mean to indicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mean to indicate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify or explain the intention behind a statement or action. Example: "When I said that the project was behind schedule, I didn't mean to indicate that we would miss the deadline entirely."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

24b By this discussion we certainly do not mean to indicate that we would favor such changes.

Cornell University

Anita wouldn't have meant to be crushing, I am sure; but she did mean to indicate clearly the nature and remit of what she considered appropriate conversation.

The Guardian - Books

"I just hoped against hope that Tim would have said, 'Judge, you misunderstood me, and I'm sorry, I didn't mean to indicate that, and I was just wrong.

The New Yorker

I join in all but the footnote and Part III of Justice WHITE's dissent, subject only to the caveat that I do not mean to indicate an opinion on the merits of Stone v. Powell, 428 U.S. 465, 96 S.Ct.

Cornell University

(Harootunian, 50-56) (By "subjectness," I mean to indicate an historicized and materialist conception of subjectivity).

SEP

Rather, I mean to indicate that the relation of Being is not explained by appeal to another more basic relation or principle.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The MBTI is an "indicator," and what it is meant to indicate is the type of personality you have been born with.

The New Yorker

Issa said that he hadn't meant to indicate otherwise.

The New Yorker

Is it meant to indicate his nickname, Chris?

The New York Times

Mr. Arat says these protrusions are a convention meant to indicate great wisdom.

The New York Times

Maybe Kamp's quotation marks are meant to indicate that the phrase is Norah Vincent's.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mean to indicate", follow it with a clear and concise explanation of what you intended to communicate. This reduces ambiguity and promotes effective communication.

Common error

Avoid overusing "mean to indicate" in formal writing. Opt for more direct and concise alternatives like "suggest", "imply", or "convey" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mean to indicate" functions as a verbal phrase used to clarify or explain the intention behind a statement or action. It helps to ensure that the message is understood as intended, particularly when there is a potential for misinterpretation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

25%

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mean to indicate" is a verbal phrase used to clarify the intention behind a statement or action. While grammatically correct, according to Ludwig AI, it's relatively rare and should be used judiciously to avoid wordiness. The phrase is appropriate across various contexts, from academia to news and media, serving the primary purpose of ensuring clarity and preventing misinterpretations. Alternatives like "intend to suggest" or "aim to imply" can offer more concise options in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intend to suggest

Focuses on the intention behind the suggestion, rather than a direct indication.

aim to imply

Highlights the purpose of implying something indirectly.

want to convey

Emphasizes the desire to transmit a specific message or idea.

seek to communicate

Formal expression indicating an effort to make something known.

try to express

Focuses on the attempt to put thoughts or feelings into words.

purport to show

Suggests an intention to demonstrate or reveal something, often with a claim.

strive to demonstrate

Highlights the effort to prove or make something clear.

hope to reveal

Focuses on the anticipation of uncovering or disclosing information.

wish to signify

Formal way of expressing the desire to represent or denote something.

undertake to specify

Indicates a commitment to define or describe something precisely.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "mean to indicate" in an email?

In an email, you could replace "mean to indicate" with phrases like "intended to suggest", "wanted to convey", or "was trying to imply" depending on the specific context. Using more straightforward language can improve clarity.

What's a more formal alternative to "mean to indicate"?

A more formal alternative is "intend to signify" or "seek to communicate". These options are suitable for academic or professional writing where precision is important.

Is it ever incorrect to use "mean to indicate"?

While grammatically correct, "mean to indicate" can sometimes sound redundant if the context already makes your intention clear. In such cases, a simpler verb like "suggest" or "imply" might be more effective.

How does "meant to indicate" differ from "mean to indicate"?

"Mean to indicate" describes a current intention, while "meant to indicate" describes a past intention or purpose. For example: 'I mean to indicate my support' vs. 'The sign was meant to indicate the exit'.