what does that mean

USAGE SUMMARY

"what does that mean" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express confusion or ask for clarification. For example: "The doctor said I need to get a liver biopsy, but what does that mean?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What does that mean tonight?

The New York Times

Anyway, what does that mean?

The New York Times

So what does that mean?

The New York Times

What does that mean?    A.

The New York Times

"But what does that mean?

The New York Times

What does that mean, exactly?

The New York Times

Now, what does that mean?

The New York Times

And I said: "What does that mean?

The New York Times

What does that mean for affected families?

The New York Times

What does that mean in practical terms?

The New York Times - Magazine

What does that mean, fail it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what does that mean", be sure to listen actively to the response and ask follow-up questions if needed to fully understand the explanation. This ensures effective communication and prevents misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid assuming you understand what someone means without asking for clarification. Not clarifying can lead to misinterpretations and incorrect assumptions. Always ask "what does that mean" if you are unsure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what does that mean" functions as an interrogative expression, specifically used to request clarification or explanation of a statement, concept, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable way to ask for understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what does that mean" is a common and grammatically correct way to seek clarification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, to ensure understanding. While versatile, consider the formality of the situation—more formal alternatives exist for professional settings. The key is to actively listen and ask follow-up questions. Remember, assuming understanding can lead to misinterpretations. For variations, consider phrases like "what does that entail" or "what does that imply" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what does that entail

Focuses on the consequences or requirements of something.

what does that imply

Highlights the indirect suggestions or consequences.

what does that signify

Emphasizes the symbolic or indicative meaning.

what does that involve

Focuses on the components or actions included.

what are you saying

Used to express confusion.

can you elaborate on that

More direct request for a more thorough description.

could you clarify that

Asks for clearer and more precise explanation.

can you explain that further

Requests a more detailed account.

what is the meaning of that

Focuses specifically on the definition.

what are the implications of that

Focuses on what the consequences are of the statement or situation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what does that mean" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, you can use phrases like "Could you please elaborate on that?", "Could you clarify the meaning of that statement?", or "What are the implications of that?"

What's a simpler way to ask "what does that mean"?

You can simply ask "What do you mean?" or "Can you explain that?" These are direct and easily understood in most situations.

When is it appropriate to use "what does that mean"?

"What does that mean" is appropriate in almost any context where you need clarification, whether in casual conversations, professional discussions, or academic settings. It's a straightforward way to ask for understanding.

Are there any negative connotations to using "what does that mean"?

No, "what does that mean" is generally neutral. However, your tone and body language can influence how it's perceived. To avoid sounding dismissive, ask politely and show genuine interest in understanding.