You are typing a message and stop mid-sentence. Is it “What kind of books do you like?” or “What kinds of books do you like?” Both look right. Both sound right. Yet one of them says something slightly different from the other.
This tiny choice trips up native speakers and learners alike. The good news is that the rule behind it is simple. It comes down to one question: are you asking about one category or several?
This guide breaks it all down in plain language. You will see the meaning of each phrase, the grammar behind it, side-by-side examples, common mistakes, and quick tricks for choosing correctly every time.
Quick Answer
“What kind of” asks about one type or category. “What kinds of” asks about more than one type or category.
- What kind of dog is that? (You expect one breed as the answer.)
- What kinds of dogs do you like? (You expect several breeds as the answer.)
That is the heart of it. The word kind is a noun. When you mean one category, you keep it singular. When you mean several categories, you make it plural.
Quick Difference Between What Kind of and What Kinds of
Think of kind as a label on a shelf. One label means one group. Two or more labels mean several groups.
| If you want to know about… | Use | Example |
| One type | what kind of | What kind of phone did you buy? |
| Several types | what kinds of | What kinds of phones does the store sell? |
Here is a short memory aid:
- Picture one answer? Say kind.
- Picture a list of answers? Say kinds.
Comparison Table: What Kind of vs What Kinds of
| Feature | What kind of | What kinds of |
| Number | Singular | Plural |
| Meaning | Asks about one category | Asks about several categories |
| Expected answer | One type | A list of types |
| Typical noun after it | Singular or plural noun | Usually a plural noun |
| Matching word before it | this / that | these / those |
| Tone | Focused, specific | Broad, exploratory |
| Example | What kind of tea is this? | What kinds of tea do you stock? |
What Does “What Kind of” Mean?
“What kind of” is a question phrase used to ask about the type, nature, or character of one thing. It points to a single category and invites a single description.
Dictionaries define kind as a group of things that share common traits. So when you ask “what kind of,” you are asking which group something belongs to, or what qualities it has.
You can use it in two main ways:
- To identify a type: What kind of music is playing? (Jazz.)
- To ask about character or quality: What kind of person would do that? (Someone careless.)
The second use often carries a feeling. Depending on tone, “What kind of idea is that?” can be curious, doubtful, or even critical.
Where “What Kind of” Shows Up
You will hear it in everyday talk about food, jobs, cars, weather, people, and plans. It works in speech and in writing. It is one of the most common ways to start a question when you want details.
What Does “What Kinds of” Mean?
“What kinds of” asks about several types within the same broad group. You are not looking for one answer. You are looking for a range.
For example, “What kinds of exercise help with stress?” opens the door to walking, yoga, swimming, and more. The speaker expects variety.
This phrase is useful when you want to:
- Explore options
- Compare categories
- Collect a list
- Understand how wide a topic is
In surveys, interviews, classrooms, and research, “what kinds of” is a favorite because it invites a fuller picture.
Singular vs Plural Grammar Rule Explained Simply
The rule comes from how nouns work in English.
Kind is a countable noun. Like book and books, it has a singular form (kind) and a plural form (kinds). The phrase “of” then links it to the thing you are describing.
So the real structure is:
kind / kinds (the head noun) + of + the thing being sorted
The head noun controls the meaning. Change it from kind to kinds and the whole question changes from one category to many.
Agreement With This, That, These, and Those
Grammar guides agree on one more point: the word before kind should match it in number.
- this kind of and that kind of go with singular kind
- these kinds of and those kinds of go with plural kinds
That means “these kind of shoes” is a mismatch, even though people say it casually. The clean versions are:
- This kind of shoe is comfortable.
- These kinds of shoes are comfortable.
What Comes After “Of”
This is where learners often get confused. After “kind of,” the next noun can be singular or plural, and both can be correct. After “kinds of,” the next noun is almost always plural.
| Phrase | Noun after “of” | Correct? |
| What kind of car | singular | Yes |
| What kind of cars | plural | Yes, in general-category use |
| What kinds of cars | plural | Yes |
| What kinds of car | singular | Rare, usually avoided |
Why do both kind of car and kind of cars work? Because “car” can name the whole category in a general sense, and “cars” can name the group. Native speakers use both, and the meaning stays very close.
The Uncountable Noun Exception
Some nouns have no plural, such as music, advice, weather, and information. With these, you simply pick kind or kinds based on how many categories you mean.
- What kind of music do you enjoy? (One genre in mind.)
- What kinds of music do you enjoy? (Several genres in mind.)
The noun stays singular in form. Only kind changes.
Sentence Structure Patterns
Once you see the patterns, the choice feels automatic. Here are the most common ones.
Pattern 1: Question Word + Kind(s) of + Noun + Auxiliary + Subject
- What kind of movie do you want to watch?
- What kinds of movies do you want to watch?
Pattern 2: Question Word + Kind(s) of + Noun + Verb
- What kind of tool works best here?
- What kinds of tools work best here?
