we meant that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we meant that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to clarify or emphasize the intention behind a statement or action. Example: "When we said we would support the initiative, we meant that we would provide both financial and logistical assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

By principled constraints, we meant that instead of multiple seed based analysis the FDG-PET and ASL fMRI results helped constrain our analysis to the DMN and FPN.

eLife

We meant that heshould know this wasn't lost on us.

The New Yorker

Presumably we meant that a ban on same-sex marriage caused substantial harm to those couples.

The New York Times

Everyone: We meant that we had no idea you were in the shadow cabinet.

The Guardian

We meant that it rejects thousands who score perfect marks on at least one of the SAT papers, not all three.In this section What next?

The Economist

We meant that the gain is not worth the cost (in damage) — not that the cost is not worth the gain.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

We mean that.

The New Yorker

What do we mean that someone is influential?

Princeton University

And yes, Pulp and Arctic Monkeys, we mean that.

The Guardian - Music

"In hindsight," we say when we mean that we now know better than we did once.

The Guardian - Books

Do we mean that we think our politicians have little expertise?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we meant that" to clearly and directly clarify a previous statement that might be ambiguous or misunderstood. This ensures your audience understands your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "we meant that". This can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Instead, try rephrasing for smoother transitions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we meant that" serves as an explanatory device, used to clarify a prior statement, ensuring the intended meaning is accurately understood. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we meant that" functions as a tool for clarifying prior statements, ensuring clarity and minimizing ambiguity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in a variety of contexts, although more formal alternatives may be considered for strictly academic or professional writing. Usage patterns indicate its frequent occurrence in scientific, news and media, and academic sources. When using "we meant that", prioritize directness and clarity, but also avoid overuse by incorporating a range of synonymous phrases like "we intended to convey" or "our intention was" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we intended to convey

Replaces "meant" with a more formal synonym and adds "to convey" for clarity.

we were trying to say

Focuses on the act of communication and the effort to express something.

what we were getting at was

More informal and emphasizes the underlying point or implication.

we wished to express

Highlights the desire to communicate a specific idea or feeling.

our intention was

Shifts the focus to the intent behind the statement.

we aimed to communicate

Emphasizes the goal of clear and effective communication.

by that, we were referring to

Clarifies a specific element or aspect of the previous statement.

we were alluding to

Suggests a more indirect or subtle meaning behind the words.

in other words

Offers a simpler or more direct restatement of the previous idea.

to put it another way

Signals a reformulation of the statement using different language.

FAQs

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

The phrase "we meant that" is used to clarify a previous statement. For example: "When we suggested a review, "we meant that" a thorough analysis was needed."

What can I say instead of "we meant that"?

You can use alternatives like "we intended to convey", "we were trying to say", or "our intention was" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "we meant that" in formal writing?

While "we meant that" is grammatically correct, consider using more formal alternatives like "we wished to express" or "we aimed to communicate" in highly formal contexts. Review your sentence to see if it's the best way of explaining your idea.

What's the difference between "we meant that" and "we mean that"?

"We meant that" refers to a past intention or clarification, while "we mean that" refers to a current intention or clarification. For example: "Yesterday, "we meant that" the budget was sufficient. Today, "we mean that" additional funds are required."