Meaning
You can use ‘What kind of‘ to ask a question when you want to ask someone what sorts of things they are doing or what they like. You can use ‘kind’, ‘sort’, or ‘type’ to ask your question.
Today’s Sentences
- What kind of dog is it?
- What kind of music do you like?
- What kind of exercises do you do?
- What kind of food would you like to eat?
- What kind of late-night snack do you enjoy?
- Writer’s Note
01
What kind of dog is it?
Situation 1
Can I say ‘hello’?
Sure.
He won’t jump on you or anything.
What’s his name?
What kind of dog is he?
His name is Bruno and he’s an English Labrador.
Situation 2
Your dog is absolutely adorable!
Thanks.
What kind of dog is it?
It’s a Bedlington Terrier.
02
What kind of music do you like?
Situation 1
This track is really good.
Thanks.
What kind of music do you like?
I usually listen to R&B but I like pop music too.
Looks like we have similar tastes in music.
Situation 2
What kind of music do you like?
I’m into Electronic music but I listen to a lot of Classical music too.
Really?
Those two genres are very different.
I guess the two balance each other out.
One is super upbeat but classical is often relaxing.
03
What kind of exercises do you do?
Situation 1
You look really fit.
Thanks.
I go to the gym every other day.
What kind of exercises do you do?
I usually do interval training.
Situation 2
What kind of exercises do you do?
I like exercising outdoors so I’m usually running or cycling.
I like to run in the mornings as well.
We should meet for a morning run some time.
04
What kind of food would you like to eat?
Situation 1
There’s so much to eat at this festival!
What kind of food would you like to eat?
I sorta feel like Mexican.
How about you?
Sounds good.
I see a food truck with tacos and enchiladas over there.
Situation 2
Thanks for picking me up.
Thanks for having dinner with me.
What kind of food would you like to eat?
Should we go to the fusion restaurant on 3rd?
They have savory Asian dishes that have good reviews.
That sounds really good.
05
What kind of late-night snack do you enjoy?
Situation 1
Wanna come over to watch a movie?
Sure.
What time should I come over?
8 or 9?
What kind of late-night snack do you enjoy?
Late-night would be popcorn.
Situation 2
We’re having a game night.
Really?
Sounds like fun.
What kind of late-night snack do you enjoy?
I usually don’t eat too late but veggie or antipasto platters are good for sharing.
Writer’s Note
Kind of vs. Sort of
‘Sort of’ and ’kind of’ are nearly always interchangeable.
You use kind of/sort of when you want to say that something or someone can be roughly described in a particular way.
Since we’ve covered ‘kind of’ above, here are some ‘sort of’ examples:
Q. Are you feeling better?
A. Sort of.
Q. How about these ones?
A. That’s the sort of tent I was looking for.
Q. What do you do when you’re at home?
A. I enjoy listening to music, drawing, that sort of thing.
Q. Is something wrong with the car?
A. Tire problems, squeaking brakes, these sorts of things.
