which means that

USAGE SUMMARY

"which means that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement which provides further explanation on something that has already been mentioned. For example: The government has raised the tax rate, which means that citizens will have to pay more money.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which means that, as dancers, they're getting old.

The New Yorker

which means that is continuous.

Advances in Difference Equations

which means that is uniformly bounded.

Advances in Difference Equations

which means that is a contractive mapping.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

which means that is uniformly Cauchy.

Advances in Difference Equations

which means that system (44) is symmetrical.

Advances in Difference Equations

Which means that sometimes you stink.

The New York Times

Which means that astronauts will get bored.

The New York Times - Magazine

Which means that it will probably happen.

The New Yorker

Which means that they, too, should run.

The New York Times - Magazine

Which means that indifference is unacceptable.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which means that" to clearly explain the implications or consequences of a previous statement, ensuring a smooth flow of reasoning for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "which means that" excessively in your writing. Vary your sentence structure by employing alternatives like "'therefore'" or "'consequently'" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which means that" functions as a causal connector. It introduces a clause that explains the result or consequence of the preceding statement. Ludwig examples illustrate how this phrase connects ideas, providing further clarification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which means that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a consequence or explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While highly prevalent in science and news media, remember to vary your writing by occasionally using synonyms like "therefore" or "as a result" to avoid redundancy. Its function is to connect ideas and ensure the reader grasps the logical implications of a statement. With a neutral register, it's suitable for diverse writing styles, but is most frequent in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a result

This phrase emphasizes the direct outcome of a preceding action or condition.

that implies

This option highlights the suggestion or indication derived from a previous statement.

consequently

This single-word alternative provides a more concise way to indicate a result or consequence.

therefore

Similar to "consequently", this offers a direct way to show a logical conclusion.

that suggests

Similar to 'that implies', but may indicate a weaker or more tentative conclusion.

thus

A more formal alternative indicating a logical deduction or consequence.

it follows that

A formal way of stating a logical consequence or conclusion.

so

A simple and informal way to express a consequence or result.

in other words

This serves to clarify the previous statement, which is a specific form of explanation.

that is to say

Introduces a restatement or clarification of the preceding point.

FAQs

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

Use "which means that" to introduce an explanation or consequence resulting from a previous statement. For example: "The company's profits have increased, which means that employees may receive bonuses."

What are some alternatives to "which means that"?

You can use alternatives like "therefore", "consequently", or "as a result" to vary your writing style.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "which means that"?

While grammatically permissible, starting a sentence with "which means that" can sometimes sound informal. It's often better to integrate it within the sentence or use a stronger connector for emphasis.

What's the difference between "which means that" and "this means that"?

"Which means that" typically refers back to a specific clause or idea, while "this means that" can refer to a broader situation or concept. Both serve to introduce a consequence or explanation.