What Kind of Vs What Kinds of (Rules + Examples) [2025]

If you’re not sure whether to say “what kind of” or “what kinds of,” here’s the simple rule:

• Use what kind of for one type (or with uncountable nouns).
• Use what kinds of for more than one type (usually with plural countable nouns).

What kind of asks about one type/category, often with a singular or uncountable noun (music, advice, furniture).
What kinds of asks about multiple types/categories, usually with plural countable nouns (books, cars, jobs).

 

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When to use “What kind of”

With singular countable nouns

• What kind of car do you drive?

• What kind of job are you looking for?

• What kind of movie is this?

With uncountable nouns

Uncountable nouns don’t take a plural form, so what kind of is natural.

• What kind of music do you like?

• What kind of advice did she give you?

• What kind of information do you need?

• What kind of furniture should we buy?

• What kind of weather do you prefer?

When to use “What kinds of”

With plural countable nouns

• What kinds of books do you read?

• What kinds of restaurants do you like?

• What kinds of problems are you having?

• What kinds of shoes are best for hiking?

When you mean variety

• What kinds of skills do you need for that role?

• What kinds of questions will they ask in the interview?

 

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Side-by-side comparison

Situation	Correct form	Example
One type (singular)	what kind of	What kind of bag is that?
General category	what kind of	What kind of person is he?
Uncountable noun	what kind of	What kind of coffee do you want?
Multiple types	what kinds of	What kinds of movies do you like?
Plural countable	what kinds of	What kinds of tools do we need?

 

Common mistakes

Mixing singular and plural

Incorrect: What kind of books do you like?
Correct: What kinds of books do you like?

Using “kinds” with uncountable nouns

Incorrect: What kinds of information do you need?
Correct: What kind of information do you need?

Confusing meaning

• One type: What kind of phone should I buy?

Many types: What kinds of phones are good for photography?

Can “what kind of” be used with plural nouns?

In casual speech, some speakers say “what kind of movies,” but in formal writing and exams, it’s better to use what kinds of with plural countable nouns.

 

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“Kind of” vs “Type of” vs “Sort of”

• kind of: very common and neutral

• type of: slightly more formal or technical

• sort of: common in British English and informal contexts

Examples:

• What kind of laptop do you need?

• What type of laptop do you need?

• What sort of laptop do you need?

+30 examples

Singular countable

1. What kind of dress is that?

2. What kind of teacher do you prefer?

3. What kind of plan do we have?

Uncountable

1. What kind of tea do you want?

2. What kind of help do you need?

3. What kind of traffic is there today?

Plural countable

1. What kinds of songs do you listen to?

2. What kinds of jobs pay well in your city?

3. What kinds of classes are available?

People

1. What kind of person is she?

2. What kinds of people live here?
   
   

Final takeaway

Use what kind of for one type or uncountable nouns.
Use what kinds of for multiple types and plural countable nouns.