is a type of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a type of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to explain or define something by categorizing it as a specific type or kind. Example: A poodle is a type of dog that is known for its curly, hypoallergenic coat.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

She is a type of immortality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Keirin is a type of cycling race.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a type of tail rhyme.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Charolais is a type of French beef.

The New York Times - Food

Candida is a type of fungus.

The Guardian - Film

(A sport is a type of thing).

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Neuroblastoma is a type of pediatric cancer.

Plosone

COP is a type of efficiency measure.

Applied Petrochemical Research

A cromnibus, by definition, is a type of a bill.

Huffington Post

There is a type of bad nonconformity.

Stanford University

This is a type of epenthesis.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a type of" to clearly define and categorize subjects for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid redundant phrasing. Sometimes, more concise wording can improve clarity; for example, instead of "a dog is a type of animal", consider "a dog is an animal".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a type of" serves as a copular verb phrase used for classification and definition. It links a subject to a category, indicating that the subject belongs to that particular type. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage in written English. Many examples show it used across various contexts to explain what something is by specifying its category.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

24%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a type of" is a grammatically sound and exceedingly common construction used for categorization and definition. It appears frequently across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia and Wiki sources, indicating its broad applicability. As Ludwig AI points out, it serves to clarify and enhance understanding by relating subjects to well-defined categories. While its use is generally straightforward, be mindful of potential redundancy, opting for more concise phrasing where appropriate. Common alternatives include phrases like "is a kind of" or "is a form of". This phrase is a reliable tool for explaining concepts and classifications in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a kind of

Uses 'kind' instead of 'type' for a slightly more informal tone.

is a form of

Substitutes 'type' with 'form', implying a specific manifestation.

is classified as

Emphasizes the act of categorization rather than the category itself.

falls under the category of

More formal and precise; specifies a hierarchical structure.

belongs to the group of

Highlights membership within a broader classification.

is an example of

Focuses on illustrating a category through a specific instance.

is considered a

Indicates a generally accepted classification.

is defined as a

Emphasizes the definition and properties of the item.

can be described as a

Offers a descriptive categorization.

is known as a

Highlights common knowledge or recognition of the classification.

FAQs

How can I use "is a type of" in a sentence?

Use "is a type of" to classify or categorize a subject; for example, "A poodle "is a type of dog"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "is a type of"?

Consider alternatives such as "is a kind of", "is a form of", or "is classified as" for variety.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is a type of"?

Yes, the phrase "is a type of" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig.

When is it appropriate to use "is a type of" instead of other similar phrases?

Use "is a type of" when you want to emphasize the specific category or kind that something belongs to. Other phrases might highlight different aspects, such as origin or function.