How to Use ‘kind of’ in a Sentence
To use “kind of” correctly in a sentence, you need to know that it has two distinct functions: as a noun phrase meaning “a type of” (e.g., “That is a kind of bird”) and as an informal adverb meaning “somewhat” or “a little” (e.g., “I am kind of tired”). The first use is standard in all writing, while the second is conversational and best reserved for informal speech, emails to friends, or casual blog posts. This guide will help you master both uses, avoid common errors, and choose the right tone for your context.
Quick Answer: Two Meanings of ‘kind of’
| Function | Meaning | Example | Formality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noun phrase | A type or category of something | “This is a kind of pasta.” | Formal / Neutral |
| Adverb (informal) | Somewhat, slightly, or to some extent | “I feel kind of cold.” | Informal |
When you write, ask yourself: Am I naming a category, or am I softening a statement? The answer tells you which meaning to use.
1. ‘Kind of’ as a Noun Phrase (A Type Of)
This is the original, standard use. “Kind of” means “a type of” or “a variety of.” It is followed by a noun (or a noun phrase) and is perfectly acceptable in formal writing, business emails, and academic work.
Examples in Sentences
- “She grows a rare kind of rose in her garden.”
- “What kind of music do you prefer?”
- “This is a new kind of software for designers.”
- “He faced a difficult kind of problem at work.”
Formal and Informal Contexts
This use works everywhere. In a formal report, you can write: “The company developed a new kind of battery.” In a casual conversation, you can say: “That’s a weird kind of sandwich.” No one will think it sounds strange.
Common Mistake: Missing Article
Learners sometimes drop the article “a” or “an” before “kind of” when it is a noun phrase. This is incorrect.
- Incorrect: “That is kind of flower I like.”
- Correct: “That is a kind of flower I like.”
2. ‘Kind of’ as an Adverb (Somewhat)
This is the informal, conversational use. Here, “kind of” means “a little,” “somewhat,” or “sort of.” It softens what you say, making it less direct or absolute. You will hear it constantly in spoken English, but it is rarely appropriate in formal writing.
Examples in Sentences
- “I am kind of hungry.” (I am a little hungry.)
- “That movie was kind of boring.” (It was somewhat boring.)
- “She kind of likes him.” (She has some feelings, but not strong ones.)
- “It is kind of late to start now.” (It is a bit late.)
Where to Use It
Use this “kind of” in:
- Casual conversations with friends or family.
- Informal text messages or social media posts.
- Personal journal entries.
- Friendly emails to people you know well.
Where to Avoid It
Avoid this use in:
- Academic essays or research papers.
- Professional business reports or proposals.
- Formal letters of complaint or application.
- Official documentation.
Common Mistake: Overusing It
Some learners use “kind of” to avoid being definite. This can make your speech sound uncertain or weak. For example:
- Weak: “I kind of think we should go.”
- Stronger: “I think we should go.”
Save “kind of” for when you truly mean “a little” or “somewhat,” not as a filler word.
3. Comparison Table: Noun Phrase vs. Adverb
| Feature | Noun Phrase (A Type Of) | Adverb (Somewhat) |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A category or variety | To a small degree |
| Grammar | Followed by a noun: “a kind of + noun” | Modifies an adjective or verb: “kind of + adjective/verb” |
| Formality | Formal and informal | Informal only |
| Example | “It is a kind of cheese.” | “It is kind of expensive.” |
| Can you remove it? | No, the sentence loses meaning. | Yes, the sentence still works. |
4. Natural Examples in Context
Read these short dialogues to see how “kind of” works naturally.
Dialogue 1: Casual Conversation
A: “Do you want to go to the party?”
B: “I am kind of tired. Maybe another time.”
A: “Okay. What kind of party is it?”
B: “A birthday party. It should be fun.”
Dialogue 2: Email to a Colleague (Informal)
“Hi Mark, I am kind of stuck on the report. Can you help me with the data? Also, what kind of format does the client want?”
Dialogue 3: Formal Email (Avoid Adverb Use)
“Dear Ms. Chen, I am writing to ask about the kind of training you recommend for our team. Please let me know your suggestions.”
