meaning of this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meaning of this" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to inquire about or clarify the significance of something specific. Example: "Can you explain the meaning of this passage?" Alternative expressions include "significance of this" and "interpretation of this."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"You understand the meaning of this?

Independent

What is the meaning of this outrage?

The Guardian

"What's the meaning of this?" he said.

The New Yorker

That is the meaning of this election".

The New York Times

"I don't see the meaning of this.

The New York Times

That is the meaning of this happy hour.

The New York Times - Arts

Try to imagine the awful meaning of this".

The Guardian - Books

What is the meaning of this search for cultural identity?

The New York Times

What is the meaning of this strange carnival?

The New Yorker

"What's the meaning of this?" he shouted to the mahout.

The New Yorker

The meaning of this clandestine action-painting is ambiguous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "meaning of this", ensure the context provides a clear "this" – a specific object, event, or statement to which you're referring. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating what "this" represents.

Common error

While generally acceptable, repeatedly using "meaning of this" can sound repetitive or simplistic in formal academic or professional writing. Instead, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "significance", "implication", or "interpretation" to enhance the tone and precision of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meaning of this" functions as an interrogative or declarative phrase used to inquire about or express the significance, purpose, or interpretation of something. According to Ludwig, it is used correctly and frequently across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "meaning of this" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to inquire about the significance or purpose of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently across diverse sources, including news, scientific publications, and general media. While versatile, it's important to ensure clarity of reference and consider more nuanced alternatives in highly formal writing to avoid repetition. Its neutral tone makes it appropriate for a broad range of contexts, seeking to elicit explanation and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Significance of this

Focuses on the importance or consequence rather than the inherent meaning.

Interpretation of this

Highlights the subjective understanding or explanation of something.

Purpose of this

Emphasizes the intended goal or function of something.

Reason for this

Seeks the underlying cause or justification for something.

Explanation of this

Requests a detailed account or clarification of something.

Rationale behind this

Explores the logical basis or reasoning for something.

Underlying message of this

Focuses on the implicit or suggested meaning conveyed.

Point of this

Asks for the central idea or objective of something.

What does this imply

Asks what can be inferred or concluded from something.

To what does this refer

Asks for the object, subject, or concept being indicated or alluded to.

FAQs

How can I use "meaning of this" in a sentence?

You can use "meaning of this" when you want to inquire about or clarify the significance of something specific. For example: "What is the "meaning of this" symbol?" or "Can you explain the "meaning of this" passage?"

What are some alternatives to "meaning of this"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "significance of this", "interpretation of this", or "purpose of this". Each alternative subtly shifts the focus while retaining the core inquiry.

Is it correct to say "the meaning of this is..."?

Yes, the structure "the meaning of this is..." is grammatically correct. It clearly indicates that you are providing an explanation or definition for something previously mentioned or understood in the context.

What's the difference between "meaning of this" and "meaning of that"?

The difference is simply in the demonstrative pronoun used. "This" typically refers to something nearby or immediately present, while "that" refers to something more distant or previously mentioned. The core inquiry about the "meaning of this" or "meaning of that" remains the same.