kind of known

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of known" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is somewhat recognized or familiar, but not universally acknowledged. Example: "This theory is kind of known among experts in the field, but it hasn't gained widespread acceptance yet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Although America doesn't realize it, we are kind of known just about everywhere in the world".

The New York Times

"I've always kind of known what I like and what I don't," he says levelly.

The Guardian

("We were kind of known as the jazz bullies," McBride told me, laughing. "We liked to mess with people").

The New Yorker

"He was just born, and everybody's really excited about it because we're kind of known for our pandas".

The New York Times

"Seeing a girl who was kind of known as an iconic pretty face get older can be hard.

The Guardian - Film

"I'm kind of known for winning the Tour of California, so winning this race is really important for me," Leipheimer said in a telephone interview before the race.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

You kind of know".

The New York Times - Food

"We just kind of knew".

The New York Times

"I kind of knew him.

The New York Times

So, people kind of knew".

The New York Times

"Everyone kind of knows," Fernandez said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of known" to indicate that something is recognized within a specific context or community, but not necessarily widely known by the general public.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of known" excessively in formal writing. Overuse can make your writing sound vague or uncertain. Replace with more precise terms like "somewhat recognized" or "partially acknowledged" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of known" functions as an adverbial modifier to the adjective "known", softening its meaning. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates a state of being partially or somewhat recognized rather than universally acknowledged. It is commonly used to express a degree of familiarity or reputation that is not absolute.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kind of known" is a commonly used phrase that serves to qualify the degree to which something is recognized or familiar. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While it is most prevalent in News & Media and Academic contexts, writers should be mindful of its somewhat informal tone and consider more precise alternatives like "somewhat recognized" or "partially acknowledged" in formal writing. Ludwig's examples illustrate that while "kind of known" is appropriate in many situations, a more formal option may at times be better.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat recognized

Replaces the colloquial "kind of" with a more formal "somewhat", indicating partial recognition.

recognized to some extent

Highlights the limited degree of acknowledgement.

slightly known

Emphasizes a small degree of fame or recognition.

marginally famous

Indicates a low level of fame or notoriety.

relatively well-known

Indicates a moderate level of public awareness or familiarity.

partially acknowledged

Focuses on the aspect of acceptance or recognition, rather than general awareness.

gaining some recognition

Highlights the process of becoming known, rather than a state of being known.

has a reputation for

Shifts the focus to the reputation or image associated with something.

regarded as

Focuses on the perception or estimation of something or someone by others.

considered to be

Similar to 'regarded as', but emphasizes the act of judging or evaluating.

FAQs

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

You can use "kind of known" to describe something that is somewhat recognized or familiar, but not universally acknowledged. For example, "This theory is "kind of known" among experts in the field, but it hasn't gained widespread acceptance yet."

What are some alternatives to "kind of known"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "somewhat recognized", "slightly known", or "relatively well-known" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "kind of known" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "kind of known" might be considered too informal for some types of formal writing. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives like "partially acknowledged" or "recognized to some extent" in those contexts.

What does "kind of known" imply about the level of recognition?

"Kind of known" suggests a moderate or limited level of recognition. It implies that something is not completely obscure, but also not widely famous or recognized by everyone.