If you want to write more naturally in English, learning how to use the phrase kind of is essential. This short phrase can soften a statement, express approximation, or show a mild degree of something. In writing, kind of helps you sound less rigid and more conversational, but it also has specific rules and contexts. This guide explains exactly how to use kind of in sentences, when it works, and when to choose a stronger alternative.
Quick Answer: What does ‘kind of’ mean in writing?
Kind of has two main uses in English sentences:
- As a softener or hedge: It makes a statement less direct or less strong. Example: “I am kind of tired.” (Not completely tired, but somewhat.)
- As a classifier: It means a type or category of something. Example: “This is a kind of fruit.” (A specific type.)
In writing, the first use is common in informal and semi-formal contexts. The second use is neutral and works in most writing situations. The key is knowing which meaning you intend and whether the tone fits your audience.
Understanding ‘kind of’ in different writing contexts
The phrase kind of behaves differently depending on whether you are writing an email, a story, a report, or a conversation transcript. Below is a comparison table to help you choose the right tone.
| Context | Example with ‘kind of’ | Tone | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Informal email to a friend | “I am kind of busy this weekend.” | Casual, friendly | Everyday personal messages |
| Work email to a colleague | “The report is kind of incomplete.” | Semi-formal, polite | Softening criticism or feedback |
| Creative writing or dialogue | “She felt kind of strange after the news.” | Natural, conversational | Character voice or narrative |
| Formal writing or report | “This is a kind of renewable energy.” | Neutral, factual | Describing categories or types |
| Academic or professional writing | Avoid “kind of” as a softener | Formal, precise | Use “somewhat,” “partially,” or “a type of” |
Natural examples of ‘kind of’ in sentences
Here are real, natural examples that show how kind of works in everyday writing. Read each one and notice the nuance.
Softening an opinion or feeling
- “I am kind of hoping the meeting ends early.” (Not strongly hoping, but a little.)
- “That movie was kind of boring.” (A mild criticism, not harsh.)
- “He seems kind of upset about the delay.” (A guess, not a certainty.)
Expressing approximation or vagueness
- “The color is kind of blue-green.” (Not exactly one color.)
- “It is kind of like a cross between a cat and a fox.” (A rough comparison.)
- “We are kind of running late.” (Approximately late, not exactly.)
Describing a type or category
- “This is a kind of software used for design.” (A specific category.)
- “That plant is a kind of fern.” (A classification.)
- “She invented a new kind of engine.” (A distinct type.)
Common mistakes with ‘kind of’
Even advanced writers make errors with kind of. Here are the most frequent mistakes and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Using ‘kind of’ as a filler in formal writing
Wrong: “The results were kind of significant.”
Better: “The results were moderately significant.” or “The results were somewhat significant.”
Why: In formal writing, kind of sounds vague and weak. Use precise adverbs like somewhat, partially, or relatively instead.
Mistake 2: Confusing ‘kind of’ with ‘kinds of’
Wrong: “There are many kind of animals.”
Correct: “There are many kinds of animals.”
Why: Use kinds of when referring to multiple categories. Kind of is singular.
Mistake 3: Overusing ‘kind of’ in one paragraph
Wrong: “I am kind of tired, and the work is kind of hard, and the deadline is kind of soon.”
Better: “I am somewhat tired, the work is challenging, and the deadline is approaching quickly.”
Why: Repeating kind of makes writing sound hesitant and unprofessional. Vary your language.
Mistake 4: Using ‘kind of’ when you mean ‘sort of’ incorrectly
Wrong: “It is kind of a problem.” (When you mean a specific type.)
Correct: “It is a kind of problem that requires immediate attention.”
Why: Kind of as a classifier needs a noun after it. As a softener, it can stand alone before an adjective.
Better alternatives to ‘kind of’
Depending on your writing goal, you may want to replace kind of with a more precise or stronger word. Here is a quick guide.
| If you mean… | Use instead of ‘kind of’ | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A small degree | somewhat, slightly, a little | “I am somewhat tired.” |
| A moderate degree | fairly, rather, moderately | “The test was fairly difficult.” |
| A vague comparison | similar to, roughly, approximately | “It is similar to a cat.” |
| A specific category | a type of, a variety of, a form of | “This is a type of grass.” |
| Softening a negative | a bit, slightly, somewhat | “The news was a bit disappointing.” |
When to use ‘kind of’ in writing
Use kind of when you want to sound natural, polite, or conversational. It works well in:
- Personal emails and messages
- Dialogue in stories or scripts
- Blog posts with a friendly tone
- Informal notes or comments
- Softening feedback or criticism
Avoid kind of in:
- Academic papers or research reports
- Business proposals or official documents
- Technical manuals or instructions
- Any writing that requires precision and authority
Mini practice: Test your understanding
Try these four questions. Write your answers, then check the key below.
Question 1
Which sentence uses kind of correctly as a softener?
A) “This is a kind of apple.”
B) “I am kind of hungry.”
C) “She has a kind of smile.”
Question 2
Rewrite this sentence to make it more formal: “The proposal was kind of weak.”
Question 3
Is this sentence correct? “There are three kind of solutions.” If not, fix it.
Question 4
Choose the best word to replace kind of in this sentence: “The weather was kind of cold for a picnic.”
A) extremely
B) slightly
C) always
Answers
Answer 1: B) “I am kind of hungry.” This uses kind of to soften the statement. A and C use it as a classifier (a type of apple, a type of smile).
Answer 2: “The proposal was somewhat weak.” or “The proposal was relatively weak.”
Answer 3: Incorrect. The correct version is: “There are three kinds of solutions.” Use kinds (plural) with a plural number.
Answer 4: B) slightly. “The weather was slightly cold for a picnic.” This matches the mild degree of kind of.
Frequently asked questions about ‘kind of’
1. Is ‘kind of’ grammatically correct in writing?
Yes, kind of is grammatically correct. It is a common phrase in English. However, its appropriateness depends on the context. In informal and semi-formal writing, it is perfectly fine. In formal writing, choose a more precise alternative.
2. What is the difference between ‘kind of’ and ‘sort of’?
They are nearly identical in meaning and use. Kind of is slightly more common in American English, while sort of is also widely used. Both can soften statements or indicate a type. You can use them interchangeably in most cases.
3. Can I start a sentence with ‘kind of’?
Yes, but it is rare and very informal. For example: “Kind of like a dream, it faded away.” This works in creative writing or dialogue but not in formal contexts. Usually, kind of appears in the middle of a sentence.
4. How do I avoid overusing ‘kind of’ in my writing?
Read your draft aloud and circle every instance of kind of. Ask yourself: Do I need to soften this statement? Can I use a stronger word? Replace at least half of them with alternatives like somewhat, rather, a bit, or a type of. This will make your writing more confident and varied.
Final tips for using ‘kind of’ in your writing
To write better sentences with kind of, remember these three rules:
- Know your audience. Use kind of in casual and friendly writing. Avoid it in formal or professional documents.
- Check the meaning. Decide if you are using it as a softener or a classifier. This affects the sentence structure.
- Vary your language. Do not rely on kind of too often. Mix in synonyms to keep your writing fresh and precise.
With practice, you will use kind of naturally and effectively. For more examples of natural sentence patterns, explore our Writing Sentence Examples section. If you have questions about other phrases, visit our FAQ page or contact us for help.
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