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Meaning & use

types

noun, verb·Everyday

Last updated

UK/taɪps/
US/taɪps/

“types” is a form of “type”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. nounplural

    Plural of 'type': groups or kinds of people or things that share important features.

    Grammar: Countable noun in the plural; use it after numbers or words like 'many', 'several', 'all'.

    Patterns

    • types of something
    • all types of people
    • several types

    The shop sells many types of bread.

    There are three types of question on the test.

    What types of music do you like?

  2. verbtransitive or intransitive

    Third-person singular of 'type': writes using a keyboard, or sorts things into groups.

    Grammar: With an object it means writing text; without an object it just means using a keyboard.

    Patterns

    • types something (up)
    • types on something
    • types something into something

    She types very fast on her laptop.

    He types the report every Friday.

    She types the password into the box.

Word forms

base formtype
third person singulartypes
past tensetyped
past participletyped
-ing formtyping

Common combinations

all types of
The museum has all types of old coins.
different types
We tried several different types of tea.
types of people
You meet all types of people when you travel.
types quickly
My sister types quickly and never looks at the keys.

Synonyms and how they differ

kinds
Very close in meaning, but 'kinds' is often more natural in everyday speech than 'types'.
sorts
Similar and common in British English, though it can sound a little informal.
categories
More formal and used for official or organized groups.

Word family

type noun
A single kind or group.
typing noun
The activity or skill of using a keyboard.
typist noun
A person whose job is typing.
typical adjective
Showing the usual features of a type.

Commonly confused: types or tips?

types vs tips

'Tips' are pieces of advice or extra money; 'types' are kinds or groups. They sound similar but are not related.

Practice

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