do those words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do those words" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking if certain words or phrases have a specific meaning or effect. Example: "Can you clarify what you mean by 'freedom'? Do those words imply a sense of responsibility as well?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"Do those words matter?

Independent

What do those words mean?

The New York Times

Do those words cover it?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What do those words truly mean?

The Washington Post

Or do those words now ring hollow?

The New York Times

But when do those words apply?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

And what did those words mean?

The New Yorker

What did those words have to do with America in 2016?

The New Yorker

What did those words even mean?

TechCrunch

Did those words make no sense to you?

Huffington Post

A minor-league trainer once described Fuld as "a bit of a geek," noting that he was "always doing those word finds and those Sudokus," and "always looking up stuff on the Internet".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do those words", ensure the context clearly indicates which specific words you are referring to. Ambiguity can lead to confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "do those words" when a more direct question about the meaning or intention behind the words would be clearer. For instance, instead of asking "Do those words matter?", ask "Why do those words matter?".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do those words" functions as an interrogative phrase, typically used to inquire about the meaning, significance, or impact of specific words in a given context. As Ludwig illustrates, the question seeks to understand the underlying message or importance of the terms used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do those words" serves as an interrogative tool to explore the meaning, relevance, or implications of specific terms within a given context. As Ludwig shows, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears frequently in news and media, reflecting its neutral register. It’s crucial to ensure clarity regarding which words are being referenced to avoid ambiguity. While the phrase is generally effective, sometimes a more direct question may be preferable. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase is versatile and appropriate in various settings for prompting deeper reflection on language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is meant by those words

Focuses on the intended meaning or definition of the words.

what do you mean by those words

Directly asks for clarification from someone who used those words.

what is the significance of those words

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the words.

what do those words convey

Asks about the message or feeling that the words communicate.

what are the implications of those words

Focuses on the potential consequences or effects of the words.

how are those words defined

Seeks a formal definition or explanation of the words.

what is the effect of those words

Considers the influence or impact of the words on an audience or situation.

are those words appropriate

Questions the suitability or relevance of the words in a specific context.

what's the impact of those words

Similar to significance, but slightly more informal.

how relevant are those words

Asks about the pertinence or applicability of the words to a particular subject.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the question "do those words matter"?

You can rephrase it as "Are those words important?", "Why are those words significant?", or "What is the significance of those words?" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's a more formal way to ask about the meaning of "do those words"?

A more formal way to inquire about the meaning would be, "What is the intended denotation or connotation of "those words" within this context?"

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "do those words"?

While grammatically correct, using "do those words" might be less effective if a more direct question would provide clearer insight into the speaker's intention. Consider if asking "What do you mean by "those words"?" would be better.

What's the difference between asking "what do those words mean?" and "do those words matter?"

"What do those words mean?" seeks a definition or explanation, while "do those words matter?" questions the significance or impact of the words. The former is about understanding, and the latter is about evaluating importance.