kind of young

USAGE SUMMARY

"kind of young" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it informally to emphasize that someone or something is younger than normal or younger than expected. For example, "My sister is 22 but she still looks kind of young."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I told him, "You're just the kind of young man we need," she said.

The Economist

Lee was the kind of young purist whom McCain disliked intensely.

The New Yorker

She was like the kind of young new star Johnny knows.

The New Yorker

"They're kind of young and might not realize it, but it's there.

The New York Times - Sports

'I Was Born This Way' Davi Morales is the kind of young person doctors worry about.

The New York Times

She was the kind of young person older people feel they need to straighten out.

The New Yorker

But still, what kind of young man changes their name to Alan in the 21st century?

The Guardian - Music

Nor, I think, will the kind of young reader who'll embrace this book.

The Guardian - Books

"We were kind of young Turks, obnoxious as hell, but it worked.

The New York Times - Arts

Professor Dickstein notes that the 1930s, too, were freeing for a particular kind of young adult.

The New York Times

It's a very kind of young thing and can, with this building, redefine its whole existence".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of young" to soften a statement about someone's age or inexperience, making it less direct and potentially less critical.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of young" excessively in formal writing; it can make your tone seem uncertain or unprofessional. Opt for more precise language when clarity and authority are crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of young" functions as a qualifier or modifier, softening the adjective "young". It expresses an approximation, suggesting that someone or something possesses youth to a certain degree, but not entirely or definitively. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kind of young" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to soften the description of someone's age, implying they are younger than expected or perceived. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While primarily found in News & Media contexts, it maintains an informal register and serves the communicative purpose of mitigating directness. When writing, be mindful of overusing "kind of" and opt for more precise language in formal settings. Alternatives such as "relatively youthful" or "a bit inexperienced" can provide similar meanings with varying levels of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively youthful

Emphasizes youthfulness in comparison to a standard or expectation, shifting from colloquial to slightly more formal tone.

on the younger side

Indicates being towards the lower end of an age range, maintaining a neutral tone.

in their early years

Highlights the initial stage of life or career, maintaining a formal and objective stance.

just coming of age

Highlights the transition to adulthood, emphasizing the potential and possibilities that lie ahead.

somewhat juvenile

Highlights a certain immaturity associated with youth, introducing a potentially negative connotation depending on context.

not quite as mature

Points out a deficiency in maturity often correlated with youth, offering a more polite phrasing.

a bit inexperienced

Focuses on the lack of experience typically linked to youth, rather than the age itself.

new to the scene

Focuses on recent entry or involvement, suggesting freshness and lack of established presence.

still green

Emphasizes lack of experience using a metaphor.

a recent starter

Indicates someone who has recently begun a role or activity, emphasizing novelty and potential.

FAQs

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

You can use "kind of young" to describe someone who is younger than expected or to soften a comment about their age. For example, "He's the team's new CEO, but he's "kind of young"."

What phrases are similar to "kind of young"?

Alternatives include "relatively youthful", "somewhat juvenile", or "a bit inexperienced", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

While "kind of young" is acceptable in informal contexts, it is generally better to use more precise and professional language in formal writing.

What does "kind of young" imply?

"Kind of young" can imply a lack of experience or maturity, but it often functions as a softer way to address someone's age without being too direct or critical.