which actually means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which actually means" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify or explain the meaning of a term or phrase that has been mentioned previously. Example: "The term 'sustainable development' is often used in environmental discussions, which actually means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Such streets are referred to as "hilly," which actually means "better call an Uber".

The New Yorker

("Digitalization" is formed from "digitalize," which actually means to administer digitalis drugs to a heart patient. Really).

The New York Times

As a result, the company is in the delightful position of having what it calls "negative cashflow", which actually means money in the bank.

The Economist

Mr. Kayden classes 41percentt of all privately owned public spaces in New York as "marginal," which actually means something worse.

The New York Times

Notionally James Anderson may be considered the "leader of the attack", a sobriquet he does not particularly relish and one which actually means very little.

The Guardian - Sport

Digitalization of their titles proceeded slowly.Digitization, not digitalization.As we noted in May, "digitalization" is formed from "digitalize," which actually means to administer digitalis drugs to a heart patient.No kidding.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

I was about to read English at Oxford, which actually meant reading "criticism".

The Guardian - Books

Which actually meant: "Summit of Everest reached on 29th May by Hillary and Tenzing".

The Guardian - Books

(A favorite concerned an Arabic phrase that the Times, relying on a clerk who happened to be Muslim, had rendered "There is no god but Allah" but which actually meant "National Bank of Kuwait").

The New Yorker

Eighteen months in the Pacific with the 112th Cavalry, seeing "modest bits of action", according to his own account, but rising only to the rank of sergeant technician, which actually meant first cook, provided the material for The Naked and the Dead, published in 1948 to great acclaim for the 25-year-old author.

The Guardian

Eighteen months in the Pacific with the 112th Cavalry, seeing "modest bits of action", according to his own account, but rising only to the rank of sergeant technician - which actually meant "first cook" - provided the material for The Naked and the Dead, published in 1948 to great acclaim and instant celebrity for the 25-year-old author.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience's knowledge level when using "which actually means". Tailor the explanation to their likely familiarity with the subject matter for optimal clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "which actually means" to explain concepts that are already widely understood by your target audience. Over-explanation can come across as condescending and disrupt the flow of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which actually means" functions as a discourse marker used to provide clarification or explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English, serving to elaborate on a previously mentioned term or concept.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which actually means" is a valuable phrase for providing clarity and explanation in writing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It functions as a discourse marker to elaborate on terms or concepts, bridging potential knowledge gaps. While suitable for various registers, its frequency is most notable in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. By avoiding over-explanation and tailoring explanations to the audience, writers can effectively use this phrase to enhance understanding and avoid condescension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in other words

Rephrases the statement for clarity.

which in simpler terms means

Presents a more straightforward explanation.

which is another way of saying

Offers a simpler or more familiar restatement.

to put it another way

Offers a different perspective or phrasing.

which in effect signifies

Emphasizes the resulting significance or consequence.

which practically translates to

Focuses on the practical outcome or real-world application.

that boils down to

Reduces the concept to its essential elements.

that is to say

Introduces a more precise or detailed explanation.

what that really indicates is

Highlights the underlying implication or suggestion.

which is tantamount to

Indicates equivalence or near-equivalence.

FAQs

How can I use "which actually means" in a sentence?

Use "which actually means" to clarify a term or concept, like this: "The term 'organic farming' is often misunderstood, "which actually means" farming practices that avoid synthetic fertilizers and pesticides".

What's a good alternative to "which actually means"?

Alternatives include "in other words", "that is to say", or "to put it another way", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it always necessary to use "which actually means" when defining a term?

No, it's not always necessary. Use "which actually means" when you believe the term might be unfamiliar or misunderstood by your audience. If the term is common knowledge, a simple definition might suffice.

What's the difference between "which actually means" and "which implies"?

"Which actually means" provides a direct definition, while "which implies" suggests a consequence or indirect meaning. For example, "Having a high credit score, "which actually means" having a good history of repaying debts, is beneficial" versus "Having a high credit score, which implies you are responsible with money, helps you get loans".