kidding that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kidding that" is not correct in standard written English.
It is not a commonly used expression and may confuse readers. Example: "I was just kidding that I would actually eat that entire cake by myself."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

But he wasn't kidding: that day, he filed a request for a new, and male, magistrate.

The New Yorker

The question du jour was: "Should all HGVs be banned from the roads?" Only kidding, that would be far too radical for an afternoon light entertainment show.

The Guardian

Just kidding, that didn't happen.

TechCrunch

Just kidding, that was an easy blow.

TechCrunch

The reason Facebook boosted college kids' self-esteem more than looking in a mirror (we're not kidding, that was the methodology) was because it's an artificial representation of ourselves, the we that we wish we were.

TechCrunch

Today, the company is expanding its reach by launching Tinycards for iOS, its first app that can be used for learning virtually anything that involves memorization: vocabulary, equations, history facts and every Pokémon's name and stats (I'm not kidding; that is indeed a set of cards already available in Tinycards).

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

I was kidding about that.

The New Yorker

She is not kidding about that.

Independent

Daniels was not kidding about that.

The New York Times - Sports

(Just kidding. That probably isn't happening).

TechCrunch

Okay, just kidding on that last point.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, consider replacing "kidding that" with more precise alternatives like "joking that" or "just kidding, " to avoid ambiguity and ensure your intended meaning is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "kidding that" when you need to be absolutely clear about your seriousness. Its informal nature can lead to misinterpretations, especially in professional or formal settings. Instead, opt for clearer phrasing to prevent any confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kidding that" functions as a connector to indicate a statement was not intended to be taken seriously. Ludwig AI points out that this usage is not standard English, suggesting it may be better to use alternative phrasings for improved clarity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "kidding that" is used to indicate a lack of seriousness, it's considered grammatically questionable by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to soften statements or express humor, predominantly in informal contexts such as news and media. For clearer communication, especially in formal settings, consider alternatives like "joking that" or "just kidding". The phrase's informal nature can lead to misinterpretations, so choosing more precise wording is advisable for effective conveyance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

joking that

Replaces "kidding" with "joking", maintaining a similar sense of lightheartedness.

teasing that

Substitutes "kidding" with "teasing", suggesting a more playful intent.

only joking that

Adds "only" for emphasis, clarifying that it was just a joke.

just kidding that

Adds "just" for emphasis, clarifying that it was merely a joke.

not serious that

Replaces the entire phrase to directly state a lack of seriousness.

not really meaning that

Specifies that the statement was not genuinely intended.

said in jest that

Indicates that the statement was made as a joke or playful remark.

meant as a joke that

Clarifies the intent behind the statement as humorous.

being facetious that

Replaces the phrase with a more formal term for not being serious.

not being serious when I said that

Elaborates on the speaker's state of mind, emphasizing the lack of seriousness.

FAQs

What's a more standard way to say "kidding that"?

Alternatives include "joking that", "just kidding", or "teasing that", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "kidding that" grammatically correct?

While used in some contexts, "kidding that" is not considered standard English. It's often better to use clearer and more widely accepted alternatives for better communication.

How can I use "just kidding" in a sentence?

You can use "just kidding" at the end of a sentence to indicate you were not serious, such as, "I'm going to quit my job, "just kidding"!" or to introduce the joke itself, "just kidding", I would never do that.

What is the difference between "kidding that" and "joking that"?

"Joking that" is a more grammatically sound alternative to "kidding that". Both imply a lack of seriousness, but "joking that" is less likely to be questioned in formal contexts.