what does this mean

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "What does this mean?" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it whenever you don't understand something and are seeking clarity. For example, "I'm not sure what 'quod erat demonstrandum' means. What does this mean?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

What does this mean, exactly?

The New York Times

What does this mean, though?

The New Yorker

So what does this mean?

The New York Times

So, what does this mean?

Cornell University

What does this mean?

Advances in Difference Equations

But what does this mean?

The New Yorker

And what does this mean?

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

What did this mean?

The Guardian - Opinion

But what did this mean?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking "what does this mean", provide context to help the speaker understand what specifically you need clarified.

Common error

Don't use "what does this mean" without providing sufficient context. Ambiguity can lead to misinterpretations. Be specific about the "this" you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what does this mean" functions as an interrogative phrase, used to solicit an explanation or definition of something that is not understood. It seeks clarification, as supported by Ludwig which confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what does this mean" is a common and grammatically sound way to ask for clarification. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across a variety of contexts, primarily in news, academic, and wiki settings. When using this phrase, providing context is key to avoiding ambiguity. Consider alternatives like ""can you explain this"" or ""what is the meaning of this"" for a more formal tone. The phrase functions as an interrogative, serving the purpose of bridging gaps in understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is the meaning of this

Focuses more directly on the definition of "this".

could you clarify this

A polite request for a clearer explanation.

can you explain this

Asks for an explanation rather than a definition.

what does this imply

Similar to asking about the hidden meaning or suggestion.

what are you trying to say

Shifts the focus to the speaker's intent rather than a literal definition.

how should I interpret this

Asks for guidance on understanding something.

what is this supposed to mean

Implies a potential hidden or indirect meaning.

what's the significance of this

Asks about the importance or relevance of something.

what are the implications of this

Focuses on the consequences or effects.

what is the point of this

Questions the purpose or reason behind something.

FAQs

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

You can use "what does this mean" to ask for clarification on something you don't understand. For example, "The document mentions 'due diligence'. "What does this mean"?"

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

In a more formal setting, you might ask "Could you please clarify the meaning of this?" or "What is the significance of this?". Alternatives include "can you explain this" or "what is the meaning of this".

What can I say instead of "what does this mean" in a casual setting?

In a casual context, you could say "What's this about?", "What's that supposed to mean?", or simply "Huh?". You could also try "what are you trying to say".

Is it appropriate to start a question with "what does this mean"?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to start a question with "what does this mean". It is a direct and clear way to ask for clarification. Asking "could you clarify this" is another great choice.