I only like this kind [sort] of flower (bread). 我只喜歡這種花(面包)。
What kind [sort] of picture do you like best? 你最喜歡什么樣的圖畫?
注:在口語或非正式文體中有時也可在kind of后接復數(shù)名詞。如:
What kind [sort] of pictures do you like best? 你最喜歡什么樣的圖畫?
2. 復數(shù)形式的kinds [sorts] of則通常用于復數(shù)名詞或不可數(shù)名詞前(名詞前也不用冠詞)。如:
I enjoy these kinds [sorts] of films. 我喜歡這些類型的電影。
They sell all kinds [sorts] of cheese. 他們出售各種奶酪。
What kinds [sorts] of pictures do you like best? 你最喜歡哪些種類的圖畫?
但是,在現(xiàn)代英語中,復數(shù)形式的kinds [sorts] of 也可用于單數(shù)名詞前。如:
I’ve seen many kinds [sorts] of car. 我見過許多類型的汽車。
所以綜合以上內容可知:以下四句從語法上看都是正確的,但以第一句和第四句最為普通:
What kind [sort] of book do you like reading? 你喜歡讀哪種書?
What kind [sort] of books do you like reading? 你喜歡讀哪種書?
What kinds [sorts] of book do you like reading? 你喜歡讀哪種書?
What kinds [sorts] of books do you like reading? 你喜歡讀哪種書?
3. 比較以下同義表達:
This kind [sort] of computer is of good quality.
=Computers of this kind [sort] are of good quality.
這種電腦質量很好。
Many kinds [sorts] of snakes are found in Africa.
=Snakes of many kinds [sorts] are found in Africa.
非洲有很多種蛇。
4. 比較What kind [sort] of ...和What kind [sort] of a ...
兩者從形式上看,一個帶不定冠詞,一個不帶不定冠詞;從意思上看兩者稍有區(qū)別:
(1) What kind [sort] of ...側重指類型、類別、種類等,其中的 what 具有類似 which的含義。如:
What kind [sort] of car is it? 這是什么牌子的車?
(2) What kind [sort] of a...側重指作用、性質、性能等,其中的what具有類似how的含義。如:
What kind [sort] of a car is it? 這種車質量如何?
You don’t know what kind of a man he is. 你不知道他是怎樣一種人。