Most writers don't intentionally weaken their sentences. They do it by adding small words that soften what they really mean. Phrases such as "kind of" and "sort of" often slip into a manuscript because they sound natural in everyday conversation. In writing, however, they frequently create hesitation, reduce clarity, and weaken the impact of a sentence.
The Issue
"Kind of" and "sort of" are forms of hedging language. Instead of stating something directly, they soften the statement and create uncertainty. Consider these examples:
- The witch looked kind of angry.
- Hansel was sort of nervous as he approached the candy house.
- Gretel felt kind of trapped inside the cage.
The reader understands the meaning, but the sentences feel hesitant. Is the witch angry or not? Is Hansel nervous or not? Is Gretel trapped or not? Now compare them to these revisions that communicate the same ideas with greater confidence and clarity.
- The witch glared at them.
- Hansel hesitated as he approached the candy house.
- Gretel gripped the bars of the cage.
Why This Weakens Writing
Words such as "kind of" and "sort of" create distance between the reader and the information being presented. Instead of making a clear statement, the writer appears uncertain about what is happening. This weakens descriptions, emotions, and actions. When these phrases appear repeatedly, the writing begins to feel tentative and less authoritative. The reader may not consciously notice the pattern, but they will feel the lack of confidence in the prose. This is especially problematic in fiction, where readers want to experience the story directly rather than receive vague descriptions of events and emotions.
How to Find It
Fortunately, this is one of the easiest editing problems to identify. Use your word processor's search feature and look for:
- kind of
- sort of
- kinda
- sorta
You can also listen for hesitation while reading aloud. If a sentence sounds uncertain or indirect, there is a good chance hedging language is involved. Phrases like these signal a need to strengthen the sentence:
- The candy house looked kind of strange.
- The forest seemed sort of darker than before.
- The witch was kind of smiling.
How to Fix It
The simplest solution is to remove the phrase and determine what you actually mean. Instead of writing a sentence like the one below:
The candy house looked kind of strange.
Ask yourself what is strange and rewrite the sentence with the actual meaning.
The candy house was covered in gumdrops, frosting, and candy canes.
Instead of writing:
The witch was kind of smiling.
Describe the smile.
The witch's crooked smile stretched from ear to ear.
Strong writing replaces vague impressions with clear observations.
When It's Okay to Break the Rule
Like most writing rules, this one has exceptions. Characters may naturally use phrases such as "kind of" and "sort of" in dialogue because people speak that way in real life. For example:
"I'm kind of worried about going into that forest," Hansel said.
The phrase sounds natural because it reflects how a character speaks. These constructions can also be used intentionally when uncertainty is the point.
Gretel was sort of expecting the witch to return.
The problem occurs when "kind of" and "sort of" become default writing habits rather than intentional choices.
Say What You Mean
Strong sentences make clear statements. They do not hide behind unnecessary qualifiers or soften ideas that should be direct. The next time you find yourself writing "kind of" or "sort of," stop and ask what you really mean. The answer is usually stronger, clearer, and more engaging than the phrase you're about to write.