this just means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this just means" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to clarify or simplify a statement or concept for better understanding. Example: "The results of the study were inconclusive, but this just means we need to conduct further research to draw definitive conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This just means that it won't clog your pores, leading to pimples.

WikiHow

"This just means that the revolution continues.

The Guardian

"This just means so much to us," her husband said.

The New Yorker

For Sony, though, this just means trying harder.

The New York Times

"So this just means that our message is being heard".

The New York Times

This just means that the advertising you see will not be as customised to you.

Independent

Thankfully, this just means being made up and dispatched to the zombie disco.

The Guardian

Maybe all of this just means that your favorite rapper needs Lexapro.

The Guardian - Music

"But this just means the trade in antiques is controlled by around 10 very rich guys with political connections.

Independent

"This just means that they have less capacity; they have been degraded somewhat," he said of the insurgents.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We like to say that the recession is over, but this just means that the economy is growing again.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this just means" to clearly explain the implications of a statement, ensuring your audience understands the underlying meaning or consequence.

Common error

Avoid using "this just means" excessively in sophisticated arguments where nuance and subtlety are crucial. Opt for more precise language to convey complex relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this just means" functions as a discourse marker, specifically used for explanation or clarification. It introduces a rephrasing of a previous statement to make its implications more explicit. As noted by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

24%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this just means" serves as a crucial tool for clarifying implications and simplifying complex statements. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse sources like news media, wikis, and scientific publications. While incredibly common and useful for explanations, writers should avoid overuse in complex arguments where more nuanced language may be required. Alternatives such as "this implies" or "this indicates" can offer a similar meaning while diversifying writing. As a final note, the phrase is mostly used in News & Media contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this implies

Emphasizes the logical consequence or suggestion arising from a statement.

this indicates

Focuses on pointing out a particular fact or piece of evidence.

this suggests

Highlights a possibility or a hint based on available information.

this signifies

Indicates a deeper meaning or symbolic representation.

this entails

Stresses the necessary consequence or condition.

this reflects

Focuses on how something mirrors or shows something else.

this demonstrates

Highlights how something proves or clearly shows a point.

this amounts to

Conveys the total effect or result of something.

this boils down to

Reduces a complex situation or idea to its core essence.

this is tantamount to

Emphasizes that something is virtually equivalent to something else, often with negative connotations.

FAQs

How can I use "this just means" in a sentence?

"This just means" is typically used to explain the implication or consequence of a preceding statement. For example, "The company's profits are down; this just means we need to cut costs."

What phrases are similar to "this just means"?

Alternatives include "this implies", "this indicates", or "this suggests", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it ever incorrect to use "this just means"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "this just means" can make writing seem simplistic. In complex or nuanced arguments, consider more precise language.

What's the difference between "this just means" and "this simply means"?

The addition of "simply" in "this simply means" often emphasizes the straightforward or uncomplicated nature of the explanation. The choice between the two depends on the desired level of emphasis.