Typically Are vs. Are Typically – Which is Correct?
Both “typically are” and “are typically” are correct English, but they place the adverb typically differently. “Typically are” emphasizes the subject’s usual state or identity, while “are typically” presents typically as an adverb within the verb phrase. In most prose, “are typically” sounds more natural and is the safer default.
typically are or are typically – Which is Correct?
Both “typically are” and “are typically” are grammatically correct. The difference is mainly one of word order, emphasis, and naturalness.
“Are typically” is the more common and neutral arrangement. The adverb typically appears after the linking verb are and before a complement, such as a noun, adjective, or participial phrase.
For example, “These products are typically expensive” presents a general fact in a natural way. “These products typically are expensive” is also possible, but it can sound more deliberate, formal, or emphatic. Writers may use that order when contrasting one general tendency with another or when placing emphasis on the verb phrase.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the neutral-position test: place typically after are unless you have a specific reason to emphasize the usual condition. In ordinary sentences, choose “are typically”.
Compare the emphasis:
- Neutral: “The roads are typically busy in the morning.”
- More emphatic: “The roads typically are busy in the morning, but they are quiet today.”
A useful swap test is to replace typically with usually. If “are usually” sounds natural, “are typically” will usually be the best choice as well.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| typically are | Adverb + linking verb | Usually have a particular quality, identity, or condition; often more emphatic | “These materials typically are durable.” |
| are typically | Linking verb + adverb | Usually have a particular quality, identity, or condition; the usual neutral order | “These materials are typically durable.” |
How to Use typically are
“Typically are” places the adverb before the linking verb. This order is valid, but it is less common in everyday prose than “are typically.” It can create emphasis, support a contrast, or give the sentence a more formal or literary rhythm.
Use this structure when the usual state or classification deserves attention, especially when the sentence contrasts a typical situation with an exception.
Example 1: Small businesses typically are more flexible than large corporations.
Example 2: The causes of the problem typically are difficult to identify.
Example 3: These symptoms typically are mild, although some patients experience more serious effects.
Etymology of the phrase typically are
Typically comes from typical, which derives from the Greek typos, meaning “a mark,” “form,” or “model.” The verb are is a present-tense form of be, one of English’s oldest and most irregular verbs. The combination is a modern English word order rather than a single historical expression.
How to Use are typically
“Are typically” is the standard neutral placement in most contemporary English. The linking verb are comes first, followed by the frequency adverb typically. This arrangement works in formal writing, business communication, academic prose, journalism, and casual conversation.
Typically means “usually,” “generally,” or “in most cases.” It describes a recurring tendency rather than an absolute rule, so it is useful when a statement has exceptions.
Example 1: Electric vehicles are typically quieter than gasoline-powered cars.
Example 2: University applications are typically reviewed by more than one person.
Example 3: These flowers are typically available during the spring and early summer.
Etymology of the phrase are typically
The word typically developed from the adjective typical and the suffix -ly, which commonly forms adverbs in English. Are comes from the verb be, whose forms have roots in several ancient Germanic verb systems. Together, the words form an ordinary verb phrase expressing a general tendency.
Related Concepts
Understanding adverb placement and linking verbs makes it easier to choose between “typically are” and “are typically.”
- Adverb placement: Frequency adverbs such as typically, usually, and generally can appear in several positions, but their most natural placement depends on the verb. With the linking verb are, the position after the verb is usually the clearest.
- Linking verbs: Forms of be, including are, connect a subject with a description, identity, or condition. Examples include “The results are typical” and “The results are typically consistent.”
- Hedging language: Words such as typically soften generalizations by showing that a statement is common but not universal. This makes claims more accurate and cautious.
- Subject–verb order: English normally places the subject before the verb, while adverbs may move around the verb phrase for emphasis or style. Changing the adverb’s position does not necessarily change the grammatical meaning.
Examples from Media and Literature
The following examples illustrate how the two word orders may appear in different kinds of communication:
- News writing: “Public transit systems are typically busiest during the morning commute.” This neutral order suits factual reporting.
- Scientific writing: “Cells are typically organized into specialized structures.” The placement presents a general observation clearly.
- Business writing: “Annual budgets are typically approved before the beginning of the fiscal year.” This is a natural professional formulation.
- Literary or emphatic prose: “The answers typically are hidden in the details.” This less-common order can give the sentence a deliberate rhythm.
- Film or television dialogue: “These situations are typically more complicated than they appear.” The neutral structure sounds natural in conversation.
typically are Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| usually are | Are true or applicable in most cases |
| generally are | Are commonly or broadly the case |
| normally are | Are the usual condition under ordinary circumstances |
| commonly are | Are frequently found or observed |
are typically Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| are usually | Are true or applicable in most situations |
| are generally | Are broadly or commonly the case |
| are normally | Are expected under ordinary conditions |
| are commonly | Are frequently encountered or observed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “typically are” grammatically correct?
Yes. “Typically are” is grammatically correct, although it is less common and may sound more emphatic or formal than “are typically.”
Question 2: Is “are typically” better than “typically are”?
In most contexts, yes. “Are typically” is the more natural and neutral word order, particularly in professional, academic, and everyday writing.
Question 3: Does changing the word order change the meaning?
Usually, no. Both forms generally mean “are usually” or “are generally.” The main difference is emphasis and style. “Typically are” may draw slightly more attention to the usual condition or identity.
Conclusion
Both “typically are” and “are typically” are correct, but “are typically” is the preferred default because it sounds more natural and neutral. Use “typically are” when you want a more deliberate rhythm or additional emphasis. Pro Tip: In professional writing, choose “are typically” unless a clear contrast or stylistic reason supports the alternative.
