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Rule "'kind/type/sort of a/an'"

This is one of many errors that LanguageTool can detect. Visit the LanguageTool homepage to use it online or download it for free.

Description: 'kind/type/sort of a/an'
Message: If '\1' is a classification term, '\3' is not necessary. Use \1 \2. (The phrases 'kind of' and 'sort of' are informal if they mean 'to some extent'.)
Category: Grammar (ID: GRAMMAR)
Incorrect sentences
that this rule can detect:
  • What kind of a man is Bush?
    Correction suggestion: kind of
  • Do you have any kind of an alibi?
    Correction suggestion: kind of
Correct sentences
for comparison:
  • What kind of man is Bush?
  • It became kind of a last minute decision.
  • I was sort of a mascot; I would get them coffee or tea ...
Pattern: Show XML · Show in Rule Editor
Check the following text against just this rule:

ID: KIND_OF_A [1]
Version: 6.2-SNAPSHOT (2023-06-07 20:33:02 +0000)