A kind of

phrase

Refers to a certain type, class, or variety of something without being more specific.

A blue whale is a kind of large sea creature.
Visual representation of "a kind of" - Refers to a certain type, class, or variety of something without being more specific

Often appears as...

  • a kind of person
  • a kind of food
phrase

Used to describe something tentatively or in an understated way.

It’s a kind of tricky question to answer.
Visual representation of "a kind of" - Used to describe something tentatively or in an understated way

Often appears as...

  • a kind of difficult
  • a kind of easy
phrase

Refers to a certain type, class, or variety of something without being more specific.

A blue whale is a kind of large sea creature.
Visual representation of "a kind of" - Refers to a certain type, class, or variety of something without being more specific

Often appears as...

  • a kind of person
  • a kind of food
phrase

Used to describe something tentatively or in an understated way.

It’s a kind of tricky question to answer.
Visual representation of "a kind of" - Used to describe something tentatively or in an understated way

Often appears as...

  • a kind of difficult
  • a kind of easy
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "a kind of"
LampPro Tip 1/3

General Category

Use 'a kind of' to classify something broadly when specific details aren't necessary.

Illustration for General Category
The platypus is a kind of mammal that lays eggs.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Avoid Overuse

Be cautious of overusing 'a kind of' when you can name the exact category.

Illustration for Avoid Overuse
A rose is a kind of flower, but more precisely, it's a shrub.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Always Literal

Sometimes 'a kind of' is used figuratively to express similarity, not literal classification.

Illustration for Not Always Literal
His music is a kind of therapy for many.
LampPro Tip 1/3

General Category

Use 'a kind of' to classify something broadly when specific details aren't necessary.

Illustration for General Category
The platypus is a kind of mammal that lays eggs.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Avoid Overuse

Be cautious of overusing 'a kind of' when you can name the exact category.

Illustration for Avoid Overuse
A rose is a kind of flower, but more precisely, it's a shrub.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Always Literal

Sometimes 'a kind of' is used figuratively to express similarity, not literal classification.

Illustration for Not Always Literal
His music is a kind of therapy for many.
LampPro Tip 1/3

General Category

Use 'a kind of' to classify something broadly when specific details aren't necessary.

Illustration for General Category
The platypus is a kind of mammal that lays eggs.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Avoid Overuse

Be cautious of overusing 'a kind of' when you can name the exact category.

Illustration for Avoid Overuse
A rose is a kind of flower, but more precisely, it's a shrub.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Always Literal

Sometimes 'a kind of' is used figuratively to express similarity, not literal classification.

Illustration for Not Always Literal
His music is a kind of therapy for many.
Visual representation of the word "A kind of"

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