does that mean

USAGE SUMMARY

"does that mean" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
You can use it to ask someone to verify their understanding of the situation. For example: "The store is open until 10 pm, does that mean I can shop there until then?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Does that mean anything?

The New Yorker

Does that mean a pass?

The New Yorker

What does that mean tonight?

The New York Times

Does that mean they overpaid?

Forbes

What … does that mean?

TechCrunch

Does that mean retail?

Forbes

What does that mean?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Anyway, what does that mean?

The New York Times

So what does that mean?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

What did that mean?

The New York Times - Science

But what did that mean?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "does that mean" to ensure clear communication and avoid misunderstandings. It's effective for verifying assumptions and seeking confirmation in conversations and written texts.

Common error

Avoid using "does that mean" in situations where the implication is already obvious. Overusing it can make your communication sound redundant or condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does that mean" serves as an interrogative expression used to seek clarification, confirmation, or to infer a logical consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable question, examples show its utility in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "does that mean" is a common and grammatically sound way to seek confirmation, clarification, or to infer a logical consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a perfectly acceptable way to check your understanding. It's versatile enough for various contexts, from casual conversations to professional settings, although overusing it can create ambiguity. The phrase's high frequency, demonstrated by the numerous examples, reflects its importance in ensuring clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does that imply

Focuses on the suggestion or indirect indication of something.

does that suggest

Asks if something hints at a particular conclusion.

does that entail

Queries whether something is a necessary part or consequence of something else.

does that indicate

Focuses on whether something is a sign or symptom of something else.

is that to say

Seeks confirmation or clarification of a previous statement.

am I to understand that

More formal way to ask for confirmation of an understanding.

can I infer that

Asks if a conclusion can be logically drawn from the information available.

does that follow

Inquires whether something logically results from something else.

so what you're saying is

Restates an understanding to ensure accuracy and seek confirmation.

are you saying that

Asks directly if someone is asserting a particular claim.

FAQs

How can I use "does that mean" in a sentence?

You can use "does that mean" to ask for clarification or confirmation. For example: "The deadline is tomorrow, does that mean I can't submit it after that?"

What can I say instead of "does that mean"?

You can use alternatives like "does that imply", "does that suggest", or "does that entail" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "does that means" instead of "does that mean"?

No, "does that means" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "does that mean". The auxiliary verb "does" already indicates the third-person singular present tense, so the main verb "mean" remains in its base form.

What's the difference between "does that mean" and "what does that mean"?

"Does that mean" is used to confirm an assumption or inference, while "what does that mean" is used to ask for an explanation of something you don't understand. For example: "The light is red, does that mean we have to stop?" vs. "What does that mean in this context?"