I meant to write

USAGE SUMMARY

"I meant to write" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express your intention to write something but haven't had the chance to do so. For example, "I meant to write a thank-you card, but I haven't found the time yet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

I meant to write a story about immigration and racism.

The New Yorker

I meant to write, "If I were President... .. To: R.N.C.

The New Yorker

Categories like....American Christians and Middle Eastern Christians, for example.Yes, I meant to write that.

The Economist

In an earlier version, I tried intercutting the two time zones, and I meant to write more about Sally.

The New Yorker

What I meant to write – and should have written – was about the intentional targeting of American citizens.

The Guardian - Opinion

Click to view I meant to write this piece as a tribute to Phil Everly, but it is impossible to talk about Phil without talking about Don.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

(b) Told Rod Blagojevich, "You definitely must feel like you didn't do anything wrong, I mean, to write a book and whatever, like, that's how secure you are... " (c) Said that Kanye West's ruining Taylor Swift's moment at the MTV Video Music Awards was "completely uncalled for" and "his punishment was to appear on the new Jay Leno show".

The New Yorker

What I had meant to write, and what I thought I had written, was one man's opinion, some of which I agreed with and some of which I questioned.

The New York Times

I thought, as an adult, that I was meant to write for adults.

The Guardian

I believe this is a book I was meant to write.

Huffington Post

Anyways, I actually meant to write this blog to ask, where can I find Autosport's Top 50 Great Drivers List??? cos i googled it and couldnt find it anywhere.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I meant to write" to acknowledge a forgotten or delayed writing task, often followed by an explanation or the actual content you intended to write.

Common error

Avoid using "I meant to write" when you actually did write something. Instead, use it to express an unrealized intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I meant to write" functions as an introductory expression, typically used to preface a statement that the speaker/writer intended to create content but didn't, or is only now getting around to it. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates an unrealized intention.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I meant to write" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a topic that the writer intended to address earlier. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is perfectly usable in written English to express an intention to write that has not yet been fulfilled. Its frequent appearance in news and media sources indicates its broad applicability. Alternatives like "I intended to write" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure it accurately reflects an unrealized intention rather than a completed action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I intended to write

Formal alternative focusing on intention. Slightly more formal.

I was going to write

Expresses a past intention, slightly more informal.

I had planned to write

Highlights the planning aspect of the writing.

I wanted to write

Focuses on the desire to write something.

I aimed to write

Suggests a goal-oriented approach to writing.

It was my intention to write

More formal restatement of intention.

I set out to write

Emphasizes the initial attempt or starting point.

I purposed to write

Archaic and formal, indicating a firm resolve.

I had it in mind to write

Indicates a thought or consideration of writing.

I contemplated writing

Suggests thinking about writing but not necessarily acting on it.

FAQs

How can I use "I meant to write" in a sentence?

You can use "I meant to write" to introduce a topic you intended to address earlier. For example, "I meant to write about the conference, but I got caught up with other tasks".

What's a more formal way to say "I meant to write"?

A more formal alternative would be "I intended to write", which conveys a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated tone.

What is the difference between "I meant to write" and "I wanted to write"?

"I meant to write" suggests a plan or obligation, whereas "I wanted to write" simply expresses a desire. The former implies a stronger sense of duty or prior commitment.

When is it appropriate to use "I meant to write"?

It's appropriate when you're explaining why you didn't complete a writing task or when you're finally addressing something you intended to write about previously.