def occurs_in_type(v, type2):
    """Checks whether a type variable occurs in a type expression.

    Note: Must be called with v pre-pruned

    Args:
        v:  The TypeVariable to be tested for
        type2: The type in which to search

    Returns:
        True if v occurs in type2, otherwise False
    """
    pruned_type2 = prune(type2)
    if pruned_type2 == v:
        return True
    elif isinstance(pruned_type2, TypeOperator):
        return occurs_in(v, pruned_type2.types)
    return False