Types and Tokens
Updated 2026-09-10
INTRODUCTION
English translation pending.
CORE DEFINITION
The type-token distinction is used for cases where the same item can be repeatedly instantiated. A note carrying a two-word reminder twice contains, counted by word types, only two words, but counted by word tokens, four. The same distinction applies to cats and other things: tokens are concrete particulars occupying spatiotemporal positions, while types are what several tokens jointly instantiate.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Counting clarification: state first whether counting is by type or by token, to dissolve disputes about number. - Identity judgment: fix whether two occurrences are the same type or the same particular. - Originality and copying: separate the original type from copied tokens, to tell repetition from creation.
Anchor fast decisions
The distinction turns on differing criteria for counting and identity. A token is a concrete particular occupying a specific spatiotemporal position, with strict identity conditions; a type is an abstract or semi-abstract item instantiated by many tokens, so one type can have many instances. Thus the claim that a word occurs four times and the claim that a sentence uses only two words do not conflict, since they use different counting standards.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- plato.stanford.eduhttps://plato.stanford.edu/entries/types-tokens/verified
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