either means

USAGE SUMMARY

"either means" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to present two or more alternatives. For example: "I'm not sure what this symbol means; it could mean 'peace' or 'love', either means could be true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My husband didn't notice, which either means I'm not as smelly as I think I am or the antiperspirant I use doesn't do much.

The New York Times

It either means contradict your palette (colour-wise) or buck the season by wearing dark shades (like Tom Ford's Jasmine) to the seaside.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It either means (a) he has a bad collection and he knows it and is trying to cover up, or (b) he's out of his mind.

The New York Times

If athletes like Oscar just keep winning, then it either means the event is too easy or most likely the competition is rubbish.

Independent

Squeaky Fromme is out of jail, which either means that the dramas of the seventies have finally been played out or that the decade is back and here to stay.

The New Yorker

By Amy Davidson Sorkin August 14, 2009 Squeaky Fromme is out of jail, which either means that the dramas of the seventies have finally been played out or that the decade is back and here to stay.

The New Yorker

"This either means we've got a lot of creative, community-minded people in the neighborhood or a lot of recluses with too much time on their hands," he wrote in an e-mail message.

The New York Times

This either means a) I don't know what I'm talking about it or b) it's really cold in Sweden and everyone is just trying to warm their hands up.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

To talk about the media being "feral beasts" was weird, because, as we all know, feral either means untamed, or it means to run wild, as if they were once tamed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now, 'is God' either means 'is identical God' or 'is divine'.

SEP

A dumb answer either means he's sincere but not so sharp, or he's a suck-up.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "either means", ensure that the alternatives you present are mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "either means" when the options are not mutually exclusive. For example, saying 'The outcome either means success or improvement' is misleading if success inherently implies improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either means" functions as a connector that introduces two or more alternative interpretations or consequences of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correctly used to present options. The examples show it linking a situation to possible outcomes or meanings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "either means" is a versatile phrase used to introduce alternative explanations, interpretations, or consequences. As Ludwig AI accurately points out, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It is particularly common in news, scientific, and wiki contexts to present logical options. When using this phrase, ensure that the options are clear and, ideally, mutually exclusive to avoid ambiguity. As demonstrated by the examples Ludwig provides, "either means" serves to guide the reader or listener in considering multiple possibilities in a situation. Understanding its nuances, proper usage, and common errors is crucial for effective and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alternatively implies

Changes the focus to implication rather than direct meaning.

can also indicate

Uses "indicate" to soften the assertion of meaning.

could also signify

Emphasizes possibility and signification.

may also represent

Focuses on representation as a form of meaning.

it might also suggest

Introduces a suggestion of meaning, less direct.

this may also entail

Shifts the emphasis to entailment or consequence.

that might also convey

Highlights the act of conveying meaning.

this could be interpreted as

Offers a perspective on interpretation.

that might be understood as

Similar to "interpreted as" but focuses on understanding.

another possibility is that

Introduces an alternative possibility or explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "either means" in a sentence?

Use "either means" to introduce two or more possible interpretations or consequences. For example, "The lack of response either means they didn't receive the message or they are choosing to ignore it."

What are some alternatives to "either means"?

You can use alternatives like "alternatively implies", "can also indicate", or "could also signify" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state all possible meanings when using "either means"?

While it's not always necessary, it's best practice to ensure that the context makes the intended options clear. Ambiguity can arise if the reader isn't able to infer the alternatives.

How does "either means" differ from "both mean"?

"Either means" presents mutually exclusive options, while "both mean" implies that two things share the same interpretation or consequence. For example, "Either means he's early or I'm late" versus "Both mean we need to be prepared."