Kind of and sort of are very common expressions in speaking. They soften other words and phrases so that they do not appear too direct or exact. Kind of is more common in American English. Sort of is more common in British English: … She’s a kind, thoughtful person. It was kind of you to give me your seat. What kind of thing is it?
Kind has also developed the plural kinds, evidently because of the feeling that the old pattern was incorrect. These kind of nevertheless persists in use, especially in less formal speech and writing. In edited, more formal prose, this kind of and these kinds of are more common.
Usage: The mixture of plural and singular constructions, although often used informally with kind and sort, should be avoided in serious writing: children enjoy those kinds (not those kind) of stories; these sorts (not these sort) of distinctions are becoming blurred
As a noun, kind refers to the variety or specific type of something. The adjective kind also describes showing sympathy or giving comfort. If someone's feelings are hurt, a kind word can go a long way to making that person feel better.
What kind of house do you live in? They sell all kinds of things. I need to buy paper and pencils, that kind of thing. His diet's terrible—burgers, chips, pizzas, that kind of stuff. I'm the kind of person who hates to do anything wrong. We have the same kind of car.
Someone who is kind behaves in a gentle, caring, and helpful way towards other people. She is warmhearted and kind to everyone and everything. 'You seem tired this morning, Jenny,' she said kindly.
"Kinds" is the plural form of "kind," which generally refers to a group or category of things or people that share common characteristics or qualities. In essence, it denotes a classification based on shared traits or attributes.
As nouns the difference between kind and kinds is that kind is a type, race or category; a group of entities that have common characteristics such that they may be grouped together while kinds is...