Notice that the verb follows the head noun. Kind takes a singular verb (works). Kinds takes a plural verb (work).
Pattern 3: Statement Form
- This kind of problem is easy to fix.
- These kinds of problems are easy to fix.
Pattern 4: With “A”
- What kind of a house is that?
Adding a after of is acceptable in speech, though the version without it sounds cleaner in most writing. Leave it out unless you want a casual or emphatic tone.
Pattern 5: With Adjectives
- What kind of new features are you expecting?
- What kinds of new features are you expecting?
What Kind of vs What Kinds of in Questions and Answers
The best way to choose is to think about the answer you want to get back.
| Question | Likely answer |
| What kind of coffee do you drink? | “Black coffee.” |
| What kinds of coffee do you drink? | “Black coffee, lattes, and sometimes cold brew.” |
| What kind of job are you looking for? | “A remote marketing role.” |
| What kinds of jobs are you looking for? | “Marketing, writing, or design jobs.” |
A one-type question tends to get a short, specific reply. A many-types question tends to get a list.
You can also match your answer to the question. If someone asks “What kind of pet do you have?”, you say “a cat.” If they ask “What kinds of pets have you had?”, you can list a cat, a rabbit, and two fish.
Examples of “What Kind of” in Sentences
Here are clear, natural sentences using the singular form.
About objects and food
- What kind of bread do you prefer for sandwiches?
- What kind of laptop is best for video editing?
- What kind of paint should I use on a wooden fence?
- What kind of soup is that? It smells amazing.
About people and personality 5. What kind of leader do you want to be? 6. What kind of friend forgets a birthday every year? 7. She is the kind of person who always arrives early.
About plans and situations 8. What kind of weather should we expect tomorrow? 9. What kind of trip are you planning, relaxing or adventurous? 10. I wonder what kind of day it will be.
In statements 11. This kind of work needs patience. 12. That kind of mistake happens to everyone.
Examples of “What Kinds of” in Sentences
Now the plural form, used when you expect variety.
About objects and food
- What kinds of fruit grow well in warm climates?
- What kinds of snacks are good for a long road trip?
- What kinds of insurance does a small business need?
- What kinds of fabric are best for summer clothes?
About people and skills 5. What kinds of skills do employers value most? 6. What kinds of people join online communities? 7. What kinds of questions should I ask in an interview?
About ideas and research 8. What kinds of evidence support this theory? 9. What kinds of risks come with this decision? 10. What kinds of changes can improve sleep?
In statements 11. These kinds of questions have no simple answers. 12. Those kinds of habits take time to build.
How to Choose Between Kind and Kinds in Different Contexts
Use this quick checklist before you write.
- Count your categories. One category? Use kind. More than one? Use kinds.
- Look at what you expect back. A single answer points to kind. A list points to kinds.
- Check the word before it. This and that pair with kind. These and those pair with kinds.
- Check your verb. Singular verb with kind. Plural verb with kinds.
In Daily Conversation
People often use the singular because it is shorter and feels natural. “What kind of food do you like?” is a normal way to ask about general taste, even though the person may answer with several foods. That is fine. The singular treats “food” as one broad topic.
In Surveys and Research
Use kinds when you want variety. “What kinds of challenges did you face?” signals that you welcome multiple answers.
In Business and Customer Service
Use kind when you need one specific detail, such as “What kind of account would you like to open?” Use kinds when you are mapping a market, such as “What kinds of customers buy this product?”
In Teaching and Learning
Teachers lean on kinds when they want students to brainstorm, and kind when they want a precise definition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even confident writers slip here. Watch for these errors.
Mistake 1: Mixing singular and plural markers
- ❌ These kind of problems are common.
- ✅ These kinds of problems are common.
- ✅ This kind of problem is common.
Mistake 2: Using a plural verb with “kind”
- ❌ What kind of tools works best? (If you mean tools, the structure is awkward.)
- ✅ What kind of tool works best?
- ✅ What kinds of tools work best?
Mistake 3: Forgetting the “of”
- ❌ What kind books do you read?
- ✅ What kind of books do you read?
Mistake 4: Using “kinds” when you only want one answer
- ❌ What kinds of car did you buy? (You bought one.)
- ✅ What kind of car did you buy?
Mistake 5: Confusing the noun “kind” with the adjective “kind”
- Kind as a noun means type: this kind of bread.
- Kind as an adjective means gentle or caring: a kind neighbor.
- These are different words that happen to look identical.
Mistake 6: Overusing “kind of” as a filler In casual speech, “kind of” can also mean “somewhat,” as in “I’m kind of tired.” That is a different use. In a clear question, keep it for the type meaning only.
Can “What Kind of” and “What Kinds of” Ever Both Be Correct?
Yes. In many situations, both are grammatical and the choice only shifts the focus.
Take this sentence: “What kind of movies do you like?”
- With kind, you treat “movies” as one broad group and ask which group fits you.
- With kinds, you openly invite a longer list.
Both get natural answers. The first feels slightly more conversational. The second feels slightly more exploratory.
