i am a stupid korean person asking stupid grammer questions about the word "kind"?

Question

i don't say "kind" it just seems too...... formal for me. so i always use "nice" or "neat" or anything other than kind that means kind.
i know the meaning of kind, but i can't figure this out.
when you say A is nicer than B using "kind" do you say "kinder" or "more kind"?
i think kinder sounds weird..... like.... i've never said "kinder" when i lived in the states. nor did any of my friends say that.
actually, almost none of my friends used the word "kind"
or at least not in that situation.
anyway,
should i be saying "kinder" or "more kind"?

here's another Q(i'm too lazy to post another question)
when i'm sending a letter to B, but i don't know his last name, is it ok to send the letter without his last name?

Answer 1

I'd go with 'kinder', if I was talking about their manners, or natural identity. 'A' is kinder than 'B' in many ways.

But I'd probably use 'more kind' in more situations. 'A' is more kind to animals than 'B'. 'A' is more kind to children than 'B'.

I don't think you should worry too much about the usage of 'kinder' vs. 'more kind' for two reasons:
1)The word kind isn't really in heavy use. Most English speakers only use it in direct reference to themselves or another. Examples: Oh thank you for the card, your so always so kind.... What a kind thing to do.... I was only trying to be kind....
Almost always speakers will use something other than kind when making comparisons between two subjects.
2)I'm guessing that your a foreigner who has a better grasp of English grammar than most English speakers... certainly more than Americans... so don't sweat it.

As for feeling stupid, your not, your just curious, and you don't have a lot of confidence when dealing with a language that's not your own. So you don't have a reason to feel stupid, because asking perfectly intelligent questions isn't stupid, it's smart.

As for your second question. If your letter to 'B' is a formal letter or request, or if 'B' is in a position of authority over you or an department head, doctor, or lawyer, then you should probably take the time to try to learn their last name before sending the letter. Otherwise it's perfectly fine to just use their first names.... In fact I always thought it was weird when my family, friends, or lovers use my last name in emails or letters.

Answer 2

Technically I think both Kinder and More Kind are OK.

You are NOT a stupid person! Your English is very good, it is far better than most English speakers' Korean. Congratulations for being intelligent and asking an intelligent question. Good luck, and happy new year to you!

Answer 3

Both more kind or kinder are acceptable.It is like more short or shorter .And yes you can address somebody in a letter by their first name if you do not know their last name.

Answer 4

"Kinder" is officially correct, but nobody's going to think it's strange if you use "more kind." As to the other question, you usually want to use the person's title or organization (Dear Walmart or Dear Vice President) if you don't know his or her last name, unless of course it's your friend. If you know the person's last name, but not the first name, just add an honorific like Mr., Miss, Dr., Mrs. or Ms. if it's a woman and you don't know if she's married or not.