take it to mean

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take it to mean" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to someone's interpretation of something. For example, "He took the silence to mean that she was not interested in seeing him again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

By inventory, I take it to mean the likes of People, InStyle and Time.

The New York Times

I take it to mean that they like my husband better than me.

The New York Times

In Russian it blithely translates to 'resurrection' while other Slavic languages take it to mean 'no work'.

Independent

"I take it to mean that the government doesn't want this to spread too far domestically," Mr. Zhang said.

The New York Times

When a school sends parents a note thanking them for applying, some take it to mean the school is highly interested.

The New York Times

In 2004, 'amateur' will no longer be a term of derision - you should take it to mean you're dedicated, educated and open to new ideas.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

I had attributed a rather different meaning to the term: I had taken it to mean, quite simply, fiction set in a recognisably realistic world, familiar and therefore cosy; a world that is blown apart by a catastrophic event.

The Guardian - Books

I took it to mean someone wanted me".

The New York Times - Sports

She felt nothing and took it to mean recovery.

The New Yorker

Instead, they took it to mean that they could move the country in their direction.

The New York Times

She meant from a man, but I've taken it to mean to retain my independence from everyone.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take it to mean", ensure the context clearly indicates who is doing the interpreting to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Based on his reaction, I take it to mean he disagrees."

Common error

Avoid attributing an interpretation to a general group when it's only your personal understanding. Instead of saying 'People take it to mean...', specify 'I take it to mean...' or 'Some might take it to mean...'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take it to mean" functions as a verb phrase used to express an interpretation or understanding of something. It indicates that the speaker is drawing a conclusion or assigning a particular meaning based on available information or context. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take it to mean" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to express one's interpretation or understanding of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media, but can also appear in more formal or scientific settings. It’s important to ensure clarity by specifying who is doing the interpreting and avoid misattributing interpretations to a general audience. When a more formal tone is needed, alternatives like "interpret it as" or "understand it to be" can be considered. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "take it to mean" to convey your understanding in a clear and precise manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interpret it as

This alternative focuses on the act of interpreting something, placing emphasis on the subjective understanding.

understand it to be

This phrase emphasizes comprehension and the nature of understanding something in a specific way.

infer from it that

This option highlights the process of drawing a conclusion based on available information, focusing on deduction.

deduce that it signifies

This option emphasizes the logical process of deducing meaning, adding a layer of formality.

gather that it implies

This phrase focuses on the act of gathering information to understand the implication or suggestion.

assume it suggests

This alternative emphasizes making an assumption based on the information available, implying less certainty.

conclude that it denotes

This phrase focuses on reaching a firm conclusion about what something represents or signifies.

perceive it as

This option highlights the way something is perceived or seen, adding a layer of personal viewpoint.

regard it to mean

This alternative conveys the idea of considering something to have a specific meaning, emphasizing the act of regarding.

construe it to be

This phrase emphasizes the act of construing or interpreting something in a particular way, often implying a specific perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "take it to mean" in a sentence?

You can use "take it to mean" to express your interpretation of something. For example, "When she didn't respond, I "take it to mean" she's not interested".

What's a more formal way to say "take it to mean"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "interpret it as" or "understand it to be" depending on the specific context.

Is there a subtle difference between "take it to mean" and "assume it means"?

"Take it to mean" implies a more considered interpretation based on some evidence, while "assume it means" suggests a less certain, possibly unfounded, conclusion.

When is it appropriate to use "take it to mean" instead of "think it means"?

Use "take it to mean" when you're drawing a conclusion or inferring meaning from something, as opposed to simply stating what you "think it means" which could be a more casual or less informed opinion.