I was simply jesting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was simply jesting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when clarifying that your previous statement was meant as a joke and not to be taken seriously. Example: "When I said I would quit my job to become a professional cat trainer, I was simply jesting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Unknown

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was simply tired".

Independent

I was simply ashamed.

The New York Times

I was simply afraid.

The New York Times

I was simply a commuter.

The New York Times

For them, I was simply a widow.

The New Yorker

I was simply trying to stay upright.

The New York Times

"I was simply enthralled".

The Guardian

"I was simply entranced," Johnson later recalled.

The New Yorker

I was simply ill.

The Guardian - Books

I was simply not ready.

The Guardian

Initially, I was simply amazed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was simply jesting" when you want to clarify that a previous statement was not intended to be taken seriously and was meant as a joke. Be mindful of your audience, as "jesting" can sound formal or old-fashioned to some.

Common error

Avoid using "jesting" too frequently in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "joking" or "kidding" are often more appropriate and natural in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was simply jesting" functions as a statement of intent, clarifying that a preceding remark was not meant to be taken seriously. It serves to indicate that the speaker was being playful or humorous rather than making a sincere assertion. Based on Ludwig, this is an acceptable construction.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was simply jesting" is grammatically correct but infrequently used in contemporary English. As noted by Ludwig, it serves to clarify that a previous statement was intended as a joke or not to be taken seriously. More common alternatives such as "I was only joking" or "I was just kidding" are often more appropriate for everyday conversation. Consider the formality of the context and your audience when deciding whether to use this phrase. The word "jesting" is less commonly used in modern conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was only joking

Replaces "jesting" with "joking", a more common and straightforward term for indicating a non-serious statement.

I was just kidding

Uses the colloquial term "kidding" instead of "jesting", making the phrase more informal.

It was a joke

Simplifies the phrase, directly stating that the previous statement was intended as humor.

I didn't mean it seriously

Shifts the focus to the speaker's intent, emphasizing that the statement should not be taken as a serious declaration.

I intended it as a joke

Emphasizes the intention behind the statement, clarifying that it was meant to be humorous.

I was being facetious

Replaces the entire phrase with a single word indicating a sarcastic or humorous intent.

I was pulling your leg

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate that the speaker was teasing or joking.

I was being humorous

Similar to "I was being facetious" but uses a more general term for humor.

I spoke in jest

Formal way to express the same, it is less common in modern English.

I was being playful

Indicates a lighthearted and non-serious intent behind the statement.

FAQs

What does "I was simply jesting" mean?

It means that the speaker was making a joke or being playful and did not intend for their previous statement to be taken seriously. It's a way of clarifying that something was said in a lighthearted manner.

Are there more common alternatives to "I was simply jesting"?

Yes, more common alternatives include "I was only joking", "I was just kidding", or "I didn't mean it seriously". These options are generally more suitable for everyday conversation.

When is it appropriate to use "I was simply jesting"?

It is appropriate when you want to politely or formally clarify that a statement was not serious. However, consider your audience as the word "jesting" may sound antiquated or overly formal in some contexts.

Is "I was simply jesting" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase is grammatically correct. The structure follows standard English grammar rules, though the word "jesting" is less commonly used in modern conversation.