kind of knowing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of knowing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a vague or partial understanding of something. Example: "There’s a kind of knowing that comes from experience that you can’t find in books."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

But Endō knew the older tradition, which honored silence and not knowing as a different kind of knowing and not needing to know as spiritual freedom.

Huffington Post

"We all have a kind of knowing energy together".

The New York Times - Magazine

The details of history are sketched in a kind of knowing shorthand: "1890.

The Guardian - Books

Each of these represents a kind of knowing trade, a conscious consumer submission to surveillance for the sake of convenience.

The New York Times

So you're the only one that goes in kind of knowing — everyone's reacting around you, nobody's acting around you.

The New York Times - Sports

Radiohead were the poster boys for a certain kind of knowing alienation — as the Talking Heads and R.E.M. had been before.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Other languages have two different words for those two kinds of knowing, I suspect.

The Guardian

"It's that kind of thing of knowing what's in and using it," said Baron.

Huffington Post

In these works, knowledge is intimately tied to knowing how to do things, especially the more organized kind of knowing-how designated by technê.

SEP

Jensen quickly establishes a kind of easy, knowing rapport with the audience.

The New Yorker

His publisher, Pan MacMillan, is keeping silent about the book, Kind of Blue, knowing it is good.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of knowing" to express an understanding that is not fully formed or precise. It's suitable when describing a feeling or intuition rather than concrete knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of knowing" excessively in your writing. While acceptable, overuse can make your language sound vague or imprecise. Opt for more specific terms when possible to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of knowing" functions as a qualifier, modifying a noun (often a feeling or understanding) to indicate the nature of the knowledge is intuitive, incomplete, or not fully articulated. As Ludwig shows, it's frequently used to express a sense of awareness that isn't based on concrete facts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kind of knowing" is a versatile expression used to describe an intuitive or partial understanding. As highlighted by Ludwig, it serves as a qualifier, indicating that the knowledge is not complete or fully articulated. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, and Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While acceptable in various settings, it's crucial to avoid overuse and consider more specific language for enhanced clarity. Alternatives like "sort of understanding" or "intuitive sense" can provide greater precision depending on the context. Overall, "kind of knowing" is a useful phrase for expressing a nuanced sense of awareness, but thoughtful usage is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sort of understanding

Emphasizes a less precise or complete grasp of something.

vague awareness

Highlights the lack of clarity or detail in the knowledge.

intuitive sense

Focuses on understanding based on instinct rather than explicit reasoning.

implicit understanding

Stresses knowledge that is understood but not directly expressed.

tacit knowledge

Implies knowledge that is difficult to transfer to another person by means of writing it down or verbalizing it.

partial comprehension

Highlights that the understanding is incomplete or limited.

hazy notion

Suggests an unclear or ill-defined understanding.

approximate knowledge

Emphasizes that the knowledge is not exact or precise.

general idea

Indicates a broad understanding without specific details.

sense of familiarity

Focuses on a feeling of recognition or understanding without concrete knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "kind of knowing" to describe an intuitive or partial understanding. For example: "She had a kind of knowing about the situation, even without all the facts."

What are some alternatives to "kind of knowing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "sort of understanding", "vague awareness", or "intuitive sense".

Is "kind of knowing" formal or informal?

"Kind of knowing" is generally considered neutral in formality. It can be used in both informal and formal contexts, although more precise language may be preferred in highly formal writing.

What does "kind of knowing" imply about the knowledge itself?

"Kind of knowing" suggests that the knowledge is not complete or fully articulated. It often refers to an understanding based on intuition or experience rather than explicit information.