if that means

USAGE SUMMARY

"if that means" is a correct and usable phrase in written English and it can usually be used to introduce a clarification or explanation of a situation.
For example: "I'm willing to sacrifice a lot for this project, if that means it will become a success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

As if that means anything".

The New York Times

We won the city championship, if that means anything.

The New York Times - Sports

Others must be done well, even if that means delay.

The New York Times

Even if that means more phone calls.

The New York Times - Sports

If that means complexity, so be it.

The Economist

If that means foreclosure, so be it.

The New York Times

"Even if that means years".

The New Yorker

Let's see if that means anything tonight.

The New York Times

If that means checking on cars, fine.

The New Yorker

If that means I catch, I catch.

The New York Times - Sports

Even if that means agreeing with Churchill.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if that means" to clearly explain the implications or consequences of a statement, ensuring the reader understands the full scope of what is being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "if that means" when you're merely providing an example, not a necessary consequence. Use "for example" or "such as" instead to introduce examples rather than implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if that means" functions as a connector, specifically introducing a clarification or explanation of a situation or statement. This phrase serves to illustrate the necessary consequences or implications of what has been previously mentioned. Ludwig confirms this usage across various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if that means" serves as a connector used to clarify and elaborate on a prior statement by explicitly stating its implications or consequences. It is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "if that implies" or "if that entails" can be used depending on the desired nuance. According to Ludwig, this phrase is neutrally registered, avoiding overly formal or informal language, thus suitable for various professional and general contexts. It's crucial to use it when specifying direct consequences, differentiating it from phrases like "for example" which introduce illustrations. The linguistic analysis supports the phrase’s role in guiding the audience to understand the full scope and impact of an initial assertion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if that implies

Focuses on the implication or suggestion of a certain condition or action.

if that entails

Emphasizes what is necessarily involved as a consequence.

if that necessitates

Directly states that something is necessary due to the situation.

should that require

Highlights the necessity of something under a particular condition.

if the consequence is

Directly addresses the result or outcome of a situation.

in the event that necessitates

Formally indicates that something is required due to certain circumstances.

assuming that involves

Focuses on what is included or affected as a result of an assumption.

if this leads to

Highlights the result or outcome of a certain action or decision.

provided that demands

Highlights that something must be fulfilled or met.

given that necessitates

Points out a requirement considering a particular situation.

FAQs

How can I use "if that means" in a sentence?

Use "if that means" to clarify a statement by explaining its implications or consequences. For example, "I'm willing to work overtime, "if that means" we can meet the deadline."

What are some alternatives to using "if that means"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "if that implies", "if that entails", or "if that necessitates" to express similar conditional consequences.

When is it appropriate to use "if that means"?

"If that means" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the direct and necessary consequences of a prior statement. It helps to spell out what someone should expect as a result.

What is the difference between "if that means" and "for example"?

"If that means" introduces a necessary outcome or implication, while "for example" introduces an illustration or instance. "If that means" sets up a condition and its consequence; "for example" provides a specific instance to understand a concept.