“what kind of” refers to a single type or category, while “what kinds of” is used for multiple types or classifications. Though they seem similar, using them incorrectly can lead to confusion in spoken English, written English, and everyday conversations.
Ever wondered why we say “What kind of book do you like?” but also “What kinds of books do you like?”? The answer lies in grammar rules and noun agreement.
Whether in business meetings, academic discussions, or casual conversations, understanding these differences will improve your language skills and ensure clear, effective communication.
Understanding “What Kind Of” vs “What Kinds Of”
The English language has strict grammatical rules that dictate when to use singular vs plural nouns. The choice between “what kind of” and “what kinds of” depends on whether you are referring to one type or multiple types of something.
For instance, consider a conversation about books. If you ask, “What kind of book do you like?”, you expect an answer that refers to one category, such as fiction, non-fiction, or mystery. On the other hand, if you ask, “What kinds of books do you like?”, you expect multiple answers, like fiction, history, and fantasy.
Using the wrong phrase can cause confusion, incorrect sentence structure, and grammar mistakes. Therefore, understanding the nuances of these phrases is crucial for effective communication and precise expression in English.
Definition and Usage
What Kind Of
“What kind of” is used when asking about a single type of something. It applies when referring to a singular noun, a single classification, or one specific category.
For example:
- “What kind of car do you drive?” – The expected answer is a specific category, such as sedan, SUV, or sports car.
- “What kind of movie do you enjoy?” – The response could be fiction, non-fiction, or thriller.
This phrase is commonly used in business settings, professional discussions, and academic writing where precision and clarity are essential.
What Kinds Of
“What kinds of” is used when asking about multiple types or categories. It applies when referring to a plural noun, multiple classifications, or a variety of options.
For example:
- “What kinds of cars do you like?” – The answer could include sedans, SUVs, and convertibles.
- “What kinds of books do you read?” – The response could be mystery, non-fiction, and self-help books.
This phrase is often used in casual conversations, academic discussions, and creative writing, where listing multiple types or varieties is expected.
Singular vs. Plural Focus
One of the primary distinctions between “what kind of” and “what kinds of” is their singular vs plural focus.
| Phrase | Noun Focus | Example |
| What kind of | Singular noun | “What kind of book do you like?” |
| What kinds of | Plural noun | “What kinds of books do you like?” |
In spoken and written English, choosing the right phrase ensures grammatical accuracy and correct sentence structure.
Context and Intended Meaning
The context of a conversation determines whether “what kind of” or “what kinds of” is appropriate.
In business meetings, professionals might ask, “What kind of software does your company use?”, expecting a single answer like accounting software or project management software. If they ask, “What kinds of software does your company use?”, they expect multiple answers, such as design software, analytics tools, and HR management software.
Similarly, in social media discussions, someone might ask, “What kind of movies do you watch?”, expecting a single genre, like fiction. If they ask, “What kinds of movies do you watch?”, they expect a list, such as fiction, mystery, and thrillers.
The key is to understand the context and intended meaning before selecting the appropriate phrase.
“What Kind Of” – Meaning and Usage
Definition
“What kind of” is used when asking about a singular category. It helps define a specific type of something.
Key Characteristics
- Always followed by a singular noun
- Used in formal discussions, casual conversations, and professional writing
- Often appears in questions about music, books, foods, or themes
For example:
- “What kind of fruit do you like?” – The response could be apples, oranges, or bananas.
- “What kind of music do you listen to?” – The answer could be jazz or pop.
This phrase ensures clarity and precision in communication.
Singular Nouns with Multiple Attributes
Sometimes, a singular noun can have multiple attributes.
For instance:
- “What kind of team do you support?” – The response might be a soccer team or a basketball team.
- “What kind of projects do you work on?” – The answer could be software development or research projects.
These examples highlight how a singular noun can represent multiple descriptions.
Formal vs. Informal Usage
The phrase “what kind of” is used in both formal and informal contexts.
| Setting | Example |
| Formal discussion | “What kind of research do you conduct?” |
| Casual conversation | “What kind of snacks do you enjoy?” |
In professional settings, precision is crucial, while in everyday language, the tone is more relaxed.
