it means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it means" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to clarify the definition or significance of something previously mentioned. Example: "The term 'sustainability' is often used in environmental discussions; it means the ability to maintain ecological balance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It means whatever it means.

The New York Times

"But it means struggle..

The New York Times

"It means 'cool man'".

Independent

It means the Malays".

The New Yorker

It means it's working.

The New York Times

It means shit, Martha.

The Guardian

It means self-discovery.

The Economist

It means "total devotion".

The New Yorker

It means cod.

The New York Times - Travel

It means beautiful flower.

The New York Times

It means catastrophe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it means" to clearly define terms or explain the implications of a statement. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures your audience understands your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "it means", especially when a more direct construction is possible. Vary your sentence structure by rephrasing the sentence to directly state the definition or implication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it means" functions as a linking verb to connect a subject (often a term or concept) with its definition or explanation. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability, highlighting its role in providing clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it means" is a versatile and commonly used expression for providing definitions, clarifying implications, or explaining concepts. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically sound and suitable for various writing styles. While alternatives like "that implies" or "that signifies" can add nuance, "it means" offers a clear and direct way to convey meaning. While very frequent across different sources such as News & Media, Formal & Business and Wiki, its overuse in simple sentences should be avoided for stylistic reasons, and as clarified through the writing guidance section, sentences should be rephrased directly in order to avoid repetitive constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is defined as

Provides a formal definition, typically used in academic or technical contexts.

that refers to

Specifies the subject or concept to which something relates or pertains.

that indicates

Highlights the role of something as a sign or signal pointing to a particular fact or situation.

that implies

Focuses on the logical consequence or necessary condition resulting from something.

that denotes

Highlights a specific meaning or reference, often used in linguistic or semantic contexts.

that suggests

Implies a more subtle or indirect connection, rather than a direct definition.

that entails

Stresses the necessary involvement or consequence of something, often in a more formal context.

that signifies

Emphasizes the symbolic representation or deeper meaning conveyed by something.

which translates to

Focuses on the practical outcome or effect of something, especially in terms of real-world impact.

the effect of which is

Shifts the emphasis to the resulting impact or outcome of the preceding statement.

FAQs

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

Use "it means" to clarify the definition or implication of a previously mentioned term or idea. For example: "The term 'artificial intelligence' is increasingly common; "it means" the ability of a computer to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence."

What are some alternatives to "it means"?

You can use alternatives such as "that implies", "that indicates", or "that is defined as" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "it means that"?

Yes, using "it means that" is grammatically correct and often used for emphasis or clarity. For example: "The company's restructuring announcement was unexpected; "it means that" significant changes are coming."

What's the difference between "it means" and "it signifies"?

"It means" is generally used for direct definitions or implications, while "it signifies" often implies a deeper symbolic meaning or representation.