does that mean that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does that mean that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in asking a question, as in "Does that mean that you don't want to come with us?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

If no overlap is ever observed, does that mean that calls are alternating?

eLife

"Does that mean that no-one will bring court cases?

The Guardian

"Does that mean that you will have to be the next queen?" her sister, Margaret, asked.

The New York Times

"Does that mean that people who worship on Sunday are evil?

The New Yorker

"Does that mean that British agencies benefited from the product of those interrogations?

Independent

- Does that mean that you got the result after his death?

F1000Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Did that mean that she had aged?

The New Yorker

Did that mean that it was safe?

The New Yorker

Did that mean that he supported the Adams strategy?

The New Yorker

Did that mean that Dennis denied the murder?

The Guardian

Did that mean that retaliating in kind was wrong?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse in formal writing. While grammatically correct, excessive use can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider alternatives like "does that imply" or "are you suggesting" for variety.

Common error

Be careful not to assume that "does that mean that" always introduces a direct, logical consequence. Sometimes, the implication may be subtle or open to interpretation. Ensure the context supports a clear connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does that mean that" functions as an interrogative conjunction, introducing a question that seeks to understand the implication or consequence of a preceding statement. It's a common way to ask for clarification or confirmation. Ludwig examples show its prevalent use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "does that mean that" is a versatile interrogative phrase used to seek clarification or confirm an understanding of a statement's implications. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, although its frequency and formality can be adjusted with alternatives like "does that imply" for a more refined tone. While prevalent in News & Media and Science, mindful usage and contextual awareness will enhance clarity and prevent misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so what you're saying is

Summarizes and seeks confirmation of understanding.

does that imply

More concise and emphasizes the implicit suggestion of something.

does that suggest

Similar to 'imply' but can be slightly weaker in its assertion.

can I infer from that

Highlights the act of drawing a conclusion based on given information.

am I to understand that

Formal and questions understanding based on what was said.

are we to assume that

Questions an assumption based on available information.

is that another way of saying

Focuses more directly on rephrasing or clarifying a statement.

are you saying that

Directly questions the speaker's intention or statement.

is the upshot of that

More formal and focuses on the final result or consequence.

then it follows that

Highlights a logical consequence or deduction.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "does that mean that" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you can use alternatives such as "does that imply", "are we to understand that", or "can I infer from that" for a more sophisticated tone.

Is it correct to use "does that mean that" in academic writing?

Yes, "does that mean that" is grammatically correct, but it may sound too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using alternatives like "does that imply" to maintain a formal tone.

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

While both phrases question an implication, "does that mean that" is more direct, while "does that imply" is slightly more subtle, suggesting a less direct connection. Choose based on the desired level of directness.

How to avoid overusing "does that mean that" in my writing?

To avoid repetition, vary your phrasing. Use synonyms like "are you saying that", "so what you're saying is", or restructure your sentences to avoid the phrase altogether.