which could mean

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'which could mean' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a given phrase or expression might have a potential meaning or interpretation. For example, "He had a strange look on his face, which could mean he was not pleased."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which could mean losing everything.

The Guardian

One final note: Human error, which could mean many things, should certainly encompass drinking and texting.

Stanford University

A "go to" bank, apparently, which could mean anything or nothing.

The Guardian - Business

That adds up to a Coalition loss of 16 seats, which could mean a hung parliament.

The Guardian

But it's red, which could mean curtains for the new cabinet knobs.

The New York Times - Tech

The same is true for extreme heat, which could mean no power at hospitals for days.

The New Yorker

"Now we have text which could mean almost anything – we did not need more legal uncertainty".

The Guardian - Business

And discounts could prompt an audit, which could mean more bills for advice.

The New York Times

Gilani risks being convicted of contempt of court, which could mean jail and disqualification from office.

The Guardian

Which could mean that fashion will soon take a place behind burgeoning arts in other mediums.

The New York Times - Magazine

If he does not pay, he will be subject to resentencing, which could mean prison time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which could mean" to introduce a possible outcome or interpretation, ensuring it logically follows from the preceding statement. For instance, "The company's losses increased, which could mean layoffs are imminent."

Common error

Avoid using "which could mean" when the connection between the initial statement and the potential meaning is vague or illogical. Ensure a clear and direct relationship to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which could mean" functions as a relative clause introducer, connecting a preceding statement to a possible consequence or interpretation. As Ludwig AI shows, it's often used to provide additional information or potential outcomes. It serves to link ideas and offer possible explanations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Tech

7%

Sports

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which could mean" is a versatile and commonly used expression that connects a statement to a potential consequence or interpretation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed in diverse contexts, including News & Media, Tech, and Sports. The phrase functions as a relative clause introducer, offering insight and context by speculating on possible outcomes. While suitable for neutral and formal registers, it maintains accessibility for informal communication. Therefore, using "which could mean" can effectively enhance clarity and depth in writing, provided the connection between the initial statement and its potential implications remains clear and logical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which may imply

Replaces "could" with "may", suggesting a possibility rather than a strong potential.

which might suggest

Uses "might suggest" to convey a more tentative implication.

that could entail

Focuses on the potential consequences or requirements that follow.

that may lead to

Highlights the potential outcome or result of a situation.

this could result in

Emphasizes the potential outcome with a slightly more formal tone.

this might signify

Focuses on the symbolic meaning or indication of something.

this could be interpreted as

Highlights the subjective nature of understanding or deciphering something.

this may be indicative of

Suggests that something is a sign or symptom of something else.

that implies

A direct way to express the meaning without using the modal "could".

this suggests

A simple and direct way of stating the implication or hint conveyed.

FAQs

How to use "which could mean" in a sentence?

Use "which could mean" to introduce a potential consequence, interpretation, or explanation of a previous statement. For example, "The weather is getting colder, which could mean we'll have snow soon."

What can I say instead of "which could mean"?

You can use alternatives like "which may imply", "which might suggest", or "that may lead to depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "which could mean" and "which does mean"?

"Which could mean" suggests a possibility or potential outcome, whereas "which does mean" indicates a certainty or a definitive result. The former is speculative, while the latter is factual.

Is it correct to say "that could mean" instead of "which could mean"?

Yes, "that could mean" is often interchangeable with "which could mean", but "which" is generally used when providing additional, non-essential information, whereas "that" is used for essential information that defines the noun it modifies. In many cases, either can be acceptable.