that I mean

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that I mean" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify or emphasize what you are trying to convey in a conversation or written text. Example: "I want to make it clear that I mean what I say when I talk about the importance of honesty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

By that, I mean successful.

The New York Times - Sports

By that I mean fortitude.

The New York Times

By that I mean Peter Mandelson.

The Guardian

"But by that I mean better," he added.

The New York Times

And by that I mean tight-fisted with your emotions.

Independent

"By that, I mean in the early hours".

Independent

And by that I mean a real fireplace".

The New York Times

"By that I mean I don't like to arrange things.

The New Yorker

By that I mean nothing hinged on this trait.

The New Yorker

By that I mean hard-core business travelers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And by that I mean….

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that I mean", ensure that the clarification immediately follows the original statement to maintain clarity and avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "that I mean" excessively, as it can make your writing or speech sound repetitive and less polished. Vary your clarification techniques by using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences in different ways.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that I mean" functions as a discourse marker used to provide clarification, elaboration, or rephrasing of a preceding statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it introduces a more precise or easily understood version of what the speaker or writer intends to convey.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that I mean" is a versatile tool for clarifying and emphasizing points in both written and spoken English. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It functions primarily to ensure clear communication by rephrasing or elaborating on previous statements. While suitable for various contexts, users should avoid overuse to maintain a polished tone. Alternatives like "in other words" or "to clarify" can provide similar functionality. The phrase is particularly prevalent in News & Media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what I'm saying is

Focuses on the speaker's intention to convey a specific point.

in other words

Rephrases a previous statement for clarity or simplicity.

to put it another way

Offers an alternative formulation of the same idea.

what I'm trying to say is

Emphasizes the speaker's effort to communicate a particular thought.

to clarify

Introduces a statement intended to remove ambiguity.

more precisely

Refines a statement to increase accuracy or detail.

specifically

Introduces a particular detail or aspect.

by which I signify

A more formal way of indicating what the speaker intends to convey.

I'm referring to

Pinpoints the specific subject or item the speaker is discussing.

what I wish to express

Highlights the speaker's intention to communicate a specific thought or feeling.

FAQs

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

Use "that I mean" to add clarity to a preceding statement. For example: "The project needs to be completed soon, and by "that I mean" by the end of the week."

What's a more formal alternative to "that I mean"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "in other words" or "to clarify" which can maintain a professional tone while providing explanation.

Is it redundant to use "that I mean" after a simple statement?

Yes, using "that I mean" after a straightforward statement can be seen as redundant. It is best reserved for instances where clarification is genuinely needed.

What phrases are similar to "that I mean"?

You can use alternatives like "what I'm saying is", "to put it another way", or "specifically" depending on the context.