Both can also work when the context is clear and the category is general:
- What kind of cars are popular in Pakistan?
- What kinds of cars are popular in Pakistan?
The meaning overlaps. The plural version simply leans toward a wider answer.
The rule of thumb is this. Both can be correct, but they are not always identical. When precision matters, pick the one that matches the number of categories you have in mind.
Real-Life Examples of Kind and Kinds in Everyday Conversations
Short dialogues show how natural the difference feels.
At a restaurant
Waiter: What kind of drink would you like? Guest: Something cold. Maybe lemonade.
Guest: What kinds of desserts do you have? Waiter: We have cake, ice cream, and fruit tarts.
At work
Manager: What kind of candidate are we looking for? Recruiter: Someone organized and quick to learn.
Manager: What kinds of experience should we prioritize? Recruiter: Project management, client work, and strong writing.
With friends
Ali: What kind of movie is it? Sara: A comedy.
Ali: What kinds of movies do you usually watch? Sara: Comedies, thrillers, and the occasional documentary.
In a classroom
Teacher: What kinds of sentences can you build with this phrase? Student: Questions, statements, and short dialogues.
In each pair, the first question wants one clear answer. The second wants a spread.
What Kind of vs What Type of
Many people ask whether type can replace kind. In most cases, yes.
- What kind of music do you like?
- What type of music do you like?
Both mean nearly the same thing. A few small differences are worth knowing.
| Phrase | Feel | Best for |
| What kind of | Friendly, conversational | Daily speech, casual writing |
| What type of | Slightly more formal, technical | Reports, forms, product descriptions |
| What sort of | Informal, often British | Relaxed conversation |
Sort works the same way as kind and type. You can use what sort of and what sorts of with the same singular and plural logic.
Here is a simple guide:
- Pick kind for a warm, natural tone.
- Pick type for a precise, professional tone.
- Pick sort for a casual, relaxed tone.
The same plural rule applies to all three: kinds of, types of, and sorts of for several categories.
Which Phrase Sounds More Natural in Everyday English?
Also Read This:Or vs. Nor: What’s the Difference? Meaning, Rules, and Examples
In everyday speech, “what kind of” is more common than “what kinds of.” That makes sense, because most questions ask about one thing at a time. We ask what kind of car someone drives far more often than we ask what kinds of cars exist.
Still, “what kinds of” sounds perfectly natural when the situation calls for it. If you are brainstorming, researching, or exploring options, the plural feels more precise.
A few observations from real usage:
- Short, quick questions usually use kind.
- Open-ended, thoughtful questions often use kinds.
- Written content, such as articles and reports, uses kinds more often when listing categories.
The most natural choice is simply the one that matches your intent. If you want one answer, say kind. If you want a range, say kinds.
What Kind of vs What Kinds of in Formal and Informal English
Formal English
In formal writing, matching number matters more. Careful editors expect this kind of with a singular noun and these kinds of with a plural noun.
- These kinds of results require further testing.
- This kind of analysis is common in academic research.
In formal contexts, avoid the mismatched form “these kind of.” It may pass in a chat, but it can look careless in a report, essay, or professional email.
Informal English
In casual speech, people are more relaxed. You will often hear:
- These kind of things happen.
- What kind of cars do you like?
These are common in conversation, but they are not the cleanest versions. If you are speaking with friends, no one will mind. If you are writing for work or school, choose the matching form.
A Simple Rule for Both
When in doubt, make the whole phrase agree: this kind, that kind, these kinds, those kinds. This keeps your English correct in any setting.
Quick Grammar Tips for English Learners
If you are learning English, these habits will save you time.
- Start with the answer. Ask yourself, “Do I want one type or many?” Then pick kind or kinds.
- Match your signals. Keep this/that with kind and these/those with kinds.
- Always include “of.” The pattern is kind of or kinds of, never “kind” or “kinds” alone before a noun.
- Learn it in chunks. Memorize full sentences like “What kind of food do you like?” instead of single words.
- Practice both forms. Write two versions of every question and see how the expected answer changes.
- Listen for it. Notice how native speakers use the phrase in videos, podcasts, and conversations.
- Don’t panic over small differences. If you choose kind when someone might prefer kinds, you will still be understood. Precision comes with practice.
A Mini Practice Set
Fill in the blank with kind or kinds.
- What ______ of tea do you want?
- These ______ of questions are tricky.
- What ______ of languages can you speak?
- That ______ of behavior is unacceptable.
Answers: 1. kind (you want one tea). 2. kinds (matches “these” and “questions”). 3. kinds (you expect several languages). 4. kind (matches “that”).
Conclusion
The difference between “what kind of” and “what kinds of” is smaller than it looks. “What kind of” points to one category, while “what kinds of” points to several. Match this/that with kind and these/those with kinds, and the rule stays simple.
Next time you write a question, picture the answer you want. One answer calls for kind, and a list of answers calls for kinds. This small habit will keep your English clear and confident in speech and writing.