Kinda means kind of, written the way it sounds: somewhat, a bit. It softens what you say: I'm kinda tired, I kinda like it. Sorta, from sort of, works the same way. Both are written in texts and on social media to capture how people actually talk. They aren't used in a message to a teacher or colleague or in an essay, and in IELTS Speaking a bit, quite or the full kind of sound more natural.
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kinda + adjective/verb (kinda tired, kinda like it); what kinda + noun?; Kinda. (a short answer); sorta = sort of
- The film was kinda long, but the ending was worth it.
- I kinda miss our old flat, the new one feels so empty.
- What kinda music do you listen to when you study?
What changed
First versionThe hotel was kinda of expensive, but the breakfast was great.
RevisionThe hotel was kinda expensive, but the breakfast was great.
Kinda is already kind of, with the of built in. Adding another of gives kind of of. The corrected version drops the extra of.
Kinda can also be a reply on its own, a soft way of saying a little: Are you nervous? — Kinda. But in the question What kinda car is it? it doesn't soften anything; it's the ordinary kind of, meaning what type: What kind of car is it?
Your turn
Dear Ms Reed, the second part of the task was ___ confusing. Could you explain it again?
Show the answer
a little — The message starts with Dear Ms Reed, so the tone is formal, and a little sounds polite and neutral. Kinda is a word for chatting with friends, and in a message to a teacher it looks careless.
Write to a friend about how your first day at a new job or school went. Use kinda to soften one impression and name one thing you liked.
First day was kinda stressful, but my new team is really friendly.
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