i mean that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "i mean that" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to clarify or emphasize a point that was made previously. Example: "I don't think we should go to the party tonight. I mean, it's going to be really crowded and I have an early morning tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

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 was practice.

Princeton University

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 is outrageous.

The New York Times

I mean that was it.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I mean that" to reinforce a point or express genuine feeling after making a statement. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures your audience understands your sincerity.

Common error

Avoid using "I mean that" excessively in formal or academic writing. It can come across as too informal and weaken the overall impact. Consider more professional alternatives like "I wish to emphasize" or "It is important to note".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I mean that" functions as a discourse marker used to emphasize the speaker's sincerity or conviction regarding a previously made statement. As Ludwig highlights, it serves to clarify and reinforce the speaker's intent, ensuring the listener understands the weight or truthfulness of their words.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

18%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I mean that" functions as a discourse marker to emphasize sincerity or conviction following a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While suitable for everyday conversation and neutral contexts like news media, it may be too informal for academic or highly professional writing where alternatives like "I sincerely believe" or "I wish to emphasize" may be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact, so use it judiciously to reinforce key points. The primary sources of this phrase include “The New York Times”, “The New Yorker” and “The Guardian”.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I truly mean that

Adds emphasis with the adverb "truly", highlighting the sincerity of the statement.

I sincerely mean that

Emphasizes sincerity using the adverb "sincerely", suggesting a heartfelt intention.

I really mean that

Uses "really" for emphasis, indicating a strong degree of conviction.

I am serious about that

Shifts the focus to the speaker's seriousness, implying a firm commitment.

That's what I truly mean

Reorders the sentence to emphasize the "that" being referred to, making it more direct.

I'm not kidding about that

Uses a more informal tone to assert the truthfulness of the statement.

I'm being serious

A shortened version emphasizing the speaker's earnestness.

Let me emphasize that

Introduces a more formal emphasis on the statement being made.

That is my honest opinion

Specifies that the statement is based on honesty and personal belief.

I assure you of that

Offers assurance and conviction, often used in more formal settings.

FAQs

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

"I mean that" is typically used after a statement to emphasize its sincerity or importance. For example, "I truly appreciate your help; "I mean that"."

What phrases are similar to "I mean that"?

Alternatives include "I sincerely mean that", "I truly mean that", or "I am serious about that". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "I mean that" in formal writing?

While acceptable in spoken language and informal writing, "I mean that" might be too informal for formal or academic contexts. Consider using a more formal alternative such as "let me emphasize" or "it is important to note".

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

"I mean that" expresses your current feeling or intention regarding a previous statement, whereas "I meant that" refers to a past intention. For example, "I said I would help, and "I mean that"," versus "I said I would help, and "I meant that" when I said it."