What Kind Of vs. What Kinds Of: Meaning, Difference, and Examples

Have you ever wondered whether to use what kind of or what kinds of in a sentence? Both expressions are correct, but they serve slightly different purposes. The main difference depends on whether you are asking about one category or multiple categories.

Use what kind of when asking about a single type, category, or variety. Use what kinds of when asking about multiple types or different categories.

For example:

• What kind of music do you like?
• What kinds of music do you listen to?

Although these expressions look almost identical, understanding their grammatical differences can help you write clearer sentences and avoid common English mistakes.

In this guide, you will learn the meanings, grammar rules, differences, and practical examples of what kind of vs. what kinds of.

What Does What Kind Of Mean?

What kind of is an expression used to ask about a particular type, category, or variety of something. It is generally followed by a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun.

Use this expression when you want to identify one specific category or ask about someone’s preference.

Examples:

• What kind of book are you reading?
• What kind of food do you enjoy?
• What kind of job are you looking for?
• What kind of music does she listen to?
• What kind of car do you want to buy?

In each example, the speaker asks about a particular type or category.

What Does What Kinds Of Mean?

What kinds of is an expression used to ask about multiple types, categories, or varieties of something. The word kinds is plural because the question refers to more than one possible category.

It is commonly followed by a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun.

Examples:

• What kinds of books do you enjoy reading?
• What kinds of food are available here?
• What kinds of jobs interest you?
• What kinds of music do you listen to?
• What kinds of cars are popular in your country?

In these examples, the speaker is asking about different types or varieties rather than just one category.

What Kind Of vs. What Kinds Of: Key Differences

The main difference between these expressions is the singular and plural form of the word kind.

What Kind Of	What Kinds Of
Refers to one category or type	Refers to multiple categories or types
Uses the singular noun kind	Uses the plural noun kinds
Often takes a singular countable noun	Often takes a plural countable noun
Can be used with uncountable nouns	Can also be used with uncountable nouns
What kind of movie do you like?	What kinds of movies do you like?

Remember that both expressions are grammatically correct. Your choice depends on whether you are asking about one type or several types.

Grammar Rules for What Kind Of and What Kinds Of

Understanding a few simple grammar rules will help you use these expressions correctly.

Use What Kind Of With Singular Countable Nouns

When asking about one category of a countable item, use what kind of followed by a singular noun.

Examples:

• What kind of animal is that?
• What kind of phone do you use?
• What kind of language are you learning?
• What kind of restaurant do you prefer?

Use What Kinds Of With Plural Countable Nouns

When asking about different categories of countable items, use what kinds of followed by a plural noun.

Examples:

• What kinds of animals live in this forest?
• What kinds of phones are available?
• What kinds of languages can you speak?
• What kinds of restaurants do you recommend?

Both Expressions Can Be Used With Uncountable Nouns

You can use both expressions with uncountable nouns, such as water, music, food, and information.

Examples:

• What kind of music do you enjoy?
• What kinds of music do you enjoy?
• What kind of food do they serve?
• What kinds of food do they serve?

Both forms are correct. The singular version asks about a type or category, while the plural version emphasizes different varieties.

What Kind Of vs. What Kinds Of in Sentences

Here are some additional examples to help you understand how these expressions work in everyday English.

Using What Kind Of:

• What kind of weather do you prefer?
• What kind of business do you want to start?
• What kind of exercise do you do every morning?
• What kind of movie should we watch tonight?
• What kind of experience do you have?

Using What Kinds Of:

• What kinds of weather conditions affect farming?
• What kinds of businesses are successful in your city?
• What kinds of exercises help build strength?
• What kinds of movies do you enjoy watching?
• What kinds of experiences have you had while traveling?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

English learners sometimes confuse these expressions because they have similar meanings. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

Incorrect: What kind of books do you read?

Better: What kinds of books do you read?

Incorrect: What kinds of book do you like?

Correct: What kind of book do you like?

Incorrect: What kind of cars are popular?

Better: What kinds of cars are popular?

Incorrect: What kinds of music do you enjoy?

Correct: What kinds of music do you enjoy?

The last sentence is already correct because music is an uncountable noun, and kinds refers to different varieties.

How to Remember the Difference

A simple way to remember the difference is to focus on the word kind.

• Kind = one type or category.
• Kinds = multiple types or categories.

For example:

• What kind of pet do you want? (One type of pet.)
• What kinds of pets do you like? (Different types of pets.)

This simple rule can help you choose the correct expression in everyday conversations, emails, and academic writing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is What Kind Of or What Kinds Of correct?

Both expressions are correct. Use what kind of when asking about one category and what kinds of when asking about multiple categories or varieties.

Should I use a singular or plural noun after What Kind Of?

You generally use a singular countable noun after what kind of.

Example: What kind of book are you reading?

You can also use uncountable nouns, such as food, music, and water.

Can I use What Kinds Of with uncountable nouns?

Yes. You can use what kinds of with uncountable nouns when referring to different varieties or categories.

Example: What kinds of coffee do you prefer?

Is What Kinds Of Books grammatically correct?

Yes. What kinds of books is grammatically correct because both kinds and books are plural.

Example: What kinds of books do you enjoy reading?

What is the difference between Kind Of and Kinds Of?

Kind of refers to one type or category, while kinds of refers to multiple types or categories. The correct choice depends on the meaning of your sentence.

Conclusion

Understanding what kind of vs. what kinds of is easier when you remember one simple rule: use kind for one category and kinds for multiple categories.

Use what kind of when asking about a particular type of something, such as a book, movie, or job. Use what kinds of when asking about different varieties, such as books, movies, or jobs.

Both expressions are correct, so choose the one that best matches your intended meaning. With regular practice and these examples, you can use both expressions confidently in everyday English.