kind of thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"kind of thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually has a connotation of uncertainty or hesitancy, and can be used to describe a thought that is unsure or incomplete. For example, "I had a kind of thought that maybe I should take a different route home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It became a kind of thought experiment.

The New Yorker

The novel also functions as a kind of thought exercise.

The New York Times - Magazine

I kind of thought of you as anti-hippie.

The New York Times - Arts

"I kind of thought, Well, this is real".

The New York Times - Sports

Bitcoin began as a kind of thought experiment.

The New York Times

I think this kind of thought and uncertainty is good.

The New York Times

So I kind of thought, "Hey, I'm a natural.

The New York Times

Then I kind of thought, what is, is.

The Guardian - Music

I always kind of thought they were creeps".

The New York Times - Style

That kind of thought can drive a person crazy.

The Guardian

I kind of thought, 'Oh well, something will come up'.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a more formal and precise tone, consider using synonyms like "notion", "idea", or "line of reasoning" to replace "kind of thought".

Common error

Avoid using "kind of thought" excessively in formal or academic writing. Over-reliance on this phrase can make your writing sound less precise and less confident. Opt for stronger and more specific alternatives when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of thought" functions as a qualifier to a noun, indicating the nature or type of thought being expressed. Ludwig shows examples where it introduces an uncertain or incomplete idea, reflecting hesitancy or lack of precision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

6%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kind of thought" is a common expression used to describe an idea or notion that is not fully formed or is somewhat uncertain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. While suitable for general communication, writers should consider more precise alternatives like "idea", "concept", or "consideration" in formal writing to enhance clarity and confidence. Related phrases like "sort of idea" or "a notion" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sort of idea

Replaces "kind of" with "sort of", which is a close synonym, maintaining a similar level of informality and approximation.

a notion

Substitutes the whole phrase with "a notion", which is a more concise and slightly more formal way of expressing a similar concept.

a line of reasoning

Replaces the entire phrase with "a line of reasoning", suggesting a more structured and logical thought process.

a train of thought

Emphasizes the sequential nature of thinking, implying a series of connected thoughts.

a feeling that

Replaces "thought" with "feeling", which is more emotional and intuitive, rather than cognitive.

a sense that

Similar to "a feeling that", but suggests a slightly more rational or perceptive understanding.

a hunch

Implies a thought based on intuition or incomplete information.

an inkling

Suggests a vague or uncertain idea, similar to a hunch but perhaps even less defined.

a suspicion

Indicates a thought that something might be wrong or untrue.

a theory

Suggests a more developed and structured thought, often involving explanation and prediction.

FAQs

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

You can use "kind of thought" to express an idea that is not fully formed or certain. For example, "I had a "kind of thought" that it might rain later today".

What are some alternatives to "kind of thought"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a notion", "a feeling that", or "a hunch".

Is "kind of thought" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "kind of thought" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider more precise alternatives such as "idea", "concept", or "consideration".

What's the difference between "kind of thought" and "a line of reasoning"?

"Kind of thought" suggests a more casual and perhaps less structured idea, while "a line of reasoning" implies a more organized and logical thought process.