that would entail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that would entail" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate the consequences of an action. For example, "If he were to attempt such a feat, that would entail an enormous amount of risk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Complete with everything that would entail.

The Guardian - Music

First, they feared the "massive concentration of economic power" that would entail.

The New York Times

Exactly what that would entail, Mr. Frank said, he had no idea.

The New York Times

With options narrowing, BP officials are considering solutions that would entail more risk than the containment dome.

The New York Times

For all the chaos that would entail, it would be conceptually more coherent than the current system.

The New Yorker

Still, the Obama campaign has limited interviews that would entail tough questions from national newspapers and cable news programs.

The New York Times

I was destined to inherit an Iranian passport, and they knew all too well the lifetime of travel and work restrictions that would entail.

The New York Times

When she was eighteen, a bus crash left her with spinal and pelvic damage that would entail many surgeries, some of them probably unnecessary.

The New Yorker

Yes, that would entail a major roster disruption — Matt Schaub would be moved out in Houston, Alex Smith in San Francisco.

The New York Times

With the current population that would entail inducing output to grow by more than 25% year on year no mean feat by any standard.

The Economist

Its European equivalent would, arguably, require a new treaty, just as the European Central Bank did, and all the political horse-trading that would entail.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that would entail" to clearly outline the direct consequences or implications of a decision, plan, or action. This helps ensure your audience understands the full scope of what is being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "that would entail" in very simple sentences where a more direct verb like "mean" or "require" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that would entail" functions as a relative clause introducing the consequences or necessary conditions resulting from a preceding action or decision. It specifies what something would involve or lead to, providing clarity and detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that would entail" is a versatile phrase used to express the consequences or implications of an action or decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media and scientific writing. While generally neutral in register, it's best to avoid overuse in simple sentences where more direct alternatives suffice. Consider using synonyms like "that would require" or "that would involve" to add variety to your writing. By understanding its function and appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate the full scope of what you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that would require

Emphasizes the necessity of something as a result.

that would involve

Highlights the elements or actions included in a process.

that would necessitate

Stresses the unavoidable nature of the consequence.

that would imply

Focuses on the logical conclusion or suggestion.

that would call for

Indicates a need or demand for something specific.

that would lead to

Highlights the sequential connection between events.

that would give rise to

Emphasizes the creation or origination of something.

that would bring about

Focuses on the act of causing something to happen.

that would presuppose

Highlights the underlying assumptions or conditions.

that would demand

Emphasizes the mandatory nature of the consequence or action.

FAQs

What does "that would entail" mean?

The phrase "that would entail" means that something would necessarily involve or lead to a particular consequence or set of conditions.

How can I use "that would entail" in a sentence?

You can use "that would entail" to explain the results or implications of a specific action or decision. For example: "Implementing the new policy "that would entail" significant changes to our workflow."

What are some alternatives to "that would entail"?

Alternatives include "that would require", "that would involve", or "that would necessitate". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "that would entail" formal or informal?

"That would entail" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for professional and academic writing. In very informal contexts, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.