How to Use ‘kind of’ in a Sentence
The phrase kind of is a common and versatile expression in everyday English. It is used in two main ways: as a noun phrase meaning “a type of” or “a variety of,” and as an informal adverb meaning “somewhat” or “to some extent.” This guide will show you exactly how to use both forms correctly, with clear examples, common mistakes, and practical tips for real conversations and writing.
Quick Answer: Two Main Uses of ‘kind of’
Here is the simplest breakdown:
- As a noun phrase: “What kind of music do you like?” (meaning “what type”)
- As an informal adverb: “I’m kind of tired.” (meaning “a little” or “somewhat”)
The first use is standard in all English. The second use is very common in spoken English and informal writing, but should be avoided in formal or academic contexts.
Use 1: ‘Kind of’ as a Noun Phrase (Type of)
When you use kind of to mean “a type of” or “a category of,” it is grammatically a noun phrase. It is followed by a noun (or a noun phrase). This use is correct in both formal and informal English.
Structure and Examples
The basic structure is: kind of + noun. If the noun is singular, use “a kind of.” If plural, use “kinds of.”
- “This is a new kind of coffee.”
- “There are many kinds of birds in this forest.”
- “What kind of book are you reading?”
- “She is the kind of person who always helps others.”
Formal vs. Informal Tone
This use is neutral. You can use it in emails, essays, and conversations without any problem. For example:
- Formal email: “We are looking for a new kind of software to manage our inventory.”
- Conversation: “What kind of pizza do you want?”
Use 2: ‘Kind of’ as an Informal Adverb (Somewhat)
This is the more casual use. Here, kind of means “a little,” “somewhat,” or “in a way.” It softens the statement and makes it less direct. This is extremely common in spoken English but is not appropriate for formal writing.
Structure and Examples
The structure is: kind of + adjective or verb.
- “I’m kind of hungry.” (a little hungry)
- “This movie is kind of boring.” (somewhat boring)
- “She kind of likes him.” (she likes him a little, but not strongly)
- “It kind of looks like a cat.” (it looks a bit like a cat)
Nuance and Tone
Using kind of as an adverb can make your English sound more natural and polite. It can also show hesitation or uncertainty. For example:
- “I kind of agree with you.” (I agree, but not completely. This is softer than “I agree.”)
- “That’s kind of expensive.” (This is more polite than “That’s too expensive.”)
In a formal email or academic paper, replace “kind of” with “somewhat,” “rather,” “slightly,” or “to some extent.”
Comparison Table: Noun Phrase vs. Adverb
| Feature | Noun Phrase (Type of) | Informal Adverb (Somewhat) |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A type, category, or variety | A little, somewhat, to some degree |
| Grammar | Followed by a noun (e.g., kind of car) | Followed by an adjective or verb (e.g., kind of tired) |
| Formality | Formal and informal | Informal only |
| Example | “What kind of job do you have?” | “I’m kind of busy right now.” |
| Can you use it in an essay? | Yes | No (use “somewhat” instead) |
Natural Examples in Context
Here are examples that show how native speakers use kind of in real situations.
In Conversation
- “I kind of want to go, but I’m also tired.”
- “This is a weird kind of fruit. I’ve never seen it before.”
- “He’s kind of strange, don’t you think?”
- “What kind of phone do you have?”
In Informal Writing (Texts, Notes, Social Media)
- “I’m kind of hoping it rains tomorrow.”
- “That’s the kind of movie I love.”
- “She’s kind of right, but not completely.”
In Emails (Semi-formal)
- “We are looking for a new kind of solution for our scheduling problem.” (noun phrase – acceptable)
- “I am kind of interested in the proposal.” (adverb – too informal for a business email. Better: “I am somewhat interested.”)
Common Mistakes with ‘kind of’
Even advanced learners make these errors. Here are the most frequent ones.
Mistake 1: Using ‘kind of’ as an adverb in formal writing
Incorrect: “The results were kind of surprising.”
Correct (formal): “The results were somewhat surprising.”
Correct (informal): “The results were kind of surprising.” (fine in conversation)
Mistake 2: Forgetting the article ‘a’ with singular nouns
Incorrect: “It is kind of flower.”
Correct: “It is a kind of flower.”
Mistake 3: Confusing ‘kind of’ with ‘kinds of’
Use “kind of” for one type, and “kinds of” for multiple types.
- “This is a kind of cheese.” (one type)
- “There are many kinds of cheese.” (multiple types)
Mistake 4: Overusing ‘kind of’ as a filler word
Some learners use “kind of” in almost every sentence. This makes your English sound unsure. Use it only when you want to soften a statement or show hesitation.
Better Alternatives to ‘kind of’ (Adverb Use)
If you want to sound more precise or formal, here are alternatives to the adverb “kind of.”
| Informal (kind of) | Formal Alternative | Example |
|---|---|---|
| kind of tired | somewhat tired | “I am somewhat tired after the long flight.” |
| kind of expensive | rather expensive | “The hotel is rather expensive for our budget.” |
| kind of strange | slightly strange | “His behavior was slightly strange.” |
| kind of agree | partially agree | “I partially agree with your analysis.” |
When to Use ‘kind of’
Use kind of (as a noun phrase) in any situation. Use kind of (as an adverb) in these situations:
- Casual conversations with friends or family.
- Text messages and social media posts.
- Informal emails to people you know well.
- When you want to be polite or soften a negative comment (e.g., “The food was kind of salty.”).
Avoid the adverb use in: academic essays, business reports, formal letters, job interviews, or any professional writing.
Mini Practice: Test Yourself
Complete each sentence with the correct form of kind of or an alternative. Answers are below.
- “I’m ________ hungry. Let’s get a small snack.” (informal adverb)
- “What ________ music do you prefer?” (noun phrase)
- “The professor said the theory was ________ complex.” (formal adverb)
- “There are many ________ flowers in the garden.” (noun phrase, plural)
Answers
- “I’m kind of hungry.” (informal adverb)
- “What kind of music do you prefer?” (noun phrase)
- “The professor said the theory was somewhat complex.” (formal adverb)
- “There are many kinds of flowers in the garden.” (noun phrase, plural)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is ‘kind of’ grammatically correct?
Yes, both uses are grammatically correct. The noun phrase use (“a kind of bird”) is standard. The adverb use (“kind of tired”) is grammatically accepted in informal English, though some strict grammar guides consider it too casual.
2. What is the difference between ‘kind of’ and ‘sort of’?
They are almost identical in meaning and use. “Sort of” is slightly more common in British English, while “kind of” is very common in American English. You can use them interchangeably.
3. Can I use ‘kind of’ in a job interview?
Use the noun phrase (“What kind of experience do you have?”) without any problem. Avoid the adverb use. Instead of saying “I’m kind of interested in marketing,” say “I am very interested in marketing” or “I have a strong interest in marketing.”
4. How do I know if I am using ‘kind of’ correctly?
Ask yourself: Can I replace “kind of” with “type of”? If yes, it is the noun phrase. Can I replace it with “somewhat”? If yes, it is the informal adverb. This simple test will help you choose the right structure every time.
For more help with sentence structure and common usage, explore our Simple Sentence Examples or visit our FAQ page for additional questions. If you have a specific question, feel free to contact us.
