has meant

USAGE SUMMARY

"has meant" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something has had a particular implication or effect in the past. For example: The closure of the factory has meant job losses for many of the original workers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That has meant some changes.

The New York Times

This has meant painful cuts.

The Economist

Political gridlock has meant failing public services.

The Economist

Often, this has meant the following.

The Economist

It has meant a big financial investment.

The Economist

That has meant chronic financial problems.

The New Yorker

Lately that has meant vintage gospel.

The New York Times - Arts

Above all, that has meant shedding staff.

The Economist

The increased activity has meant more mishaps.

Independent

That has meant more work for him.

The New York Times - Arts

In some cases, that has meant backtracking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has meant" to clearly articulate the consequences or implications of a past action or decision.

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple clauses with "has meant". Break down complex sentences for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has meant" functions as a present perfect verb phrase that connects a past event or action to its present consequence or implication. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in attributing outcomes to preceding circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has meant" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express the consequences or implications of past events. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It's frequently found in news, academic, and business contexts, indicating its broad acceptance across different registers. While it's a common and useful phrase, avoid overusing it in complex sentences to maintain clarity. Alternatives like "has led to" or "has implied" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. By understanding its function and potential pitfalls, you can effectively use "has meant" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has led to

Highlights the causal relationship.

has resulted in

Emphasizes the outcome or effect of something.

has caused

Focuses on direct causation.

has implied

Uses 'implied' to suggest a less direct consequence.

has brought about

Suggests a significant or transformative effect.

has translated to

Implies a change from one form to another.

has given rise to

Indicates the beginning or origin of something.

has signified

Focuses on the meaning or importance of something.

has constituted

Indicates that something represents or forms something else.

has been equivalent to

Expresses equal value or impact.

FAQs

How can I use "has meant" in a sentence?

Use "has meant" to show the result or consequence of a previous action or situation. For example, "The company's growth "has meant" new jobs".

What are some alternatives to "has meant"?

You can use alternatives such as "has led to", "has resulted in", or "has implied depending on the specific context.

Is "has meant" formal or informal?

"Has meant" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice for various writing styles.

What's the difference between "has meant" and "has implied"?

"Has meant" directly states a consequence, while "has implied" suggests a less direct or inferred consequence.