what kind of tree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what kind of tree" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about the specific type or species of a tree. Example: "During our hike, I saw a tree with unusual bark and asked my friend, 'What kind of tree is that?'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

What kind of tree?

The New York Times

Quick question: What kind of tree nickname should Donald Trump have?

The New York Times

Here are just a few of the issues everyone faces: what kind of tree?

The New York Times - Arts

It might be easy to identify the insect, but determining what kind of tree produced the resin is another matter.

The New York Times - Science

But the family is in a quandary now about what kind of tree would best represent him: Canadian Maple seemed perfect at first.

The New York Times

I rolled my eyes at her cloying "What kind of tree would you be?" question to Katharine Hepburn and her "Do you sleep in a double bed or twin beds?" query to then President-elect Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

They asked the waiter what kind of trees they were.

The New Yorker

What kind of trees are used to make maple syrup?

Cornell University

And know what kind of trees they are.

The New Yorker

(How would six-legged viperwolves walk, and what advantages come with six limbs? What kind of trees would grow on a surface with 20 percent less gravitational force than Earth's and an atmosphere 20 percent more dense?) There is also a light table that lets us place cards with plant and animal names on its touch screen, sprouting images and information we can explore.

The New York Times - Arts

The state helps support a vast website, www.ufei.org, that guides consumers and government officials in what kind of trees to plant and, potentially, where the resulting wood can be sold and purchased.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking about a tree's kind, consider the context. If you need a precise answer, provide details about the tree's appearance, such as leaf shape, bark texture, and size. This helps in narrowing down the possibilities.

Common error

Avoid simply accepting broad classifications like "it's just a pine tree". Push for more specific identification (e.g., white pine, scotch pine) for accurate ecological or horticultural understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what kind of tree" functions as an interrogative phrase used to inquire about the species or variety of a tree. It seeks to classify the tree based on its characteristics. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what kind of tree" is a grammatically correct and frequently used interrogative phrase for inquiring about the species or variety of a tree. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely accepted and applicable in various contexts, ranging from informal conversations to academic discussions. The phrase's neutral register and common usage in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, makes it a versatile option. When using this phrase, consider the context and be prepared to provide additional details about the tree's characteristics to facilitate accurate identification. Alternatives include "what species of tree" or "what type of tree", depending on the level of formality and desired specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what species of tree is it

Replaces "kind" with "species" and uses a full sentence structure, adding specificity.

what type of tree is that

Substitutes "kind" with "type" and includes a demonstrative pronoun for emphasis.

which tree is it

Uses "which" for selection, assuming a limited set of options is known.

can you identify this tree

Shifts from asking for the kind to asking for identification, implying unknown identity.

how would you classify this tree

Asks for a classification approach rather than a direct answer.

what are the characteristics of this tree

Focuses on describing features rather than naming the type directly.

is it a deciduous or evergreen tree

Presents a binary choice focusing on leaf retention.

tell me about this tree's genus

Inquires about the genus classification.

what family does this tree belong to

Focuses on the broader biological family the tree is part of.

what is the taxonomic classification of this tree

Uses more technical language, referring to full taxonomic classification.

FAQs

How can I use "what kind of tree" in a sentence?

You can use "what kind of tree" to ask about the species or type of a tree. For example: "I wonder "what kind of tree" that is with the red berries?"

What's a less common way to ask "what kind of tree"?

Instead of "what kind of tree", you could ask "what species of tree is that?" This is slightly more formal and precise.

Is it correct to say "what type of tree" instead of "what kind of tree"?

Yes, "what type of tree" is a perfectly acceptable and interchangeable alternative to "what kind of tree".

When should I ask "what kind of tree" versus describing its features?

Use "what kind of tree" when you want a specific name or category. If you're unsure, describing features like leaf shape, bark, or size might help someone identify it or lead to a more informed response.