he meant that

USAGE SUMMARY

"he meant that" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce or explain something that someone said or did previously. For example: "John slammed the door shut and yelled 'I'm done!' He meant that he was done talking and was leaving the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He had told me it was big, but I hadn't realised he meant THAT big.

TechCrunch

He meant that, too.

The New York Times - Sports

(2007) He meant that literally.

The New Yorker

Perhaps he meant that he "has had".

The New Yorker

And I really think he meant that.

The New York Times

He meant that it went Republican.

The New Yorker

A: He meant that I should talk less.

Harvard University

It is possible he meant that, too.

The New Yorker

He meant that in a good way.

The Guardian - Music

He meant that they cost $34,000.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He meant that all symmetry encases cruelty".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he meant that", consider whether a more precise verb like 'implied', 'suggested', or 'specified' would better convey the nuance of the original statement.

Common error

Avoid assuming you know what someone meant without sufficient evidence. Ensure your interpretation is supported by context and avoid imposing your own biases. Instead of jumping to conclusions, consider if "he might have meant" something else entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he meant that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing an explanation or interpretation of someone's previous statement or action. It connects a statement with its intended significance. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function, validating its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he meant that" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to interpret someone's intended meaning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid way to clarify statements, especially when ambiguity is present. While appropriate for most contexts, consider more precise verbs like 'implied' or 'suggested' for nuance. Be mindful of accurate interpretation to avoid imposing your own biases. Ludwig's extensive examples demonstrate its widespread usage across news, academic, and other professional domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he implied that

Focuses on the indirect suggestion of meaning, rather than a direct statement.

he suggested that

Similar to 'implied', but can also refer to a more explicit hint or proposal.

he indicated that

Highlights a signal or sign pointing to a particular meaning or intention.

he conveyed that

Emphasizes the successful communication of a specific message or idea.

he communicated that

A broader term for sharing information, not necessarily with a hidden meaning.

he wanted to say that

Highlights the desire to express something, even if it wasn't fully articulated.

he intended to say that

Focuses on the planned or purposed message the speaker wanted to communicate.

his intention was that

Shifts the focus to the purpose behind the words, rather than the words themselves.

he was alluding to

Highlights an indirect reference or veiled suggestion.

he was referring to

Focuses on a specific topic or subject the speaker had in mind.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "he meant that" in formal writing?

In formal writing, you can replace "he meant that" with phrases like "he implied that", "he indicated that", or "his intention was that". These alternatives offer a more sophisticated and precise tone.

Is it always necessary to explain what "he meant that"?

It's only necessary to clarify what "he meant that" if the original statement is ambiguous or if there's a risk of misinterpretation. Otherwise, it might be redundant.

What's the difference between "he meant that" and "he said that"?

"He said that" simply reports the words spoken, while "he meant that" explains the intended meaning behind those words. The first focuses on the statement itself, while the second focuses on the speaker's intention.

Can I use "he meant that" for written communication as well?

Yes, you can use "he meant that" to interpret the meaning behind written communication, such as emails or letters. For example, "In his email, "he meant that" the deadline was flexible".