Are these phrase interchangeable?
Or are there specific instances when you would use one and not the other? For example:
What is the table like? AND What kind of table is this?
OR What is the jacket like? AND What kind of jacket is this?
No, I don't think they are. You are asking for different information.
If you say 'What's the jacket like?' , the answer might be 'It's nice. It's dark brown wool, with a hood and fur lining. It would suit you.' You are asking for a description and/or a personal opinion.
But if you say 'What kind of jacket is it?', you want to know if it's a ski jacket, a waterproof jacket, a cycling jacket, or whether it's a smart jacket or a casual jacket. 'Kind of' suggests that you are looking for some kind of categorisation.
25 novembre 2014
2
2
0
When asking what kind of table, the answer might be a dining table, a coffee table, a picnic table, etc.
When asking what the table is like, the answer might be that it is big, brown, dirty, etc.
And something similar for jackets.
25 novembre 2014
3
0
0
The first clear example is that when you add "is this?", I imagine you are looking straight at the table or jacket. Remember, this-here / that-there. It also tells me that perhaps you want to know the maker or brand name of the item.
"What's ... like?" is asking for someone else's personal opinion/appraisal of the item. Does the jacket fit? Is he/she happy with the table?
I really can't see these phrases as synonyms.
25 novembre 2014
1
0
Vous n'avez pas encore trouvé vos réponses ?
Écrivez vos questions et profitez de l'aide des locuteurs natifs !