kind of thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of thing" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to something vaguely or generally, or to classify something without mentioning it specifically. For example, "I'm not sure exactly what I want to eat, just some kind of thing with noodles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's that kind of thing.

The New York Times - Sports

"An electric kind of thing.

Independent

That kind of thing works.

The New York Times

"The humblest kind of thing," he said.

The New York Times

That's not my kind of thing".

The New Yorker

This kind of thing could happen anywhere.

The New Yorker

This kind of thing almost never happens.

Independent

Will this be that kind of thing?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Francona had seen this kind of thing.

The New York Times - Sports

What kind of thing is a number?

Encyclopedia Britannica

Everyone does this kind of thing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of thing" to refer to something generally without being specific, or when the specific details are not important. It is useful in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "kind of thing" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language to maintain clarity and sophistication. For example, use "a similar situation" or "comparable circumstance" instead of "that "kind of thing"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of thing" functions as a vague designator, allowing speakers and writers to refer to something without specifying it precisely. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a wide array of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kind of thing" is a versatile phrase used to indicate generality or approximation. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While acceptable in many situations, writers should be mindful of the register and opt for more specific language in formal or academic settings. Remember, alternatives such as "sort of thing" or "type of thing" exist, offering subtle variations in meaning. Using "kind of thing" effectively involves understanding its communicative purpose and adapting it to the appropriate level of formality. While it is a commonly used phrase, be mindful of overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sort of thing

Interchangeable in most contexts, placing emphasis on a vague categorization.

type of thing

Highlights the classification or category of something.

something like that

Suggests approximation or generality.

that sort of thing

Refers back to something previously mentioned or implied.

that kind of stuff

Informal way to refer to similar items or experiences.

things of that nature

More formal way to refer to similar items or experiences.

something along those lines

Indicates similarity to a concept or idea.

matters of that kind

Formal, emphasizing the type or category of the subject.

a similar item

Focuses on an item sharing characteristics with another.

an analogous situation

Draws a comparison between two different scenarios.

FAQs

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

"Kind of thing" is used to refer to something vaguely or generally. For example, you might say, "I enjoy outdoor activities, like hiking and that "kind of thing"".

What are some alternatives to "kind of thing"?

Alternatives include "sort of thing", "type of thing", or "something like that", depending on the context. Choose the phrase that best fits the level of formality and the specific meaning you want to convey.

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

While "kind of thing" is grammatically correct, it may be too informal for certain types of formal writing. Consider using more precise language to maintain a professional tone, like "similar instance" or "related matter".

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

The phrases "kind of thing" and "sort of thing" are largely interchangeable and have very similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or subtle stylistic considerations.