I mean that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I mean that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify or emphasize a point you are making, often following a statement that may need further explanation. Example: "I really believe in the importance of teamwork. I mean that when I say it can lead to greater success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I mean, that is horrendous.

Independent

I mean, that was impressive.

The New Yorker

"I mean, that was historic".

The New York Times - Sports

I mean, that is still a possibility".

The New York Times - Magazine

I mean, that really is my treat.

The New Yorker

I mean, that thing was huge!

The New Yorker

I mean that makes you feel good.

The New York Times

I mean, that sounds fucking awful".

The New Yorker

I mean that was it.

The New York Times - Sports

I mean, that was killing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I mean, that never happens".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse of "I mean that" in close succession, as it can make your speech or writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your language with alternatives like "what I'm saying is" or "essentially".

Common error

Be mindful of how often you use "I mean that". Overusing it can make your writing or speech sound repetitive and less convincing. Instead, try to use the phrase sparingly and replace it with alternatives like "what I'm trying to say is" or "in essence".

Linguistic Context

"I mean that" functions as a discourse marker, primarily used to emphasize or clarify a previous statement. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase serves to underscore the speaker's sincerity or intention, ensuring the listener understands the importance of what was said. This function is evident across various examples, where the phrase directly follows a statement needing reinforcement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "I mean that" is a valuable discourse marker for reinforcing statements and conveying sincerity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. While its primary function is to add emphasis, it's important to use the phrase judiciously to avoid redundancy. Alternatives like "what I'm saying is" or "essentially" can provide variety. By understanding its purpose and context, you can effectively integrate "I mean that" into your writing and speech to enhance clarity and conviction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What I'm saying is

Emphasizes the speaker's intent to clarify their previous statement.

What I want to convey is

Highlights the speaker's intention to communicate a specific idea.

The point I'm making is

Focuses on the central argument or idea being presented.

In other words

Indicates a rephrasing of a previous statement for clarity.

To put it another way

Suggests a different perspective or explanation of a preceding statement.

Let me rephrase that

Signals an intention to restate a previous comment more clearly.

Essentially

Condenses a previous statement to its core meaning.

What I'm trying to get across is

Highlights the speaker's effort to communicate a specific idea effectively.

To be clear

Introduces a more direct or explicit version of a previous statement.

My intention is

Emphasizes the speaker's purpose or goal in making a statement.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "I mean that" in a sentence?

Use "I mean that" to emphasize a point you've already made, particularly when you want to convey sincerity or depth of feeling. For example, "I value your friendship, and "I mean that" very sincerely."

What are some alternatives to "I mean that" for clarifying a statement?

Alternatives include phrases like "what I'm saying is", "in other words", or "to put it another way". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I mean that"?

Yes, "I mean that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English. It serves as a discourse marker to reinforce or clarify a previous statement.

What's the difference between saying "I mean that" and "I really mean that"?

Adding "really" to "I mean that" (e.g., "I really mean that") intensifies the sincerity and emphasis of your statement. It suggests an even stronger conviction or emotional investment in what you've said.