he might be a criminal of some kind

[Ferdie11]

Hi Teachers,

Could you please tell me the meaning of the words "of some kind" in the sentence below.

Your sister is seeing a guy who seems a little dangerous and dishonest. You tell your sister that he might be a criminal of some kind.

Thanks a lot.

[JohnParis]

"Of some kind" means, in the context of your example, "of some type or sort." There are various types of criminals, not all of whom are the same. A pickpocket is not the same type of criminal as a kidnapper or terrorist.

[moonlike]

Hi
It's formal.It means he might be one kind of/one type of criminal.( he might be a kidnapper,a rubber,a pickpocket or ...)
Good luck!

[emsr2d2]

Hi
It's formal.It means he might be one kind of/one type of criminal.( he might be a kidnapper,a rubber,a pickpocket or ...)
Good luck!

I don't agree that "of some kind" is formal at all. It's just a phrase.

[Tdol]

It could also mean that he is involved in some criminal activity without being a full-time criminal.

(And I agree that it is not formal)

[moonlike]

Hi
I found it in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary of current English the seventh edition, there it was written( formal).

[Tdol]

Could you post the exact entry here, please. I have just checked the SOED, which is the Oxford dictionary I have to hand, and it makes no mention of it being a formal phrase. Thanks.

[moonlike]

sure!
Under the entry for the word kind on page 847, as a noun it's written (formal) would you like a drink of some kind?
regards.

[Tdol]

I have to say that I can't see anything particularly formal about that.

[JohnParis]

I agree that it is not a formal phrase and, once again, disagree with the Oxford Learner's Dictionary. I realize that my opinion is not shared by all, especially since I use and encourage others to use the Oxford Dictionary. Nevertheless, the Learner's edition is one that many ESL learners carry throughout their career and it frequently does them disservice. It is not revised as often, and it is smaller and easier to carry because it's clients tend to be younger. The original may be larger and more cumbersome, but it has just about everything you need and won't steer you wrong.