"What kind of" and "What kinds of"

Question

Hello,The grammar book I have says that both of the two phrases, or "what kind of" and "what kinds of," are acceptable in the case where countable nouns are followed by them. In daily conversation, however, which do you prefer to use, between "what kind of " and "what kinds of"?E.g.What kind of books do you read?        orWhat kinds of books do you read?Do you consciously choose any of the two phrases?Thank you.

Mitch · Accepted Answer

Both are correct — they ask different things.

What kind of expects one category: "What kind of music do you like?" — "Jazz."

What kinds of invites several categories: "What kinds of music do you like?" — "Jazz, rock and classical."

In everyday speech, what kind of is used for both — nobody will misunderstand you. In careful writing, use kinds when you expect a list. The noun after it follows normal rules: what kind of car (countable singular), what kinds of cars, what kind of advice (uncountable).

Mister Micawber · Answer

.
I unconsciously choose the singular when I am imaging one kind and the plural when I am imaging more than one kind.
.

Anonymous · Answer

I got it. I'll choose either of the singular or the plural, depending on the situation.

Thank you for your answer.

Anonymous · Answer

I can't speak authoritatively, because I have never found a recognised source which answers this question satisfactorily, but I prefer to say "What kind of book do you read?" (select a single genre) or "What kinds of book do you read?" (select more than one genre). I think that in the second instance 'book' is used as a collective noun (rather like 'people'). I don't think I would ever use two plurals, i.e. kinds of books.

"What kind of" and "What kinds of"

Top answer

Editor's note

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