i meant

USAGE SUMMARY

"I meant" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when you are explaining what you were implying when you said or did something, or to emphasize the importance of what you have just said. For example: "I'm sorry I raised my voice--I meant what I said about the deadline being tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Sorry, I meant great.

The New York Times

"I meant no disrespect".

The New Yorker

"I meant high tea.

The New York Times

I meant that.

The New Yorker

I meant "supra".

The New Yorker

Sorry, I meant WEIRD.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

I mean I do.

The New Yorker

"I mean, I will.

The New York Times

"I mean, I love meat.

The New York Times - Magazine

I mean, I hope not.

The New York Times - Sports

I mean, I like it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I meant", make sure the correction or clarification directly follows the original statement to maintain coherence and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I meant" after a lengthy digression or significant change in topic. It is best used for immediate clarifications. If a considerable amount of time has passed, rephrase the correction with more context to ensure the listener or reader understands the connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I meant" serves as an interjectory phrase used for immediate clarification or correction of a prior statement. Ludwig examples show this phrase correcting misspoken words or providing a more precise intention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I meant" is a very common interjectory phrase used to clarify or correct a prior statement. Ludwig's examples show that it’s employed across various contexts, from News & Media to Academia, maintaining a generally neutral register. It serves the purpose of rectifying misunderstandings and ensuring clarity in communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable in written English, mainly used for clarifying previous ideas or emphasizing your point. Always use it immediately after a misspoken word or a statement that was misinterpreted to avoid ambiguity and maintain coherence in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To clarify, I meant

Directly signals a clarification of a previous statement.

What I meant to say was

More explicit about clarifying a previous statement.

In other words, I meant

Provides an alternative explanation for better understanding.

I actually meant

Adds emphasis to the correction being made.

I intended to say

Focuses on the speaker's intention rather than a correction.

I should have said

Acknowledges a mistake in the original wording.

I was trying to say

Indicates an attempt to express something, possibly implying difficulty.

What I was getting at was

Highlights the underlying point or implication.

I wanted to express

Emphasizes the desire to convey a specific idea.

My intention was

Highlights the original aim or purpose.

FAQs

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

Use "I meant" to clarify or correct something you previously said. For example, "I said Tuesday, but "I meant" Wednesday".

What's a good alternative to saying "I meant"?

Alternatives include "I intended to say", "what I meant to say was", or "I actually meant".

Is it correct to say "I mean" instead of "I meant"?

While "I mean" is often used to clarify or elaborate on a point, "I meant" is specifically used to correct something you've already said. The choice depends on whether you are elaborating or correcting.

What's the difference between "I meant" and "I intended"?

"I meant" focuses on clarifying a previous statement, while "I intended" refers to your original purpose or plan. For example, "I said I would call, "but I meant" to text" versus "I intended to call, but I ran out of time".