type of

USAGE SUMMARY

"type of" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an object, a concept, an action, or any other kind of thing. For example, "This is a new type of chair that is designed to be more comfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What type of tape?

The New York Times

A type of currency.

The New York Times

That type of thing.

The New York Times

What type of risk?

The New York Times - Sports

He's that type of manager.

Independent

A new type of paint.

Independent

He's that type of player.

The New York Times - Sports

(b) A type of bulldozer.

The Economist

What type of residency?

Science Magazine

Type of fat.

Los Angeles Times

Type of information.

FAO

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "type of", ensure that the noun following 'of' is singular and countable to maintain grammatical accuracy, such as 'type of car'.

Common error

Avoid using a plural noun after "type of" when referring to a single category. Instead of saying "type of cars", use "type of car".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "type of" functions as a premodifier in noun phrases, specifying a particular category or class. It helps to categorize the noun that follows, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "type of currency" or "type of risk". Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

52%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "type of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase employed to categorize or specify within a broader group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and versatile expression suitable for various contexts, predominantly appearing in Wiki articles and News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure proper noun agreement to maintain grammatical accuracy. For alternatives, consider using "kind of", "sort of", or "variety of" depending on the desired level of formality and specificity. The phrase's neutral register and widespread applicability make it a valuable tool in both written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kind of

This alternative is a more casual synonym, differing slightly in formality.

sort of

Similar to "kind of", it implies a less precise categorization.

variety of

This denotes a range within a category, emphasizing diversity.

form of

This highlights the structure or manifestation of something.

category of

This emphasizes the classification aspect, useful in more formal contexts.

class of

This is suitable for scientific or academic categorization.

species of

Typically used in biology to refer to a specific species.

manner of

This focuses on the way something is done or performed.

nature of

This emphasizes the inherent characteristics or essence.

character of

This is used to describe moral or ethical qualities.

FAQs

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

Use "type of" to ask about or describe a specific category or kind. For example, "What "type of music" do you like?" or "That's a strange "type of flower"".

What are some alternatives to "type of"?

You can use alternatives such as "kind of", "sort of", or "variety of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "types of" instead of "type of"?

Yes, "types of" is correct when referring to multiple categories. For example, "There are many types of cars available" is grammatically sound, whereas if you are referring to a general type then "type of car" is correct.

What's the difference between "type of" and "kind of"?

Both "type of" and "kind of" are largely interchangeable and function similarly. However, "kind of" may sometimes carry a slightly more informal tone.