What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
kind
Example
She is a very kind person and always helps others. [kind: adjective]
Example
What kind of music do you like? [kind: noun]
Example
It was very kind of you to offer your assistance. [kind: adjective]
category
Example
The books are organized into different categories such as fiction and non-fiction. [category: noun]
Example
This product falls under the category of electronics. [category: noun]
Example
The data can be sorted into different categories based on various criteria. [category: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Category is more commonly used than kind in everyday language. Category is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while kind is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between kind and category?
Both kind and category can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, category is more commonly used in formal writing and academic settings due to its objective and precise nature.