Our last tip examined whether a singular or plural noun should follow the expression "different kinds of." Today's tip takes up the singular form, "kind of."

"Words Into Type" pulls no punches about what form of noun to use with "kind of" and "type of": "Expressions using 'kind of, sort of' and so on, should be in the singular unless the plural idea is overwhelming." The book lists among its examples the following:

"The variety of clam most used is called Little Neck."
"What type of cat appeals most to you?"

With this rule in hand, the reader may safely say "different breeds of dog" and not have to ask, "What kind of fool am I?"

But WIT suggests that in the following example the plural idea is clearly overwhelming:

"What does the table show regarding concerns with high profits? What kind of concerns are they?"