Should you say “What kind of books do you like?” or “What kinds of books do you like?” The answer depends on what you’re asking. Although both expressions are grammatically correct, they aren’t always interchangeable. Many English learners and even native speakers use them inconsistently because the difference seems subtle.
Fortunately, the rule is easy to understand. What kind of is generally used when referring to a single type or category, while what kinds of asks about multiple types or categories. Knowing when to use each expression will make your English sound more natural, whether you’re speaking, writing or taking an English exam.
Quick Answer
Use what kind of when asking about one type or category. Use what kinds of when asking about multiple types or categories. Both are correct, but what kinds of suggests a wider range of possible answers.
Why People Confuse It
These phrases are commonly confused because:
- Both are grammatically correct.
- They often appear in similar sentences.
- In casual conversation, native speakers sometimes use them interchangeably.
- The difference is based on meaning rather than spelling.
- Many learners focus on the noun that follows instead of the idea being expressed.
The key is whether you’re asking about one category or several categories.
What Kind of
What kind of asks about a single type, class or category.
Meaning
Use it when you want to identify one particular kind of something.
Examples
- What kind of music do you enjoy?
- What kind of phone do you have?
- What kind of job are you looking for?
- What kind of food does she like?
- What kind of car should I buy?
Even when followed by a plural noun, what kind of can refer to one general category.
Example:
- What kind of books do you usually read?
Here, you’re asking about one general category, such as mystery, science fiction, or history.
What Kinds of
What kinds of asks about more than one type or category.
Meaning
Use it when you expect multiple answers or a variety of categories.
Examples
- What kinds of books do you read?
- What kinds of hobbies do you have?
- What kinds of problems have you experienced?
- What kinds of desserts do they serve?
- What kinds of movies do your children enjoy?
The speaker expects several different types rather than one.
What Kind of vs. What Kinds of Comparison Table
| Feature | What Kind of | What Kinds of |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | One type or category | Multiple types or categories |
| Expected Answer | Usually one category | Several categories |
| Common Use | General questions | Questions about variety |
| Formality | Neutral | Neutral |
| Example | What kind of music do you like? | What kinds of music do you like? |
When to Use Each
Use what kind of when:
- Asking for one category
- Seeking a general description
- Expecting a single answer
- Referring to one type of item
Use what kinds of when:
- Asking about several categories
- Expecting multiple answers
- Discussing variety
- Comparing different types
Examples (10+)
- What kind of laptop do you recommend?
- What kind of pet do you want?
- What kind of restaurant is this?
- What kind of exercise do you enjoy?
- What kind of weather do you prefer?
- What kinds of books do you collect?
- What kinds of music do your friends listen to?
- What kinds of plants grow here?
- What kinds of games do children play?
- What kinds of skills are employers looking for?
- What kind of teacher inspired you the most?
- What kinds of technologies will shape the future?
Common Mistakes
Although both expressions are correct, they can change the meaning.
❌ What kinds of car should I buy? (If you’re asking for one recommendation.)
✅ What kind of car should I buy?
❌ What kind of hobbies do you have? (If you’re asking about several hobbies.)
✅ What kinds of hobbies do you have?
Remember that context matters. Native speakers sometimes use what kind of even with plural nouns when referring to one overall category.
Memory Trick
Here’s an easy way to remember:
- Kind = One category
- Kinds = Multiple categories
Ask yourself:
Am I expecting one type or several different types?
If the answer is one, use what kind of.
If the answer is several, use what kinds of.
American vs. British English
There is no difference between American and British English in the use of what kind of and what kinds of.
Both follow the same grammar rules, and both expressions are equally common in everyday speech and writing.
Similar Words
If you’re improving your English grammar, you may also find these commonly confused expressions useful:
- Less vs. Fewer
- Much vs. Many
- Each Other vs. One Another
- Everyday vs. Every Day
- Performed vs. Preformed
- Faring vs. Fairing
- Emersion vs. Immersion
Learning these pairs will help you write and speak more naturally.
Final Verdict
Both what kind of and what kinds of are correct, but they serve different purposes. Use what kind of when asking about one general category or type. Use what kinds of when asking about several categories or expecting a variety of answers.
When you’re unsure, think about the response you expect. If one category is enough, choose what kind of. If you want multiple categories, choose what kinds of.
FAQs
Is “what kind of” grammatically correct?
Yes. It is used to ask about one type or category.
Is “what kinds of” correct?
Yes. It is used when asking about multiple types or categories.
Can “what kind of” be followed by a plural noun?
Yes. For example: What kind of books do you like? Here, you’re asking about one general category of books.
Which is more common?
What kind of is slightly more common in everyday conversation because people often ask about one general category.
Are the two expressions interchangeable?
Sometimes. However, what kinds of emphasizes variety, while what kind of focuses on one category.
Which should I use in formal writing?
Use whichever best matches your intended meaning. Both are grammatically acceptable in formal and informal English.
Conclusion
The difference between what kind of and what kinds of is based on the number of categories you’re asking about. What kind of refers to one general type, while what kinds of invites answers involving several different types or categories.
By focusing on the meaning rather than the noun that follows, you’ll choose the correct expression naturally. With a little practice, this small grammar point will become second nature and make your English sound clearer and more precise.
Remember This
What kind of = One type or category.
What kinds of = Multiple types or categories.
Think about the number of categories you expect before choosing the expression.
Oliver Owen is the dedicated administrator of MeanHives, ensuring smooth daily operations, maintaining content quality, supporting users, organizing educational resources, and helping learners confidently improve their English vocabulary and word-matching skills.
