The meanings of "kind of"
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Assuming that I am in the following situation, which one is the best (in spoken English)?
When I saw a person all covered in paint holding a palette from a distance (and I don’t know the person), I said
1 I think he is the kind of person that makes a living by painting.
2 I think he is a kind of person that makes a living by painting.
3 I think he is kind of a person that makes a living by painting.
4 I think he is a kind of a person that makes a living by painting.
I know that sometimes “kind of” and “sort of” are used as a synonym of “like” in spoken English.
But the position of these phrases in a sentence is relatively flexible. I think the meaning of each sentence is slightly different. So, please tell me which one is the best in this situation, and the difference in meaning.
Top answer
Here is what you need: I think he is the kind of person who makes a living by painting. All the others sound like a failed attempt to say the correct version shown above. Don't use those.
- Here is what you need: I think he is the kind of person who makes a living by painting.
- All the others sound like a failed attempt to say the correct version shown above.
- Don't use those.
- Littleshiro I know that sometimes “kind of” and “sort of” are used as a synonym of “like” in spoken English.
- Yes, but that meaning does not apply in the sentences you quoted.
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Here is what you need:
I think he is the kind of person who makes a living by painting.
All the others sound like a failed attempt to say the correct version shown above. Don't use those.
LittleshiroI know that sometimes “kind of” and “sort of” are used as a synonym of “like” in spoken English.
Yes, but that meaning d
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