typing
C1Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
The action or skill of writing with a typewriter or computer keyboard.
The process or result of inputting text via keys; the act of classifying or assigning a type to something (e.g., blood typing).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Most commonly refers to text input on electronic devices; can also denote classification in scientific/medical contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. 'Typing' universally understood. Possible minor spelling in derived forms (e.g., 'typewrite' is archaic).
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties due to universal technology use.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + [verb] + typing + [object] (e.g., She finished typing the report)[Subject] + [be] + [adverb] + typing (e.g., He is currently typing)[Noun] + of + typing (e.g., the sound of typing)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Hunt and peck (typing)”
- “Touch typing”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Essential skill for office work; often referenced in job descriptions and performance reviews.
Academic
Refers to writing essays or inputting data; sometimes part of study skills courses.
Everyday
Commonly used for chatting, emailing, or using social media on devices.
Technical
Refers to data entry, programming, or specific keyboard input methods.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She is typing up the minutes from the meeting.
- He types with remarkable accuracy.
American English
- She's typing the final draft now.
- Can you type this up for me by noon?
adjective
British English
- She took a typing course last autumn.
- He has a typing speed of 80 words per minute.
American English
- She has strong typing skills.
- The job requires a typing test.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I am learning typing at school.
- My typing is slow.
- Good typing skills are important for many office jobs.
- She is practising typing to get faster.
- The constant typing in the open-plan office can be quite distracting.
- He completed the online typing test successfully.
- Her proficiency in touch typing significantly enhanced her productivity as a copy editor.
- Advances in voice recognition software may eventually reduce the need for manual typing.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'type' + 'ing' as the ongoing action of pressing TYPEwriter-like keys.
Conceptual Metaphor
TYPING IS A MECHANICAL EXTENSION OF WRITING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'печатание' (which can also mean printing on paper). 'Typing' is specifically input via keys, not the printing process.
- Avoid direct calque 'типинг' – use standard translation 'печатание (на клавиатуре)' or 'набор текста'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'typing' (process) with 'typewriting' (archaic, for mechanical machines).
- Using 'typing' to mean printing documents (e.g., 'The printer is typing' – incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'typing' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it originated with typewriters and still applies to them, but its most common modern referent is computer keyboard input.
'Typing' is the general, modern term. 'Typewriting' is now archaic and specifically refers to using a mechanical typewriter.
Yes. As a noun: 'Her typing is excellent.' As a verb (gerund/participle): 'She is typing a letter.'
Yes, 'keyboarding' is a direct synonym, often used in educational or formal contexts to describe the skill.