we meant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we meant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when clarifying or explaining the intention behind a statement or action. Example: "When we said we would meet at noon, we meant that we would be there promptly at 12:00 PM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here, we meant "overweening".

The New York Times

We meant "relegated".

The New York Times

We meant no disrespect.

The New York Times - Sports

We meant per day.

The Economist

Maybe we meant "approached"?

The New York Times

We meant "coincidentally".

The New York Times

"We" meant "I".

The New York Times

Perhaps we meant "reluctant"?

The New York Times

We meant "gait".

The New York Times

We meant $800 billion.

The Economist

We meant "harebrained".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we meant", immediately follow it with the corrected or clarified information to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "we meant" without clearly specifying what you are correcting or clarifying. Ensure the context makes the original statement and the correction easily identifiable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we meant" functions primarily as a clarifier or corrector within a discourse. It serves to refine a previous statement, ensuring the intended meaning is accurately conveyed. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to amend errors or prevent misunderstandings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we meant" is a common and grammatically sound way to clarify or correct a previous statement, primarily used in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it serves to rectify inaccuracies or ambiguities, ensuring clear communication. When using this phrase, it's best practice to immediately follow it with the intended correction or clarification. While versatile, it's important to maintain clarity by directly specifying what is being corrected to avoid confusion. Alternatives include "we intended" and "we were referring to", depending on the nuance you want to convey. Leading sources like The New York Times and The Economist frequently employ this phrase to maintain accuracy and precision in their reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what we meant to say was

Introduces a rephrasing or correction of a statement.

we actually meant

Highlights a correction of a previous statement.

we intended

Focuses on the original plan or intention behind a statement.

we should have said

Acknowledges an error and offers a corrected version.

we were referring to

Highlights the specific subject or item being discussed.

we wished to convey

Emphasizes the desired message or information.

by that, we implied

Explains the underlying suggestion or indirect meaning.

in other words

Offers a simpler or more direct explanation.

to clarify

Directly states the intention of making something clearer.

the correct term is

Focuses on using the most accurate or appropriate terminology.

FAQs

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

You can use "we meant" to clarify or correct a previous statement. For example, "When we said the project would be completed by Friday, "we meant" the end of day Friday."

What are some alternatives to "we meant"?

Alternatives to "we meant" include phrases like "we intended", "we were referring to", or "what we meant to say was" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "we meant"?

It is appropriate to use "we meant" when you need to correct a misunderstanding or clarify your previous statement to ensure your audience understands your intended meaning.

How does "we meant" differ from "we implied"?

"We meant" is used to correct a statement, while "we implied" suggests an indirect or underlying meaning that may not have been explicitly stated.