What Does โType sth into sthโ Mean?
โType sth into sthโ means to enter information by pressing keys on a keyboard or device and putting it into a computer, phone, or other electronic device.
Introduction
The phrase โType sth into sthโ is commonly used in everyday English, especially when talking about computers and technology. It refers to the action of entering data, words, or numbers by pressing keys on a keyboard or touchscreen and sending that information into a device or software. Knowing the Type sth into sth meaning helps learners describe how they interact with technology in daily life, such as typing a password into a login screen or entering a search query into a browser. This phrase is practical and appears frequently in both spoken and written English.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Type something into something
- Type: Transitive
- Level: A2 โ B1
- Short meaning: To enter information by typing on a device
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โType sth into sthโ is a transitive phrasal verb with a clear separable structure:
- Pattern: Subject + type + object (something) + into + object (something)
- Example: She typed her password into the computer.
The phrase is not separable in the sense that โintoโ must always follow the first object; you cannot separate โtypeโ and โintoโ by moving โintoโ elsewhere.
How to Use Type sth into sth?
Use โtype sth into sthโ when you want to explain entering data using a keyboard or touchscreen. The first โsthโ is the information you type, and the second โsthโ is the device or place where you enter the data.
It is often used when talking about computers, phones, tablets, or any device with input fields.
Examples
When you use your computer, you often need to type sth into sth. For example, typing your email address into a login form.
- I typed my name into the search bar to find the article.
- She typed the address into her GPS to get directions.
- He typed the code into the system to unlock the door.
- They typed their answers into the online test.
- Can you type the password into the box for me?
Common Mistakes
People sometimes confuse the order or forget to use โintoโ after the first object. This changes the meaning or makes the sentence incorrect.
- Incorrect: I typed into the password.
Correct: I typed the password into the box. - Incorrect: She typed the computer her email.
Correct: She typed her email into the computer.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include โenter data,โ โinput,โ or โkey in.โ However, โtype sth into sthโ specifically refers to using a keyboard or device to physically enter information.
- Enter data: More general and formal, can include other methods besides typing.
- Key in: Similar but less common in everyday speech.
- Input: Can be a noun or verb, more technical.
Use โtype sth into sthโ when focusing on the physical act of typing on a device.
Common Collocations
When using โtype sth into sth,โ certain objects often appear with the phrasal verb:
- Type a password into a login box: Enter your secret code.
- Type a search term into a search engine: Enter words to find information.
- Type numbers into a calculator: Input digits for calculations.
- Type data into a spreadsheet: Enter information into a table.
- Type an address into a GPS device: Enter location details.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of type sth into sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Imagine two friends working on a computer together:
Anna: Can you type the website address into the browser?
Ben: Sure, Iโm typing it into the address bar now.
Practice
Try filling in the blanks with the correct form of the phrase:
- She _______ her email _______ the login form.
- They _______ the numbers _______ the calculator to check the total.
- He _______ the password _______ the box carefully.
FAQ
- What does โtype sth into sthโ mean? It means entering information by typing on a device and putting it into a specific place like a computer or phone.
- Is โtype sth into sthโ separable? No, you must keep โintoโ after the first object; you cannot separate them.
- Can I say โtype into sthโ without the object? Usually, you need to mention what you type for clarity, but in some contexts, it can be omitted if clear.
- What are synonyms for โtype sth into sthโ? Enter data, key in, or input are similar but may differ in formality or context.
- Is this phrase formal or informal? It is neutral and commonly used in both spoken and written English.

