Common Mistakes When Using ‘kind of’ in a Sentence

If you want to use kind of correctly in a sentence, the most important thing to know is that it has two very different jobs: it can be a precise noun phrase meaning “a type of” (e.g., a kind of bird), or it can be a vague, informal adverb meaning “somewhat” or “rather” (e.g., I kind of like it). Most mistakes happen when learners mix up these two uses, use the informal adverb in formal writing, or forget the correct grammar for the noun phrase form. This guide will show you exactly how to avoid those errors.

Quick Answer: When to Use ‘kind of’

• As a noun phrase (formal): Use a kind of + noun to mean “a type of.” Example: This is a kind of fruit.
• As an adverb (informal): Use kind of before an adjective or verb to mean “somewhat.” Example: I am kind of tired.
• Do not use the adverb form in formal emails, academic writing, or professional reports.
• Do not say “kinds of” when you mean “kind of” as an adverb.

Understanding the Two Meanings

The phrase kind of is a common source of confusion because it functions as both a precise noun phrase and a vague adverb. Recognizing which role it plays in a sentence is the first step to using it correctly.

1. ‘Kind of’ as a Noun Phrase (A Type of)

When you use kind of to mean “a type of” or “a category of,” it is a noun phrase. It is grammatically correct in both formal and informal English. You usually need the article a before it: a kind of.

Examples:

• That is a kind of cheese from France.
• She invented a new kind of engine.
• What kind of music do you prefer?

Notice that after a kind of, you can use a singular noun (e.g., a kind of cheese) or an uncountable noun (e.g., a kind of music).

2. ‘Kind of’ as an Adverb (Somewhat)

When you use kind of to mean “somewhat,” “a little,” or “rather,” it is an adverb. This use is very common in spoken English and informal writing, but it is not appropriate for formal contexts.

Examples:

• I am kind of hungry. (I am somewhat hungry.)
• She kind of laughed when she heard the news. (She laughed a little.)
• That movie was kind of boring. (It was somewhat boring.)

In this use, kind of modifies an adjective (hungry, boring) or a verb (laughed). You do not need the article a before it.

Comparison Table: Noun Phrase vs. Adverb

Natural Examples in Context

Here are examples that show how kind of is used in everyday conversation, email, and writing. Pay attention to the tone.

In Conversation (Informal)

• “Are you ready for the test?” “Kind of. I studied, but I am still nervous.”
• This coffee is kind of cold. Can you heat it up?
• He is kind of strange, but I like him.

In Email (Formal vs. Informal)

Informal email to a colleague:
“I am kind of busy this afternoon. Can we meet tomorrow?”

Formal email to a client (avoid ‘kind of’):
“I am somewhat busy this afternoon. Could we reschedule for tomorrow?”
Or better: “I have a full schedule this afternoon. Would tomorrow work for you?”

In Writing (Descriptive)

• The sky was kind of purple at sunset. (Informal, suitable for a personal blog or story.)
• The sky exhibited a purplish hue at sunset. (Formal, suitable for a report.)

Common Mistakes

Here are the most frequent errors learners make with kind of.

Mistake 1: Using the Adverb ‘kind of’ in Formal Writing

Incorrect: The results were kind of surprising. (Too informal for a report.)
Correct (formal): The results were somewhat surprising. or The results were quite surprising.

Mistake 2: Forgetting the Article ‘a’ in the Noun Phrase

Incorrect: That is kind of bird I saw.
Correct: That is a kind of bird I saw.

Mistake 3: Using ‘kinds of’ When You Mean ‘kind of’ as an Adverb

Incorrect: I am kinds of tired.
Correct: I am kind of tired.
(Remember: kinds of is the plural noun phrase, meaning “types of.” Example: There are many kinds of birds.)

Mistake 4: Using ‘kind of’ with a Plural Noun in the Noun Phrase

Incorrect: This is a kind of apples.
Correct: This is a kind of apple. (Use the singular noun after a kind of.)

Better Alternatives for Formal Contexts

If you are writing a formal email, an academic paper, or a professional report, avoid the adverb kind of. Use these alternatives instead:

• Somewhat: The data is somewhat unclear.
• Rather: It is rather difficult to explain.
• Quite: She was quite pleased with the result.
• Slightly: The temperature dropped slightly.
• To some extent: I agree with you to some extent.

For the noun phrase meaning, a kind of is fine in formal writing. You can also use a type of or a sort of.

When to Use ‘kind of’

• Use it in casual conversation with friends, family, or close colleagues.
• Use it in personal writing like diary entries, social media posts, or informal blog comments.
• Use it as a noun phrase in any context when you mean “a type of.”
• Avoid it in formal reports, academic essays, business proposals, and official emails.

Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding

Choose the correct option for each sentence. Answers are below.

1. This is _____ fruit I have never seen before.
   a) kind of
   b) a kind of
2. I am _____ worried about the exam.
   a) kind of
   b) a kind of
3. There are many _____ flowers in the garden.
   a) kind of
   b) kinds of
4. She _____ smiled when she saw the gift.
   a) kind of
   b) a kind of

Answers:
1. b) a kind of (noun phrase: a type of fruit)
2. a) kind of (adverb: somewhat worried)
3. b) kinds of (plural noun phrase: many types of flowers)
4. a) kind of (adverb: smiled a little)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is ‘kind of’ grammatically correct in formal writing?

Only the noun phrase form (a kind of) is acceptable in formal writing. The adverb form (kind of meaning “somewhat”) is too informal and should be replaced with words like somewhat or rather.

2. Can I use ‘kind of’ before a verb?

Yes, but only in informal English. For example: I kind of understand what you mean. In formal writing, say I somewhat understand or I understand to some extent.

3. What is the difference between ‘kind of’ and ‘kinds of’?

Kind of is singular and means “a type of” or “somewhat.” Kinds of is plural and means “types of.” Example: This is a kind of cake. vs. There are many kinds of cake.

4. Is ‘kind of’ the same as ‘sort of’?

Yes, sort of works exactly the same way as kind of. Both can be noun phrases (a sort of) or informal adverbs (sort of). They are interchangeable in most contexts.

For more help with common English usage, explore our Common Usage Mistakes section. You can also read our About Us page to learn more about this site, or visit our FAQ for answers to other questions. If you have a specific question, feel free to contact us.