Use “which means” after a comma to add a result or an explanation to a complete sentence: The train was delayed by two hours, which means I missed my meeting. Keep it in the same sentence. If you start a new sentence, use “This means” instead.
Written by Mitch Rankin, CEO and owner of EnglishForward.com since 2018. Last reviewed 13 October 2026.
The rule: “which means” continues a sentence
In The train was delayed by two hours, which means I missed my meeting, the word which points back to the whole idea before the comma. The clause it starts cannot stand alone, so it must stay attached to the main clause.
- Fragment: The train was delayed by two hours. Which means I missed my morning meeting.
- Correct: The train was delayed by two hours, which means I missed my morning meeting.
In speech, blogs and informal messages, people often start a sentence with “Which means…” for emphasis. Style guides still treat it as a fragment, so avoid it in essays, reports, emails to clients and exams.
Punctuation: two correct options
Option A: a comma, then “which means”
Pattern: main clause + , which means + result
- The office will be closed on Friday, which means all reports are due by Thursday afternoon.
Option B: a new sentence with “This means”
If you want a full stop, change “which means” to “This means”, “That means” or “As a result”.
- Demand for the product doubled. This means we need to increase production.
- Demand for the product doubled; this means we need to increase production.
- Not standard: Demand for the product doubled. Which means we need to increase production.
Other ways to use “which means”
Cause and effect
- The software update includes automatic backup, which means users no longer have to save their work by hand.
Workplace rules
- All leave requests must be submitted 14 days in advance, which means late requests will need manager approval.
Giving the meaning of a word
- “Bonjour”, which means “good day” in French, is the usual way to greet someone.
Means or mean?
When which refers to the whole idea before it, use the singular means: Fuel prices rose, which means tickets will cost more. When which refers to a plural noun, the verb can be plural: The new rules, which mean extra paperwork, start in May.
Alternatives to “which means”
| Phrase | Example |
|---|---|
| meaning that | The contract expires in December, meaning that talks must start soon. |
| which indicates that | Sales rose by 20%, which indicates that the campaign worked. |
| so | The system went offline, so no orders could be processed. |
| As a result, | The flight was cancelled. As a result, we had to reschedule the workshop. |
| Consequently, | The flight was cancelled. Consequently, we had to reschedule the workshop. |
Quick practice
Correct each sentence. Answers are below.
- The shop closes at five. Which means we must hurry.
- It rained all week, which mean the match was cancelled.
- Prices rose by 10%. Which means fewer people bought the product. (Keep two sentences.)
Answers: 1. The shop closes at five, which means we must hurry. 2. …which means the match was cancelled. 3. Prices rose by 10%. This means fewer people bought the product.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need a comma before “which means”? When it adds a result or comment to a complete sentence, yes.
Can I start a sentence with “Which means”? In informal writing and speech, people do. In formal writing, use “This means” or join it to the previous sentence.
Is “which means” the same as “that means”? They give the same idea, but “that means” normally starts a new sentence and “which means” continues the old one.
Related guides
- Meant or Mean’t? The Correct Spelling
- ‘The Following Is’ or ‘The Following Are’?
- ‘Do I Have To’ vs. ‘Have I To’
- Everyday English Grammar: 8 Rules Everyone Gets Wrong
Practise with others
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