Usage Examples in Different Contexts
Examples of “what kind of” used in various scenarios:
- Academic discussions: “What kind of experiments does your team conduct?”
- Business meetings: “What kind of trends are shaping the market?”
- Creative writing: “What kind of character do you prefer in a story?”
These examples highlight its versatility in communication.
Common Errors to Avoid
Using “what kind of” with plural nouns is incorrect.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| “What kind of foods do you eat?” | “What kinds of foods do you eat?” |
| “What kind of sports do you play?” | “What kinds of sports do you play?” |
Understanding the singular vs plural rule ensures grammatical accuracy.
What Kind Of vs What Kinds Of in Different Contexts”
| Sentence with “What Kind Of” (Singular Focus) | Sentence with “What Kinds Of” (Plural Focus) |
|---|---|
| What kind of book do you like? | What kinds of books do you like? |
| What kind of music do you listen to? | What kinds of music genres do you enjoy? |
| What kind of car do you drive? | What kinds of cars are available at the dealership? |
| What kind of food do you prefer? | What kinds of foods are served at the event? |
| What kind of movie do you enjoy? | What kinds of movies are popular these days? |
| What kind of sports do you watch? | What kinds of sports are played in the Olympics? |
| What kind of team do you support? | What kinds of teams compete in international tournaments? |
| What kind of software do you use? | What kinds of software programs help with research? |
| What kind of project are you working on? | What kinds of projects are assigned at your workplace? |
| What kind of snack do you want? | What kinds of snacks are in the vending machine? |
| What kind of fruit do you eat? | What kinds of fruits grow in tropical climates? |
| What kind of pet do you have? | What kinds of pets are best for small apartments? |
| What kind of job are you looking for? | What kinds of jobs are available in the IT industry? |
| What kind of drinks do they serve? | What kinds of drinks are considered healthy? |
| What kind of fiction do you enjoy reading? | What kinds of fiction books are bestsellers? |
| What kind of shoes do you wear? | What kinds of shoes are best for running? |
| What kind of training do you need? | What kinds of training programs improve productivity? |
| What kind of basketball do you play? | What kinds of basketball leagues exist worldwide? |
| What kind of soccer team do you like? | What kinds of soccer tournaments are played in Europe? |
| What kind of language skills do you want to improve? | What kinds of language skills are needed for communication? |
| What kind of posts do you enjoy reading? | What kinds of posts get the most engagement on social media? |
| What kind of themes does this book explore? | What kinds of themes are common in classic literature? |
| What kind of experiments are conducted in this lab? | What kinds of experiments have led to medical breakthroughs? |
| What kind of mystery books do you enjoy? | What kinds of mystery books are available in the library? |
| What kind of software engineer do you want to be? | What kinds of software engineers work in AI development? |
| What kind of characters do you like in movies? | What kinds of characters make a movie engaging? |
| What kind of business model does this company follow? | What kinds of business models are trending in startups? |
| What kind of academic discussions interest you? | What kinds of academic discussions take place in research conferences? |
| What kind of creative writing do you enjoy? | What kinds of creative writing are taught in university courses? |
Conclusion
Mastering the difference between “what kind of” and “what kinds of” is essential for clear and effective communication. Using “what kind of” when referring to a singular category and “what kinds of” when referring to multiple categories ensures grammatical correctness and precise expression.
By understanding these distinctions, English speakers can improve their language skills and convey their thoughts with clarity and precision.
Whether discussing books, sports, movies, or projects, selecting the right phrase enhances communication in formal discussions, business meetings, and casual conversations.
FAQs
1. Can “what kind of” and “what kinds of” be used interchangeably?
No, “what kind of” is for a singular noun, while “what kinds of” is for plural nouns.
2. Is “what kind of” more formal than “what kinds of”?
No, both can be used in formal and informal settings, depending on context and sentence structure.
3. What is a quick way to remember the difference?
Use “what kind of” for one category and “what kinds of” for multiple categories.
Taila Lucy, an expert content writer at Grammar Grains, brings 4 years of experience crafting engaging pieces on grammar. Her work delves into synonyms, antonyms, slang, puns, and poetry, helping readers master English with creativity and flair.
