I was only joking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was only joking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to clarify that a previous statement was made in jest and not to be taken seriously. Example: "When I said I would quit my job if the coffee machine broke, I was only joking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"Absolutely!" Really, I was only joking.

The Guardian - Film

"Eventually, I caved in and confessed I was only joking.

The New York Times

We keep expecting him to come round the corner, and say, 'I was only joking'.

The Guardian

I was only joking about Emma Bovary being an anthropomorphic steamed broccoli.

The New Yorker

It's the "Hey, calm down, I was only joking!" kind of joke.

The Guardian - Opinion

I mean, we all know I was only joking, right? Figure of speech, kind of thing… — MARK WALSH He poleaxes Reus out on the right.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

I'm only joking!

The New York Times

"I'm only joking, man," McGregor grins before posing for the obligatory selfie.

The Guardian - Sport

Oh, come on, I'm only joking!" As is usual when men make inappropriate sexual remarks to me, I felt embarrassed.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm only joking Li.

BBC

"I wouldn't comment on confidential cabinet meetings or on whatever I might have said about the education department". After a pause and a nervous laugh he added "I'm only joking".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was only joking" to immediately clarify a potentially offensive or misconstrued statement. This prevents misunderstandings and maintains positive relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "I was only joking" after a statement that genuinely reflects your true feelings or intentions. This undermines your credibility and can damage trust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was only joking" functions as an afterthought clarification, aiming to mitigate potential misunderstandings or offense caused by a preceding statement. It serves to explicitly indicate that the speaker's intent was not serious.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was only joking" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to clarify that a preceding statement was not meant to be taken seriously. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and informal settings. While versatile, it's crucial to use it sincerely and avoid misapplication to maintain credibility. Consider alternatives like "I'm just kidding" or "I'm just teasing" for slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm just kidding

This is a more casual and common alternative, especially in spoken English.

I'm just teasing

Implies playful mockery or gentle provocation, slightly less direct than "joking".

I didn't mean it seriously

Focuses on the lack of serious intent behind the statement.

I was being facetious

Indicates the use of irony or sarcasm, a more formal and sophisticated term.

I didn't mean to be taken literally

Emphasizes that the statement should not be understood in a strict sense.

It was a playful remark

Highlights the lighthearted and non-serious nature of the comment.

It was just a figure of speech

Highlights that the statement was not literal but an expression.

I was speaking tongue-in-cheek

Similar to facetious, implies insincerity or irony.

I was merely jesting

A slightly more formal and old-fashioned way of saying "joking".

Consider it a jest

A more direct and somewhat uncommon way to indicate something was a joke.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "I was only joking"?

Use "I was only joking" immediately after making a statement that could be misinterpreted as serious or offensive. It's best used when your intention was lighthearted, and you want to ensure no harm is caused.

What are some alternative ways to say "I was only joking"?

You can use alternatives like "I'm just kidding", "I'm just teasing", or "I didn't mean it seriously" depending on the context.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "I was only joking"?

Yes, it's inappropriate if the preceding statement revealed a genuine belief or intention. Overusing it can also diminish your sincerity and make you seem unreliable. Don't use it to dismiss valid concerns raised about your statement.

How does "I was only joking" differ from "I was only kidding"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "I'm just kidding" is slightly more informal and common in everyday conversation, while "I was only joking" can be used in slightly more formal settings but it has very similar contexts.