that kind of

USAGE SUMMARY

"that kind of" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
We use it to refer to a specific type of thing, typically something that the speaker has already mentioned. For example, "I don't think I want to get that kind of job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Poor — that kind of means.

The New York Times - Arts

That kind of day.

The Guardian

That kind of bad.

The New York Times - Books

That kind of fantastic day?

The New York Times - Magazine

It's that kind of place.

The New Yorker

Isn't that kind of dangerous?

The New York Times - Magazine

Not that kind of tired.

The New Yorker

It's that kind of restaurant.

The New Yorker

"He's that kind of player".

The New York Times - Sports

I'm that kind of driver.

The Guardian - Music

It's that kind of house.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that kind of" to provide context by linking to something previously mentioned, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

While acceptable, "that kind of" might sound informal in academic or professional contexts. Opt for more precise language like "that type of" or specify the category directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that kind of" functions as a determiner, specifying a particular type or category of something. Ludwig demonstrates that it's often used to refer back to something previously mentioned or understood in the context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that kind of" is a versatile phrase used to refer to a specific type or category, often linking back to something previously mentioned. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very common. While generally neutral in tone, it can sometimes lean towards informality. When aiming for precision in formal writing, consider alternatives like "that type of" or specifying the category directly. Its widespread use across sources like The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Guardian underscores its acceptability and relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that sort of

Replaces "kind" with "sort", maintaining the same meaning of referring to a specific type.

that type of

Substitutes "kind" with "type", preserving the reference to a specific category.

that manner of

Replaces "kind" with "manner", emphasizing the way something is done or its style.

that variety of

Uses "variety" instead of "kind", highlighting the diversity within a category.

that class of

Employs "class" to refer to a group or category with shared characteristics.

that genre of

Specifically refers to a category within arts or culture.

that brand of

Emphasizes a particular style or quality associated with something, particularly in abstract concepts.

that line of

Suggests a category related to thought or reasoning.

that make of

This variant is often used in relation to goods or products.

such a

Offers a more concise way to refer to a previously mentioned quality or characteristic.

FAQs

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

Use "that kind of" to refer to a specific type or category of something previously mentioned or easily understood in context. For example, "I enjoy reading books, especially "that kind of" historical fiction".

What are some alternatives to "that kind of"?

You can use alternatives like "that sort of", "that type of", or "such a" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "that kind of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "that kind of" can sometimes sound informal. In formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives like "that type of" or specifying the category directly.

What's the difference between "that kind of" and "this kind of"?

"That kind of" refers to something more distant or already discussed, while "this kind of" refers to something closer or currently being introduced. For example, "I didn't like the last movie, but I do enjoy this kind of action film".