what does it mean

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what does it mean" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to explain the meaning of something. For example, "I don't understand this passage - what does it mean?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

LANE: What does it mean?

The New Yorker

And what does it mean?

The New York Times

But what does it mean?

The New York Times - Health

What does it mean, and what does it not mean?

Princeton University

"What does it mean?" "What?" "That word.

The New Yorker

What does it mean to resolve uncertainty?

Psychology of Learning and Motivation

But, what does it mean?

Princeton University

What does it mean exactly?

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

What did it mean?

BBC

But what did it mean?

The New York Times

What does it mean...? I ask.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what does it mean", ensure the context is clear. If referring to a specific term or concept, provide enough background for the reader to understand the question's relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "what does it mean" without providing context. The question is most effective when it follows a statement or observation that requires clarification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what does it mean" serves as an interrogative expression. It is used to elicit an explanation or clarification regarding the meaning or significance of a word, concept, statement, or situation. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

31%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what does it mean" is a versatile and commonly used question to seek clarification or explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for a wide range of contexts. Its usage spans from news and media to academic and scientific discussions. While it is generally neutral in register, users might opt for more formal alternatives in specific professional settings. Common errors include using the phrase without sufficient context, making its relevance unclear. When in doubt, ensure you provide enough background information to make the question's purpose evident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What is the meaning of it?

Rephrases the question to emphasize "meaning" as a noun.

What is it intended to mean?

Focuses on the intended significance or purpose.

How should it be interpreted?

Shifts the focus to the act of interpretation.

What's the significance of it?

Emphasizes the importance or consequence.

What are we to understand from it?

Highlights the understanding derived from something.

What does this signify?

Uses "signify" to ask about the symbolic meaning.

What is the explanation for it?

Asks for a detailed explanation of the subject.

What point is it trying to make?

Focuses on the central argument or message.

What implications does it have?

Explores the potential consequences or effects.

What is its essence?

Seeks the fundamental nature or core meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "what does it mean" in a sentence?

You can use "what does it mean" to ask for clarification or explanation of a term, concept, or situation. For example, "The article mentions 'quantum entanglement'. "What does it mean"?"

What's a more formal way to ask "what does it mean"?

In a formal context, consider using phrases like "What is the meaning of this?", "Could you elaborate on the significance?" or "What is the intended interpretation?". These options offer a more professional tone.

What can I say instead of "what does it mean" when discussing abstract concepts?

When discussing abstract concepts, you could ask, "How should we interpret this?", "What are the implications of this?", or "What is the essence of this?". These alternatives encourage deeper analysis.

Is it ever incorrect to use "what does it mean"?

While grammatically correct, using "what does it mean" might be less effective if the context is already clear. In such cases, a more specific question would be preferable. For example, instead of asking, "The data shows a correlation. "What does it mean"?", you might ask, "What are the potential causes of this correlation?"