which means

USAGE SUMMARY

"which means" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to clarify a sentence, often to draw a conclusion. For example, "People born in January are considered Capricorns, which means they tend to be ambitious and determined."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which means what exactly?

The New York Times

Which means pig-like".

Independent

Which means what?

Independent

"Which means nothing".

The New Yorker

Which means nothing changed.

The New York Times - Sports

Which means it's anybody's guess.

The New York Times

Which means, again, dead bone.

The New Yorker

Which means they probably won't.

The New York Times

Which means no drinkable water.

Independent

Which means the law needs changing".

Independent

Which means they can't be verified.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which means" to provide a clear and concise explanation of a preceding statement, ensuring your reader understands the implications.

Common error

Ensure the clause following "which means" directly and unambiguously relates to the preceding statement to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which means" serves as a connector, linking a previous statement to its explanation or consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status, facilitating clear communication across various contexts. It introduces additional information, clarifying the implications of what has been stated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which means" is a versatile phrase used to provide explanations and draw conclusions. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it can be substituted with more formal alternatives in academic or scientific writing. When using "which means", ensure a clear and direct connection between the statement and its explanation to avoid ambiguity. The abundance of examples from reliable sources underscores its widespread acceptance and utility in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that implies

Focuses on the logical consequence of a statement.

that indicates

Highlights the suggestive nature of a fact or observation.

that signifies

Emphasizes the symbolic or representative aspect of something.

that demonstrates

Stresses the showing or proving quality of an action or result.

in other words

Offers a restatement of something in simpler terms.

put differently

Presents an alternative way of phrasing the same idea.

that is to say

Introduces a clarification or explanation of a previous statement.

it follows that

Emphasizes the logical deduction from a preceding statement.

this suggests

Implies a possible conclusion based on available information.

consequently

Highlights the result or effect of a preceding action or event.

FAQs

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

Use "which means" to introduce an explanation or consequence of a previous statement. For example, "The company reported lower earnings, "which means" there will be fewer bonuses this year."

What phrases can I use instead of "which means"?

Alternatives include "that implies", "that indicates", or "in other words", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "which means" and "that means"?

While similar, "which means" typically introduces nonrestrictive (additional) information, whereas "that means" can introduce essential information. Using "which" implies the information is less critical to understanding the sentence's core meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "which means" in formal writing?

"Which means" is generally acceptable in formal writing when used to provide a necessary clarification. However, consider more formal alternatives like "that is to say" or "it follows that" for a more sophisticated tone.