was off about the situation, even though I couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"When you have so many works that go through your hands, you develop some kind of instinct," he told me.

The New Yorker

He added that many changes "just seemed to me basic, and a lot of it was just kind of instinct".

The New York Times

In fact — it's weird: I had some kind of instinct that I should show it to Menello a little bit early, which is usually not what I do.

The New Yorker

These dogs, Hunter explains, had a kind of instinct for the life they were going to lead, you could see it as puppies.

The Guardian - Film

"A lot of people just want free music," Mr. Clarke said, "But there is a philosophy that justifies that kind of instinct.

The New York Times

There's a kind of instinct: it's quite scary in way, I feel I could be a soldier, which is so far from who I actually am.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Giambi said the play showed the "kind of instincts Derek Jeter has on the field, the kind of player he is".

The New York Times - Sports

Outdoor kitchens seem to stoke some kind of primal instinct".

The New York Times

The next morning, he described the writing process as a kind of nurtured instinct.

The New York Times

I think their partnership is a kind of survival instinct, if they stick together they will be able to recreate that bond".

The New York Times - Arts

The more mysterious moments in his performances, of which there are many in "Flight," depend less on pure technique than on a kind of educated instinct, some strange mixture of calculation and spontaneity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of instinct" when you want to express a vague or not fully formed intuitive feeling or inclination. It's useful when you can't precisely define the reason behind your feeling.

Common error

In formal writing, overuse of the phrase "kind of instinct" can make your writing sound less precise. Consider stronger alternatives like "intuition", "hunch", or "sense" to convey a more definitive meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of instinct" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a feeling or intuition, but with a degree of vagueness or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kind of instinct" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe an intuitive feeling that is not fully formed or understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for general use, although potentially less precise than alternatives like "intuition" or "hunch" in formal contexts. While it appears most frequently in news and media, its accessible register makes it applicable in varied writing scenarios. When writing, make sure to avoid overuse in formal documents and consider its nuanced meaning to decide if it's the perfect expression. Overall, "kind of instinct" provides writers with a valuable tool for portraying vague or uncertain feelings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intuitive feeling

Directly states that the feeling is based on intuition.

sort of intuition

Emphasizes the intuitive aspect, similar to instinct but with a slightly weaker connotation.

a natural inclination

Highlights the natural tendency or urge to act in a certain way.

a feeling of intuition

Highlights the feeling or sense that something is true or right without conscious reasoning.

some innate sense

Focuses on the inborn or natural quality of the feeling or perception.

a gut feeling

Implies a strong, instinctive feeling that is not based on logical reasoning.

a hunch

Suggests a feeling or belief based on intuition rather than concrete evidence.

an inkling

Indicates a slight suspicion or vague feeling about something.

a presentiment

Implies a feeling that something, especially something unpleasant, is about to happen.

a premonition

Suggests a strong feeling that something is going to happen in the future.

FAQs

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

You can use "kind of instinct" to describe a feeling or intuition that is not fully formed or clear. For example: "I had a "kind of instinct" that something was wrong, but I couldn't explain it".

What phrases are similar to "kind of instinct"?

Alternatives to "kind of instinct" include "sort of intuition", "gut feeling", or "hunch", depending on the context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a kind of instinct" or "kind of instinct"?

Both "a kind of instinct" and "kind of instinct" are grammatically correct, though the inclusion of "a" may provide a slightly more formal tone. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

When should I avoid using "kind of instinct"?

Avoid using "kind of instinct" in situations that require precise and formal language, such as academic papers or legal documents. In such cases, opt for more specific and definitive terms like "intuition" or "premonition".