5. Common Mistakes with ‘kind of’
Mistake 1: Confusing the Two Meanings
Learners sometimes use the adverb “kind of” when they mean the noun phrase. This changes the meaning.
- Wrong: “I need kind of help.” (Sounds like “I need somewhat help.”)
- Right: “I need a kind of help.” (I need a type of help.)
Mistake 2: Using ‘kind of’ with Plural Nouns
When “kind of” means “a type of,” the noun that follows is usually singular. However, when talking about multiple types, use “kinds of” with a plural noun.
- Singular: “This is a kind of fruit.”
- Plural: “These are two kinds of fruit.”
- Incorrect: “These are kind of fruits.” (Confusing)
Mistake 3: Writing ‘kinda’ in Formal Work
“Kinda” is a casual contraction of “kind of” (adverb). It is fine in text messages but not in essays or professional writing.
- Informal text: “I’m kinda busy.”
- Formal writing: “I am somewhat busy.” or “I am quite busy.”
6. Better Alternatives for Formal Writing
If you are writing formally and want to avoid the informal adverb “kind of,” use these alternatives:
| Instead of ‘kind of’ (adverb) | Use this | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Kind of tired | Somewhat tired | “I am somewhat tired.” |
| Kind of difficult | Rather difficult | “The task is rather difficult.” |
| Kind of late | Fairly late | “It is fairly late.” |
| Kind of interesting | Moderately interesting | “The lecture was moderately interesting.” |
For the noun phrase meaning, you do not need alternatives. “Kind of” is already correct in formal writing.
7. When to Use ‘kind of’ (and When Not To)
Use it when:
- You want to name a category: “What kind of car is that?”
- You are speaking casually and want to soften your statement: “I am kind of nervous.”
- You are writing dialogue for a story or a character.
Do not use it when:
- You are writing a formal report, essay, or official email.
- You want to sound confident and direct.
- You mean “a type of” but forget the article “a.”
8. Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding. Choose the correct option for each sentence.
1. “This is a new _____ software.”
a) kind of
b) kind of a
c) kinda
Answer: a) kind of. “A new kind of software” is correct. “Kind of a” is informal and “kinda” is too casual here.
2. “I am _____ hungry. Let’s eat soon.”
a) kind of
b) a kind of
c) kinds of
Answer: a) kind of. This is the adverb meaning “somewhat.”
3. “She bought three different _____ flowers.”
a) kind of
b) kinds of
c) kind of a
Answer: b) kinds of. Use “kinds of” for plural categories.
4. “That is not the _____ help I need.”
a) kind of
b) kinda
c) kind of a
Answer: a) kind of. This is the noun phrase meaning “type of.”
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use ‘kind of’ at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, but only as a noun phrase. For example: “Kind of food you choose matters.” This is a bit formal and literary. The adverb “kind of” rarely starts a sentence in natural speech. You would say: “I am kind of tired,” not “Kind of I am tired.”
Q2: Is ‘kind of’ the same as ‘sort of’?
Yes, they are very similar. “Sort of” works the same way: as a noun phrase (“a sort of tool”) and as an informal adverb (“I am sort of busy”). “Kind of” is slightly more common in American English, while “sort of” is also widely used.
Q3: Can I use ‘kind of’ in a negative sentence?
Yes. For the adverb: “I am not kind of tired” is unnatural. Instead, say: “I am not really tired” or “I am kind of not tired” (very informal). For the noun phrase: “That is not the kind of movie I like” is perfectly natural.
Q4: How do I know if I am using ‘kind of’ correctly in an email?
Ask yourself: Is this email to a friend or a boss? If it is to a boss or client, avoid the adverb “kind of.” Use “somewhat” or “rather” instead. The noun phrase “kind of” is always safe. For example: “We need a different kind of approach” is fine in any email.
Final Tip
Mastering “kind of” is about context. When you write, think about your reader and your purpose. If you are naming a type, use the noun phrase freely. If you are softening a statement, save it for casual moments. With practice, you will choose the right form without thinking.
For more help with sentence structure and word choice, explore our Simple Sentence Examples or check our FAQ for common questions. If you have a specific question, feel free to contact us.
