what it means

USAGE SUMMARY

"what it means" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to ask a question about the definition or meaning of something. Example sentence: Could you please explain what it means when you say "she has a great work ethic"?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's what it means".

The New York Times

Remember what it means?

The New York Times

What it means.

Cornell University

I understand what it means.

The Guardian

Nobody knew what it means".

The New Yorker

I know what it means.

The New Yorker

Nobody knows what it means".

The Guardian

We know what it means.

The New York Times

Wonder what it means.

The New Yorker

I don't know what it means.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The guys understand what it means.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what it means" in a sentence, ensure the subject of the phrase is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "Nobody knows what it means", specify: "Nobody knows what the new policy means."

Common error

Avoid using "what it means" without a clear referent. For instance, saying "It's important, but I don't know what it means" is less effective than stating: "The deadline is important, but I don't know what it means for the project timeline."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what it means" functions as a noun clause, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is a valid component of the English language, commonly used to inquire about or define the meaning of a term or concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

23%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what it means" is a versatile and grammatically sound noun clause frequently used to inquire about or explain the meaning, significance, or implications of a concept or term. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is valid in written English and commonly used in various contexts, including news, academia, and general explanations. It's important to ensure clarity by specifying the subject of the phrase to avoid vague references. While acceptable in most settings, more formal alternatives like "the significance of it" or "the implications of that" may be preferred in certain academic or professional contexts. The frequent use of "what it means" in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Economist underscores its widespread acceptance and utility in conveying information effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the meaning of it

Focuses directly on the definition, emphasizing the 'meaning' aspect.

the definition of it

Directly asks for a formal definition.

its significance

Highlights the importance or consequence rather than just the definition.

the implications of that

Shifts the focus to the potential results or effects.

what it represents

Focuses on what something stands for or symbolizes.

what it signifies

Emphasizes the symbolic or representative nature.

the idea behind it

Explores the underlying concept or rationale.

its interpretation

Considers different ways it can be understood.

how to interpret it

Focuses on the act of understanding, with a practical approach.

the essence of it

Seeks the fundamental nature or core aspect.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what it means" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you can use alternatives such as "the significance of it", "the implications of that", or "the definition thereof" for a more sophisticated tone.

Is "what it means" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "what it means" is generally acceptable in academic writing, especially when clarifying definitions or interpretations. However, consider more precise alternatives like "the implications" or "the significance" if they fit the context better.

What's the difference between "what it means" and "what it signifies"?

"What it means" generally refers to the definition or practical implication, while "what it signifies" emphasizes the symbolic or representative meaning.

How to use "what it means" in a sentence?

You can use "what it means" to inquire about or explain the meaning of something. For example: "Can you explain what 'sustainable development' means?" or "The red light indicates what it means to stop immediately."