The result is a Number representing the type of {expr}. Instead of using the number directly, it is better to use the v:t_ variable that has the value: Number: 0 |v:t_number| String: 1 |v:t_string| Funcref: 2 |v:t_func| List: 3 |v:t_list| Dictionary: 4 |v:t_dict| Float: 5 |v:t_float| Boolean: 6 |v:t_bool| (v:false and v:true) None: 7 |v:t_none| (v:null and v:none) Job: 8 |v:t_job| Channel: 9 |v:t_channel| Blob: 10 |v:t_blob| For backward compatibility, this method can be used: :if type(myvar) == type(0) :if type(myvar) == type("") :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr")) :if type(myvar) == type([]) :if type(myvar) == type({}) :if type(myvar) == type(0.0) :if type(myvar) == type(v:false) :if type(myvar) == type(v:none) To check if the v:t_ variables exist use this: :if exists('v:t_number') Can also be used as a |method|: mylist->type()