which is meant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which is meant" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that a specific element of a sentence was intended to have a certain connotation. Example: The statement she made was reckless, which is meant to indicate how careless her actions were.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Tells about the ride which is meant for children.

The New Yorker

Yes, even Bake Off, which is meant to be gentler.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All of which is meant to protect not only children, but also the reputations of coaches.

The New York Times

The rabbits speak a language known as Lapine, which is meant to sound "fluffy".

Britannica

The song is called Kokoity Fandarast, which is meant to mean 'Goodbye, Kokoity' in Ossetian.

Independent

This is a temporary deal, which is meant to last for six months.

The New Yorker

No details of the merger, which is meant to be completed by April 2002, were announced.

The New York Times

Dread stalks the World Cup, which is meant to immortalise the game's finest individual talents.

The Guardian - Sport

It sounds like you have Choisya 'Sundance', which is meant to have those golden yellow leaves.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yes, I am on medication which is meant to control both anxiety and depression.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Flu Shot — which is meant to be slugged, not sipped — sounds like a cheeky gimmick.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which is meant" to clarify the purpose or intended function of a noun or concept within a sentence, ensuring clarity for your reader. For example, 'The tool, "which is meant" to simplify the process, can also be used for advanced tasks.'

Common error

Ensure that the noun modified by "which is meant" is clearly defined and unambiguous. Vague references can confuse the reader. For example, instead of 'The program, "which is meant" to help,' specify 'The software, "which is meant" to help users organize their files...'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is meant" functions as a relative clause, providing additional, non-essential information about the noun it modifies. According to Ludwig, the phrase is used to indicate the intended purpose or function of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which is meant" is a common and grammatically correct relative clause used to clarify the intended purpose or function of a subject. According to Ludwig, it is widely used in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. It serves to provide additional context, explaining the reason behind something's design or existence. While it can be appropriate in casual conversation, it finds its most effective application in professional or academic writing, maintaining a neutral to formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is intended to

Replaces "which is meant" with a more direct statement of intention.

that aims to

Focuses on the goal or objective of something.

that serves to

Highlights the function or purpose something fulfills.

designed to

Emphasizes the deliberate planning behind something's purpose.

that has the purpose of

A more explicit way of stating the intended function.

that is supposed to

Indicates an expected or conventional function.

that is used to

Focuses on the typical or common use of something.

with the intention of

Highlights the intended outcome or goal.

that is expected to

Indicates anticipated performance or result.

whose purpose is to

Directly states the reason for something's existence or design.

FAQs

How to use "which is meant" in a sentence?

Use "which is meant" to add a descriptive clause that explains the purpose or intention behind something. For example: "This policy, "which is meant" to protect consumers, has unintended consequences."

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

You can use alternatives like "that is intended to", "designed to", or "that is supposed to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "that is meant" instead of "which is meant"?

While both "that is meant" and "which is meant" can be grammatically correct, "which is meant" typically introduces non-restrictive clauses, adding extra information. "That is meant" usually introduces restrictive clauses, essential to the sentence's meaning.

What's the difference between "which is meant" and "that is used"?

"Which is meant" focuses on the intended purpose or design, while "that is used" emphasizes the typical or common application. The phrasing "which is meant" describes intent whereas "that is used" describes application.