what does that even mean

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what does that even mean" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to express confusion or disbelief about something that has been said or written. You can use it in casual or informal writing, such as in a personal email or text message. Here is an example sentence: "I can't believe she said she was going to travel the world with only $100. What does that even mean? It's impossible!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Natural or not (and what does that even mean)?

HuffPost

What does that even mean?

The New York Times

"Besides, what does that even mean, dated?

The New York Times - Arts

But what does that even mean?

The New York Times

OPPONENT: What does that even mean?

The New Yorker

"What does that even mean?" I asked.

The New Yorker

"And what does that even mean?

The Guardian - Film

"What does that even mean?" Deb says.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

What on earth does that even mean?

HuffPost

What did that even mean?

The New Yorker

There was enough for them to live on for the rest of their lives; but what did that even mean?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what does that even mean" to express genuine confusion or disbelief. It's more effective when the statement preceding it is vague, contradictory, or nonsensical.

Common error

Avoid using "what does that even mean" in formal writing or professional settings. Its informal tone can undermine your credibility. Opt for more professional alternatives like, “Could you please clarify the meaning of that statement?”

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what does that even mean" functions primarily as an interrogative expression used to question the validity, clarity, or comprehensibility of a preceding statement. Ludwig AI also confirms its usability as a phrase. It is often employed to express confusion or disbelief, as shown in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what does that even mean" is a common interrogative expression used to express confusion, disbelief, or a need for clarification regarding a previous statement. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent grammatical correctness and usability. Analysis of numerous examples indicates its prevalence in News & Media, and its function as a challenge for clearer explanations. While versatile, it is best used in informal or neutral contexts, avoiding overuse in formal writing. The related phrases offer various alternative ways to seek clarification, each with subtle differences in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I don't understand what that means.

This alternative is a straightforward expression of lack of comprehension.

What's the meaning of that?

This alternative is more direct and less colloquial.

What does that signify?

This alternative is a more formal way of asking about the meaning or implication.

I'm confused by that.

This alternative expresses personal confusion regarding a statement or situation.

What are you trying to say?

This alternative focuses on the speaker's intent rather than the literal meaning.

Could you elaborate on that?

This alternative politely requests more details or clarification.

Can you explain that?

This alternative is a polite request for further explanation.

I'm not sure I follow you.

This alternative is a more subtle way of indicating confusion.

What is the significance of that?

This alternative seeks the importance or relevance of something.

What's the point of that?

This alternative questions the purpose or relevance of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "what does that even mean" to express confusion or disbelief about a statement. For example, "He said he's going to 'disrupt the paradigm', but "what does that even mean"?"

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

Instead of saying "what does that even mean", you could ask "Could you please clarify the meaning of that statement?" or "What is the intended meaning of that phrase?"

Is "what does that even mean" grammatically correct?

Yes, "what does that even mean" is grammatically correct and commonly used in informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various sentences.

What's the difference between "what does that mean" and "what does that even mean"?

"What does that mean" is a straightforward request for clarification. Adding "even" implies a stronger sense of confusion or disbelief, suggesting the statement is particularly nonsensical or vague. It adds emphasis to the lack of understanding.