type in
/taɪp ɪn/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To enter information by typing it on a keyboard or screen. It is often used for forms, passwords, and search boxes.
- Please type in your email address.
- Type in the code to continue.
- I typed in the wrong password.
Adinary Nuance
Type in is more specific than enter. Use type in when the information is put in by keyboard or touchscreen, not spoken or written on paper. In everyday English, people often say enter, but type in sounds clearer when the action matters.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- nhập
- Spanish
- escribir
- Chinese
- 输入
- Japanese
- 入力する
- Korean
- 입력하다
Etymology
This phrasal verb combines type, from Greek via French and English printing history, with in, an English particle. It became common with computers and keyboards in the 20th century.
Common phrases
type in your detailstype in a passwordtype in the search boxtype in the code
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is type in the same as enter?
- Yes, but type in is more specific. It means you enter something by typing.
- Is type in formal or informal?
- It is neutral and common in everyday and work settings.
- Can I use type in in IELTS writing?
- Yes, but use it only when keyboard entry is important. Otherwise, enter is often better.
- What is the difference between type in and key in?
- They are very close in meaning. Type in is more common in everyday English.