Confusion between “what kind” and “what kinds” is extremely common—especially for students, professionals, and ESL learners. At first glance, they look almost identical, but the difference between singular and plural meaning can completely change how natural (or awkward) your sentence sounds.
In simple terms, both phrases are used to ask about types, categories, or varieties. However, choosing the wrong one can make your English feel unclear or grammatically incorrect. That’s why learning when to use each form—and knowing alternative ways to ask the same question—matters for clear, confident communication.
This guide explains the difference clearly and gives you natural alternatives you can use in everyday English, academic writing, and professional settings.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Use alternatives to “what kind” or “what kinds” when:
- You want to sound more natural or fluent in conversation
- You’re writing formally (essays, emails, reports)
- You want to be more specific than “kind” or “kinds”
- You’re avoiding repetition in writing
- You’re speaking to non-native or professional audiences
⚠️ Warning:
Avoid mixing singular and plural forms incorrectly.
- ❌ What kind of books do you like? (incorrect)
- ✅ What kinds of books do you like? (correct)
30+ Other Ways to Say “What Kind / What Kinds”
Below are natural, clear alternatives. Each option includes meaning, usage, a tip, and an example for easy understanding.
1. What type of
Meaning: Asks about a specific category
Usage: Neutral, common in speech and writing
Tip: Use with singular nouns
Example: What type of phone do you use?
2. What types of
Meaning: Asks about multiple categories
Usage: When more than one option exists
Tip: Pair with plural nouns
Example: What types of books do you enjoy?
3. Which kind of
Meaning: Requests a specific choice
Usage: When options are known
Tip: Sounds slightly more formal
Example: Which kind of coffee do you prefer?
4. Which kinds of
Meaning: Asks about multiple specific groups
Usage: Academic or detailed contexts
Tip: Use when comparing categories
Example: Which kinds of skills are required?
5. What sort of
Meaning: Casual alternative to “what kind”
Usage: Informal speech
Tip: Common in British English
Example: What sort of music is this?
6. What sorts of
Meaning: Plural form of “what sort of”
Usage: Casual and friendly
Tip: Use in conversation, not formal writing
Example: What sorts of games do you play?
7. What category of
Meaning: Asks about classification
Usage: Academic or professional contexts
Tip: Very formal tone
Example: What category of expense is this?
8. What categories of
Meaning: Multiple classifications
Usage: Reports, research, business
Tip: Avoid in casual speech
Example: What categories of data were analyzed?
9. What variety of
Meaning: Focuses on diversity within a group
Usage: Food, products, nature
Tip: Sounds descriptive
Example: What variety of rice is this?
10. What varieties of
Meaning: Emphasizes multiple forms
Usage: Formal or descriptive writing
Tip: Use when diversity matters
Example: What varieties of apples are available?
11. What form of
Meaning: Asks about structure or format
Usage: Grammar, documents, processes
Tip: Works well in technical contexts
Example: What form of ID is required?
12. What forms of
Meaning: Plural structure types
Usage: Academic or professional
Tip: Use when abstract
Example: What forms of communication exist?
13. What version of
Meaning: Asks about a specific edition
Usage: Technology, software, documents
Tip: Very precise
Example: What version of the app do you use?
14. What versions of
Meaning: Multiple editions or models
Usage: Product comparisons
Tip: Use when choices vary
Example: What versions of this phone are available?
15. What model of
Meaning: Refers to a specific design
Usage: Machines, cars, electronics
Tip: Sounds professional
Example: What model of laptop is this?
16. What models of
Meaning: Multiple designs
Usage: Sales or technical talk
Tip: Common in business
Example: What models of cars are offered?
17. What class of
Meaning: Group based on function or rank
Usage: Academic or technical
Tip: Formal tone
Example: What class of drugs is this?
18. What classes of
Meaning: Multiple grouped types
Usage: Education or science
Tip: Avoid in casual talk
Example: What classes of students qualify?
19. What genre of
Meaning: Category of art or media
Usage: Music, books, movies
Tip: Creative contexts
Example: What genre of film is this?
20. What genres of
Meaning: Multiple artistic categories
Usage: Media discussions
Tip: Sounds educated
Example: What genres of music do you like?
21. What style of
Meaning: Focuses on design or approach
Usage: Fashion, writing, art
Tip: Great for descriptive speech
Example: What style of writing is this?
22. What styles of
Meaning: Multiple design approaches
Usage: Creative or professional
Tip: Common in fashion and design
Example: What styles of jackets are trending?
23. What nature of
Meaning: Refers to underlying character
Usage: Formal or abstract topics
Tip: Best for writing, not speech
Example: What nature of problem is this?
24. What kinds exactly
Meaning: Emphasizes clarity
Usage: When asking for details
Tip: Use in conversation
Example: What kinds exactly are you referring to?
25. Can you specify which kind
Meaning: Polite clarification request
Usage: Professional communication
Tip: Very respectful tone
Example: Can you specify which kind you mean?
26. Could you clarify the type
Meaning: Gentle request for detail
Usage: Emails or meetings
Tip: Avoid sounding demanding
Example: Could you clarify the type needed?
27. What group does it belong to
Meaning: Asks about classification
Usage: Academic or analytical
Tip: Full-sentence alternative
Example: What group does this belong to?
28. What exactly are you referring to
Meaning: Requests precise clarification
Usage: Professional discussions
Tip: Neutral and safe
Example: What exactly are you referring to?
29. Which category fits best
Meaning: Suggests evaluation
Usage: Decision-making contexts
Tip: Sounds analytical
Example: Which category fits best here?
30. What specific type
Meaning: Emphasizes precision
Usage: Formal or technical
Tip: Use when accuracy matters
Example: What specific type of material is required?
Bonus: Professional & Polite Alternatives
- Could you clarify the specific category?
- May I know which type you’re referring to?
- Please specify the relevant category.
- Which classification does this fall under?
These are perfect for emails, meetings, and academic writing.
Final Writing Tips
- Match singular with singular and plural with plural
- Use “kind” for one, “kinds” for many
- Choose formal alternatives in professional writing
- Avoid repeating “kind” in long texts
- When unsure, rephrase the question for clarity
- Read the sentence aloud—natural English sounds clear
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