kind of question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific type or category of question, often to indicate a degree of uncertainty or vagueness. Example: "That's an interesting kind of question that requires deeper thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What kind of question is that?

The New York Times

That's the first, kind of, question.

Harvard Business Review

I'm not prepared to answer that kind of question.

The New York Times - Sports

The music, too, starts in a kind of question mark.

The New Yorker

I don't think it's the same kind of question.

Cornell University

What kind of question will the referendum ask?

The Guardian

It's the kind of question that rabbis have long pondered.

The New York Times - Books

A: This is not a scientific kind of question.

The New York Times - Science

"That is the kind of question I like to hear".

The New York Times

He answers: "What kind of question is this?

The Guardian

I want to be, of course, but I don't really like this kind of question.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kind of question", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific attribute or category you are referring to. This helps avoid vagueness and enhances clarity.

Common error

While "kind of question" is acceptable, frequent use can make writing sound informal or imprecise. In formal contexts, consider using more specific terms like "type of question" or directly addressing the core issue being questioned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of question" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It categorizes or describes a particular type of inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kind of question" is a versatile phrase used to categorize or describe the nature of an inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and very commonly used, especially in News & Media and Academic contexts. While generally neutral in register, it leans slightly towards informal, suggesting that more precise alternatives may be preferable in highly formal settings. Consider using related phrases such as "type of question" or "sort of question" for stylistic variation. Ensure clarity by clearly specifying the characteristic or category to which you are referring when using the phrase "kind of question".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

type of question

Replaces "kind" with "type", maintaining the core meaning but offering a slightly more formal tone.

sort of question

Substitutes "kind" with "sort", providing a more colloquial alternative.

nature of the question

Focuses on the inherent characteristics of the question itself.

category of question

Emphasizes the classification or grouping to which the question belongs.

character of the question

Highlights the distinctive qualities or attributes of the question.

the question at hand

Directs attention to the specific question being considered.

the issue being asked

Shifts focus to the underlying issue the question is attempting to address.

the point of inquiry

Highlights the aspect that the question is designed to probe or explore.

a line of questioning

Refers to a series of related questions, often used in formal settings like interviews or investigations.

the subject under consideration

Broadens the scope to the overall topic that the question pertains to.

FAQs

How can I use "kind of question" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of question" to refer to a specific type or category of inquiry. For example, "That's the "kind of question" that requires deeper thought" or "What "kind of question" will the referendum ask?".

What's the difference between "kind of question" and "type of question"?

While both phrases are similar, "type of question" is generally considered more formal. "Kind of question" can sometimes imply a degree of informality or generality. Consider the context when choosing between ""kind of question"" and "type of question".

What can I say instead of "kind of question"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "sort of question", "nature of the question", or "category of question".

Is it always appropriate to use "kind of question" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, ""kind of question"" might be perceived as less formal than alternatives. In academic writing, consider whether a more precise or formal term would better convey your meaning.