How to use "kind of"

What Does "kind of" Mean?

• It expresses degree, approximation, or a softening of a statement. It suggests something is true to some extent, but not entirely.
• It typically modifies adjectives, adverbs, or sometimes verbs, affecting the meaning of the word or phrase it precedes.
• Register: Informal

How to Use It

• Typical sentence position: Mid-sentence is the most natural placement, usually before the word it modifies. While grammatically possible, initial or final positions are rare and can sound awkward.
• It modifies adjectives (e.g., "kind of amazing"), adverbs (e.g., "kind of everywhere"), or verbs (e.g., "kind of boring"), weakening or qualifying their meaning. It introduces a sense of approximation or hesitation.
• Grammatical flexibility: It can be used with negation (e.g., "not kind of happy"), but fronting is generally unnatural (e.g., "Kind of, it was a good movie" sounds awkward). It's rarely used in questions.
• What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Using it excessively in a single sentence or in formal writing sounds unprofessional. Placing it in unusual positions (start/end of sentence) can disrupt the flow.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from kind of on Ludwig.guru.

"It was kind of intoxicating"." — The New York Times

"It's kind of ghostly." — The New York Times

"Paynes is kind of stunning." — Independent

"It's kind of biblical"." — The New York Times

"I'm kind of lonely." — The New Yorker

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/kind+of

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
somewhat	More formal and concise; suitable for both writing and speaking.
sort of	Almost interchangeable, but slightly more informal than "kind of."
rather	Implies a higher degree than "kind of"; can also express preference.
a little	Simple and direct; indicates a small degree or amount.
slightly	More precise than "kind of"; suggests a subtle difference or degree.
to some extent	Formal and cautious; emphasizes the limited nature of the statement.
in a way	Suggests a particular perspective or interpretation.

Common Mistakes

• Overusing "kind of" can make your speech sound hesitant and less confident. Try to vary your language with other adverbs of degree.
• Using "kind of" in formal writing or presentations is generally inappropriate. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives.
• Learners often confuse "kind of" with "sort of" or use it excessively in formal writing, where it's considered too informal.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Function	Register	Typical Position
kind of	Indicates approximation, softening, or a lesser degree	Informal	Mid-sentence, before the modified word

FAQs

Where does "kind of" typically appear in a sentence?

"Kind of" usually appears in the middle of a sentence, directly before the word it modifies, such as an adjective (kind of interesting), an adverb (kind of quickly), or a verb (kind of like). While it can sometimes appear at the beginning or end, this is less common and can sound awkward.

---

How is "kind of" different from "sort of?"

"Kind of" and "sort of" are very similar and often interchangeable, both serving to soften a statement or indicate approximation. However, some consider "sort of" to be slightly more informal than "kind of." In most everyday situations, the difference is negligible.

---

Is it incorrect to use "kind of" in formal writing?

Yes, using "kind of" too frequently in formal writing can be considered inappropriate. In formal contexts, it's better to use more precise and professional alternatives such as "somewhat," "slightly," or "to some extent" to maintain a more polished and confident tone.