this kind of

USAGE SUMMARY

"this kind of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific type of thing, either directly or indirectly. For example, "This kind of music has become popular recently" or "I don't like this kind of behavior".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This kind of challenged me.

The New York Times

"It's this kind of hustle".

The New York Times

This kind of speed kills.

The Economist

This kind of criticism hurts.

The Economist

This kind of food invites drinking.

The New York Times - Food

Have you gotten this kind of criticism?

The New York Times

This kind of scorekeeping is good fun.

The New York Times - Arts

"This kind of government abuse must stop.

The New York Times

Clearly equal to this kind of mark.

Independent

"Which makes this kind of hilarious".

The New York Times

This kind of curry makes winter bearable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this kind of" to clearly specify a category or type when you want to be precise about what you're referring to. For instance, "This kind of problem requires a specialized solution."

Common error

While "this kind of" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal contexts. Alternatives like "this type of" or more specific terminology can enhance the sophistication and precision of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this kind of" functions as a determiner, specifically a demonstrative determiner, that modifies a noun to indicate a particular type or category. It is used to specify or single out a specific kind of something from a broader range, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this kind of" is a versatile phrase used to specify a particular type or category. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While acceptable in most contexts, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing. Common errors involve overuse, which can be easily avoided by employing more precise language. As highlighted by Ludwig, understanding its proper usage ensures clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this type of

Slightly more formal and interchangeable in most contexts.

this sort of

More informal and implies a general category.

this variety of

Focuses on differences within a broader group.

this form of

Emphasizes the structure or presentation.

such a kind of

More emphatic and less common.

a similar type of

Highlights the similarity to another unspecified type.

an example of this

Used to introduce an instance that exemplifies something.

a manifestation of this

Focuses on how an abstract concept appears in reality.

instances like this

Refers to specific occurrences sharing a common trait.

cases such as these

Highlights particular situations that belong to a group.

FAQs

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

"This kind of" is used to refer to a specific type or category of something. For example, "This kind of music is very popular now."

What are some alternatives to "this kind of"?

Alternatives include "this type of", "this sort of", or more specific terms depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "this kind of"?

Yes, "this kind of" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English.

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

"This kind of" is singular and refers to a single category or type, while "these kinds of" is plural and refers to multiple categories or types.