i really mean never

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I really mean never" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a strong commitment to not doing something at any time. Example: "When I say I won't go back to that restaurant, I really mean never."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you say "I never want to be kept alive on a machine," do you really mean "never," even if eventual weaning from the machine and recovery is likely, or just when a machine is used to prolong dying?

The New York Times - Health

Whether Mr. Bush wins or loses, the Republican race for the White House will be wide open in 2008, and while Mr. McCain has often suggested he would not run again, politicians never really mean never.

The New York Times

If never doesn't really mean never, then why even bother?

Huffington Post

But on the large plasma, liquid-crystal or projection screens that are now flooding the market, NTSC's widely spaced lines make the picture look like a coarse grid (insiders joke that NTSC really means Never Twice the Same Colour).

The Economist

But a decision to revoke the pardons ahead of a vote in which Mr Menem, a foe of the president, is seeking a Senate seat, would smack of political justice.Some analysts worry that the court's decision reverses that of its predecessor a reminder that in Argentine jurisprudence "never" never really means never.

The Economist

When I say I don't know the Ring, I really mean it: I've never seen the operas staged, never heard any of them all the way through, and until yesterday I didn't even have a clue about the plot.

The Guardian - Music

There's not a day that I don't get a few messages, but 99percentt or more are super sweet and nothing smutty at all! Again, it's a privilege, and I really mean that". "I've never hidden my sexuality from anyone, my whole life in fact, and I've been waiting for someone to ask about it in an interview, 'cause it's not something you just blurt out," he added.

HuffPost

"When I say I wish I'd never gone, I really mean that".

Los Angeles Times

"I could never get rid of a book," plenty of people say, when what they really mean is: "I could never get rid of a book that makes me look clever".

The Guardian - Opinion

What would commitment really mean if we never made a meaningful effort to show it?

Huffington Post

Further evaluation of the patient sometimes led us to think that it really meant "we never looked".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: this phrase works best in situations where you want to express a firm and unwavering stance.

Common error

Avoid using "i really mean never" too frequently, as it can diminish its impact and make you sound overly dramatic or insincere. Use it sparingly for maximum effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i really mean never" functions as an emphatic statement of refusal or strong intention. It serves to underscore the speaker's unwavering commitment to avoiding a particular action or situation. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability and correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "i really mean never" is a grammatically correct expression used to emphatically state a firm decision or refusal. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its use is best suited for neutral to informal contexts where a strong assertion is needed. Consider using alternatives like "i absolutely mean never" or "i truly mean never" depending on the desired level of formality. The key is to employ the phrase judiciously to maintain its impact and avoid sounding overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i absolutely mean never

Emphasizes the "never" with "absolutely", strengthening the resolve.

i truly mean never

Replaces "really" with "truly" for a slightly more formal tone.

i sincerely mean never

Conveys a genuine and heartfelt intention to never do something.

i genuinely mean never

Similar to "sincerely", highlighting the honesty of the intention.

i definitively mean never

Indicates a clear and unquestionable decision to never do something.

i certainly mean never

Expresses a firm and confident intention to never do something.

i unequivocally mean never

Adds a sense of finality and leaves no room for doubt.

i assure you, never

Directly assures the listener of the speaker's firm intention.

it's a definite never from me

More colloquial and emphatic, indicating a firm rejection.

my answer is absolutely never

Frames the statement as a direct and resolute answer.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "i really mean never"?

It means they are strongly emphasizing that they will absolutely not do something, indicating a firm and unwavering decision.

Are there other ways to express the same idea as "i really mean never"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "i absolutely mean never", "i truly mean never", or "it's a definite never from me" to convey a similar level of certainty.

Is "i really mean never" too informal for professional writing?

While it can be used, it's generally more suitable for spoken language or informal writing. For professional contexts, consider more formal alternatives like "i definitively mean never" or "i unequivocally mean never".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "i really mean never"?

Use this phrase when you want to leave no doubt about your intention to avoid something, especially when there might be pressure or temptation to do otherwise. It's a way to assert a firm boundary.