what that entails

USAGE SUMMARY

"what that entails" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used in the form of a question when you want to know what is implied or entailed by a particular situation or set of circumstances. For example, you could say: "We've been offered a job promotion, but I'm not sure what that entails."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Yet nobody is quite sure what that entails: the post was unfilled for years.

The Economist

"What that entails is basically plainclothes agents, not necessarily identified to the screener.

The New York Times

There is no clue what that entails in practical, or legal, terms.

The Guardian

Can you tell us more about how you became a lady laird and what that entails?

The New York Times

I am going to focus on the topic of poll workers and what that entails for these hard working officials.

University of California, Berkeley

It may be true but is it overly cynical of me to think that most of them have no clue what that entails?

The New Yorker

But what that entails in a practical sense is pretty unreasonable, unless "living ethically" is the only thing you care about.

The New York Times - Magazine

What that entails for any reviewer is obvious enough: though it might be nice to set aside the events of 2011 and allow him a fresh start, his misdemeanours inevitably colour your experience of the book.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Still, it remains unclear exactly what that agreement entails.

The New York Times

Regulation is trendy right now, but what that actually entails may surprise Americans.

Huffington Post

What that might entail, though, was always a little vague.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what that entails", ensure the 'that' clearly refers to a specific action, role, or situation already mentioned in the context. This prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While "what that entails" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for synonyms like "implicates", "involves", or "necessitates" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what that entails" functions as an interrogative clause, typically used to inquire about the specific implications, consequences, or requirements of a given situation or action. As Ludwig AI pointed out, this usage is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

27%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what that entails" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to inquire about the specific implications or requirements of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and versatile across diverse contexts. While the expression is widely understood, it's crucial to maintain contextual clarity and avoid overuse in overly formal settings. Related phrases such as "what that involves", "what that requires", and "what that implies" can offer more tailored alternatives, ensuring that communication is as precise and effective as possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what that involves

Changes the focus to involvement rather than implication, but maintains the same core meaning.

what that comprises

Focuses on the elements that make up the whole, rather than the implications.

what that includes

Similar to 'comprises' but suggests a broader scope of inclusion.

what that signifies

Shifts the emphasis to the meaning or symbolic importance of something.

what that requires

Highlights the necessary conditions or demands.

what that necessitates

Stronger than 'requires', implying something is essential.

what that demands

Similar to 'requires' but emphasizes the effort or resources needed.

what that presupposes

Focuses on underlying assumptions.

what that implies

Highlights the indirect suggestions or hints.

what that means in practice

Specifies the concrete application or consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "what that entails" to inquire about the implications or requirements of a particular situation. For example: "The job description mentions project management, but I'm not sure "what that entails"".

What's a more formal alternative to "what that entails"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "what that implicates", "what that involves", or "what that necessitates". These alternatives offer a more sophisticated tone than "what that entails".

Is "what that entails" appropriate for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, it might be better to use more precise language in academic writing, depending on the specific context. Alternatives like "what that requires", or "what that presupposes" could be more suitable.

Which is more precise: "what that entails" or "what that means"?

"What that entails" is often more precise than "what that means" because it specifically asks about the implications, requirements, or consequences, rather than a general definition. Consider "what that involves" depending on the context.