whatever is meant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whatever is meant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an unspecified meaning or intention behind something that has been said or written. Example: "I don't fully understand the message; whatever is meant by that statement is unclear to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"Whatever is meant to be will be".

The New York Times

He added, "Whatever is meant to be will be".

The New York Times - Sports

I want a championship, but whatever is meant to be will be".

The New York Times - Sports

I thought I'd just give the CD's to my mother, and whatever is meant to happen will happen".

The New York Times - Arts

"Whatever is meant to be is meant to be and I guess I was meant to be fourth today," she said.

Independent

Whatever is meant by the slippery identification "being Jewish" – my father is, my mother is not – it had something to do with this.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

I always say, whatever was meant to happen is going to happen.

The New York Times

Winter was supposed to be gone, but whatever was meant to follow hadn't arrived yet.

The New York Times

Whatever was meant to be private - down to a skittish note to Cole - was to remain so.

The Guardian - Books

And you are thrown into that strange, numbing state from which your marriage — or whatever — was meant to protect you: you feel isolated, invisible, a nonentity who isn't heard, much less loved.

The New Yorker

MH: I'm sure that whatever was meant by a naked Lena Dunham eating on a toilet and punching Jimmy Kimmel, it spoke deeply and directly to young women around the country.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, ensure that the subject to which "whatever is meant" refers is clearly defined in the context. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your intended meaning is accurately understood.

Common error

Avoid using "whatever is meant" as justification for passivity. While it acknowledges an element of fate, it shouldn't preclude proactive effort or responsibility in influencing the situation. It is most properly used when there are elements out of your control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whatever is meant" functions as a relative clause, introducing a sense of uncertainty or acceptance regarding an outcome or meaning. As Ludwig AI notes, this phrase follows standard grammar rules and is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

32%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whatever is meant" is a versatile phrase used to express acceptance or resignation regarding an uncertain outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used. Its neutral register and presence across diverse sources like news articles, scientific publications, and wikis showcase its broad applicability. While expressing a degree of fatalism, it's essential not to use it as an excuse for inaction but rather as an acknowledgment of factors beyond one's control. Related phrases include "whatever is intended" and "whatever is destined", offering nuanced alternatives for expressing similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whatever is intended

Focuses on the intention behind something, rather than the meaning.

whatever is implied

Highlights the implied or suggested meaning, not necessarily the explicit one.

whatever the intention is

Emphasizes the uncertainty regarding the plan or aim.

whatever the purpose is

Shifts the focus to the reason or objective behind something.

whatever is destined

Introduces a sense of fate or predetermination.

whatever is supposed to happen

Highlights expectation or accepted course of events.

whatever the outcome may be

Stresses the undetermined nature of the result.

whatever happens

A more concise and general way of expressing acceptance of any result.

whatever the significance is

Highlights the potentially unknown importance of something.

whatever the interpretation may be

Acknowledges multiple understandings or perspectives.

FAQs

How can I use "whatever is meant" in a sentence?

You can use "whatever is meant" to express acceptance of an uncertain outcome, such as "I've done all I can; "whatever is meant" to happen will happen".

What can I say instead of "whatever is meant"?

You can use alternatives like "whatever is intended", "whatever is implied", or "whatever is destined" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "whatever was meant"?

Yes, "whatever was meant" is grammatically correct. It refers to something that was intended or implied in the past. For example, "Whatever was meant by his actions is now irrelevant."

What's the difference between "whatever is meant to be" and "whatever is meant"?

"Whatever is meant to be" implies a sense of destiny or predetermination, while ""whatever is meant"" more broadly refers to an unspecified meaning or intention. The first suggests fate, the second stresses uncertainity.