it really means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it really means" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to clarify or emphasize the significance or interpretation of something that has been stated. Example: "When he said he was 'busy,' it really means he doesn't want to talk right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"So much of today's architecture hides its true essence — what it really means.

The New York Times

"It really means nothing".

The New York Times

It really means a lot to him.

The New York Times

"It really means a lot to everyone.

The New York Times - Sports

"It really means a lot".

The New York Times

Work out what it really means.

The Economist

But we know what it really means.

The New York Times - Books

Not that it really means much yet.

The Guardian - Sport

But it really means something to him".

The New Yorker

It really means a lot to a beginner like me.

Yale University

What it really means is all the other things.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "it really means" when you want to emphasize the importance of a particular fact or detail, distinguishing it from less relevant information.

Common error

Avoid using "it really means" for simple dictionary definitions. Save it for situations where deeper interpretation or hidden meaning is involved. Otherwise you risk making your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or patronizing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it really means" functions as an explanatory device, clarifying the true or underlying significance of a statement, action, or situation. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it serves to add emphasis and depth to an explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it really means" is a versatile phrase used to clarify and emphasize the true significance or implication of something. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While effective for adding depth to explanations, it's important to avoid overuse in simple definitions to maintain clarity and conciseness in writing. Consider alternatives like "it signifies" or "it implies" for a more formal tone or to subtly shift the nuance of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what it truly represents is

Emphasizes the deeper, often symbolic meaning behind something.

it signifies

This alternative uses a more formal verb to indicate meaning or importance.

it indicates

This suggests a sign or a signal that points towards a particular conclusion.

it implies

This suggests that something is hinted at without being explicitly stated.

the underlying message is

Highlights the implicit or less obvious communication being conveyed.

it entails

This suggests that something involves or includes a necessary consequence.

the essence of it is

Focuses on the fundamental nature or quality of something.

it amounts to

This suggests the final result or effect of something.

the long and short of it is

This offers a concise summary of a more complex situation.

what it boils down to is

This expresses the core or fundamental aspect of a situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "it really means" to clarify the true significance or implication of something. For example, "Saying he's 'indisposed' "it really means" he doesn't want to be disturbed."

What's a more formal alternative to "it really means"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it signifies", "it implies", or "it indicates" depending on the nuance you want to convey. Each offers a slightly different shade of meaning.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "it really means"?

While grammatically correct, overusing "it really means" can make your writing sound repetitive. Reserve it for instances where you need to emphasize or clarify a deeper level of meaning.

What's the difference between "it really means" and "it simply means"?

"It really means" emphasizes a deeper or perhaps hidden meaning, while "it simply means" suggests a straightforward, uncomplicated definition or explanation. The choice depends on the context and the message you want to convey.