this would mean

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'this would mean' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate the consequence of a certain action or statement. For example: "If the store is closed, this would mean that we would have to go to a different location to buy groceries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This would mean civil disobedience.

The Economist

This would mean war.

The Guardian

Of course, this would mean a trial.

The New York Times

This would mean the world to him.

The New Yorker

This would mean spending more on research.

The Economist

This would mean the bag.

The New York Times - Health

This would mean 'overclocking' by almost 29%.

Cornell University

But this would mean additional American casualties.

The New York Times

Everyone knew that this would mean war.

The Guardian - Books

This would mean a zero value".

The Guardian - Business

This would mean all-out war.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this would mean", ensure the connection between the initial statement and the consequence is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, clarify the 'this' in your previous clause, or rewrite the sentence for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "this would mean" when the 'this' refers to a complex or ambiguous idea. Readers might misinterpret what 'this' refers to, making the sentence confusing. Be precise and explicit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this would mean" functions as a transitional phrase that introduces a consequence, result, or implication of a preceding statement or condition. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase connects a cause or condition with its likely outcome. The phrase is highly versatile and appears in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this would mean" serves as a crucial tool for clearly articulating consequences and implications across diverse contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for general use. Its prevalence in news, academic, and business writing underscores its versatility and importance in effective communication. When using the phrase, clarity is key; ensure the antecedent of 'this' is unambiguous to avoid confusion. Alternatives such as "this implies" or "as a result" can be considered for nuanced expression. With its frequency and adaptability, "this would mean" remains a valuable asset in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this implies

Changes the emphasis from a direct consequence to a suggestion or indication.

this suggests

Similar to 'this implies', but slightly weaker in asserting a direct link.

this indicates

Focuses on pointing out something as a sign or symptom.

this entails

Highlights what is necessarily involved as a consequence.

this necessitates

Emphasizes the unavoidable requirement resulting from something.

as a result

Offers a more general way to introduce a consequence or outcome.

consequently

Similar to 'as a result', but more formal and direct.

therefore

Implies a logical deduction or conclusion.

it follows that

Introduces a conclusion that logically arises from the preceding statement.

this leads to

Focuses on the progression and eventual outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "this would mean" in a sentence?

Use "this would mean" to introduce the result or implication of a preceding statement or action. For example, "Reducing the budget "this would mean" fewer resources for the project."

What can I say instead of "this would mean"?

Alternatives to "this would mean" include "this implies", "this suggests", or "as a result", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "this would mean" or "this will mean"?

"This would mean" suggests a hypothetical or conditional outcome, while "this will mean" indicates a more definite or certain consequence. Choose the option that best reflects the intended level of certainty.

What's the difference between "this would mean" and "this could mean"?

"This would mean" implies a higher probability or a more direct consequence than "this could mean". "This could mean" suggests a possibility, whereas "this would mean" indicates a likely outcome.