I mean here

USAGE SUMMARY

'I mean here' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize a particular point or idea in the context of a larger discussion. For example, "We need to make sure our students are getting the best education possible. I mean here, they should have access to quality teachers and resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I mean, here and there.

Independent

I mean, here I am.

The New Yorker

I mean, here was Viola Davis.

The New Yorker

I mean, here we both got wives and kids, right?

The New Yorker

I mean, here are two different grasses we're fighting a war with!

The New York Times - Sports

I mean, here sits a building at the center of the modern evidence-based scientific empire.

The New York Times - Health

I mean, here you have out there these kinds of, you know, incitements out there".

The New Yorker

"I mean, here we fall in love with a girl after we marry her.

The New York Times

I mean, here we are, we like to think of ourselves as one of the great media companies.

The New Yorker

I mean here were mostly unsolved murders, stacking up, suddenly being given a more shocking human face… They were supportive.

The Guardian - Books

I mean, here I am stuffing envelopes for an M.P. who voted for the war in Iraq.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I mean here" to precisely define the scope of your statement, especially when the context could be interpreted in multiple ways. For example, "The policy affects student activities. I mean here, specifically, extracurricular events." This makes your communication more clear.

Common error

Avoid using "I mean here" excessively in formal writing. While it adds emphasis, it can sound conversational and detract from the professional tone. Consider using more formal alternatives like "specifically" or "to clarify" to maintain a polished style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I mean here" serves as a discourse marker, functioning primarily to provide clarification or specify a particular aspect within the current discussion. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I mean here" is a grammatically sound phrase used to provide clarification and specify the scope of a statement within a given context. According to Ludwig, it's appropriate for written English, primarily found in news and media sources. While effective for adding emphasis and clarity, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "specifically" or "to clarify" in academic or highly professional writing to maintain a polished tone. This ensures that your message is both clear and contextually appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What I'm trying to say is

Acknowledges potential ambiguity and aims to clarify the message.

Specifically, I'm talking about

Directly addresses a particular aspect with clear focus.

To be specific

Transitions to a more detailed and precise explanation.

The point I'm making is

Emphasizes the central argument or idea being presented.

What I'm referring to is

More explicit and formal, specifying the subject under discussion.

In other words

Offers an alternative phrasing to simplify understanding.

By this I indicate

A formal and precise way to express clarification.

I'm alluding to

Indirect reference, suitable when hinting at something.

What I'm suggesting is

Introduces a proposal or idea for consideration.

I'm driving at

Implies a goal or conclusion is being approached.

FAQs

How can I use "I mean here" in a sentence?

Use "I mean here" to clarify or specify a particular point within a larger context, as in, "We need to address the budget issues; "I mean here", the rising costs of utilities".

What are some alternatives to "I mean here"?

Alternatives include phrases like "specifically", "in particular", or "to be precise". Each can add clarity, depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "I mean here" too informal for academic writing?

While "I mean here" isn't strictly incorrect, it tends to be informal. In academic writing, consider using more formal alternatives such as "specifically" or "to elaborate".

How does "I mean here" differ from "I mean"?

"I mean" is a general phrase for clarification, while "I mean here" specifies that the clarification pertains to the immediate context or point being discussed.