what it entails

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what it entails" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the implications or consequences of something. For example, "I understand the job role, but I need to know what it entails before I can make a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has taken years for me to come to grasp with the term, its definition and what it entails.

Huffington Post

The claim stops sounding humble when we understand what it entails.

The New York Times - Books

"I'm not really sure I understand what it entails," she said.

The New York Times - Style

Some families stop the process when they realize what it entails, Mr. McCann said.

The New York Times

A major reason for the controversy over SIFI designation is that no one knows exactly what it entails.

Columbia University

A lot of companies don't understand the difference between 'Change' and 'Transformation' and what it entails to transform.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Although most people have heard of PTSD, few will have a clear idea of what it entails.

The Guardian

What Hugh is really interested in is directly confronting the fundamental question of what it entails to be alive".

The Guardian - Books

Self-employment is forced upon people who fulfil none of the criteria and have no knowledge of what it entails.

The Guardian - Opinion

The decline in unionization has insured that most American workers are unfamiliar with striking and what it entails.

The New Yorker

"Research what it entails, what training you may need and talk to people doing that job," suggests Roan.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what it entails" when you want to clearly define the scope, requirements, or consequences of a specific task, role, or situation.

Common error

Don't use "what it entails" as a generic placeholder. Be specific about what 'it' refers to, ensuring clarity for your audience. Provide context and specific examples to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what it entails" functions as a noun phrase or a clause that typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition. It introduces a question or clarification about the requirements, implications, or scope of something, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

11%

Wiki

9%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what it entails" is a versatile phrase used to inquire about the specifics of a situation, task, or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse fields, including News & Media, Academia, and Business. The phrase functions as a noun phrase or clause, seeking clarification and aiming for a clear understanding of requirements, implications, or scope. While suitable for neutral and professional contexts, it's essential to maintain clarity by being specific about what "it" refers to. Related phrases like "what it involves" and "what it requires" offer subtle differences in emphasis, allowing for precise communication. By avoiding vague usage and understanding its communicative purpose, writers can effectively employ "what it entails" to ensure clarity and comprehension in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what it involves

Focuses on the elements or components included within something.

what it requires

Emphasizes the necessities or prerequisites of something.

what it comprises

Highlights the composition or makeup of something.

what it necessitates

Stresses the unavoidable consequences or demands of something.

what it encompasses

Indicates the full scope or range of something.

what it consists of

Specifies the parts or ingredients that form something.

what it demands

Highlights the expectations or needs associated with something.

the implications of it

Focuses on the potential outcomes or effects of something.

the ramifications of it

Emphasizes the far-reaching and complex consequences of something.

the practicalities of it

Highlights the real-world considerations and challenges of something.

FAQs

How can I use "what it entails" in a sentence?

You can use "what it entails" to ask about the requirements, implications, or scope of something. For example, "Before accepting the project, I need to understand "what it entails"".

What are some alternatives to "what it entails"?

Alternatives include "what it involves", "what it requires", or "what it comprises", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it formal to use the phrase "what it entails"?

"What it entails" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, you might consider using a more sophisticated synonym like "the ramifications of it".

What's the difference between "what it entails" and "what it implies"?

"What it entails" refers to the specific requirements or components of something, while "what it implies" refers to the indirect suggestions or consequences. For example, knowing "what it entails" to run a marathon is different from understanding "what it implies" about your fitness level.