which I mean

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which I mean" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to further emphasize a point you have just made, or to make your statement more clear. For example: I'm looking for a new job, which I mean is an opportunity that is both challenging and rewarding.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"By which I mean, we love actors.

The New Yorker

By which I mean interesting things".

Independent

By which I mean both!

The New York Times - Food

By which I mean: everybody.

The Guardian

By which I mean, the colorectal clinic.

The Guardian - Opinion

By which I mean get quite drunk.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

By which I mean the underage aspect.

The Guardian - Books

"I'm not sure which I mean.

The Guardian - Film

By which I mean my real recipe.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Science, by which I mean me, is baffled.

The New York Times - Magazine

By which I mean to say, loneliness perverts you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which I mean" to clarify potentially ambiguous statements, ensuring your audience understands your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "which I mean" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for more concise phrasing or alternative clarification techniques to maintain a smooth flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which I mean" functions as a discourse marker used to introduce a clarification, explanation, or restatement of a preceding clause or statement. It serves to ensure the listener or reader understands the speaker's intended meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which I mean" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to introduce clarifications or elaborations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While the phrase is considered correct and commonly used, it's advisable to avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity. Alternatives such as "in other words" or "that is to say" can add variety to your expression. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "which I mean" to enhance communication and ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is to say

Offers a formal restatement or definition of the previous term or idea.

what I really mean is

Highlights the speaker's true intention or underlying meaning.

in other words

Offers a more concise restatement of the previous idea.

to put it another way

Suggests a different perspective or phrasing of the same concept.

to clarify

Directly indicates that the speaker is providing additional explanation.

what I'm getting at is

Highlights the underlying point or implication of the previous statement.

what I'm saying is

Focuses on the current statement being made, rather than clarifying a previous one.

I'm trying to say

Indicates an attempt to articulate a difficult or nuanced concept.

specifically

Narrows down the scope of the previous statement to a particular detail.

more precisely

Adds a higher degree of accuracy and detail to the previous statement.

FAQs

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

Use "which I mean" to elaborate on a previous statement, providing further context or clarification. For example, "I prefer classical music, "which I mean" I enjoy listening to Beethoven and Mozart".

What can I say instead of "which I mean"?

You can use alternatives like "in other words", "that is to say", or "to clarify" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "which I mean"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Which I mean" is commonly used to introduce a clarification or restatement of a preceding clause.

What's the difference between "which I mean" and "I mean"?

"Which I mean" is used to clarify a specific part of the previous sentence, whereas "I mean" can be used more broadly to rephrase an entire thought or introduce a new idea. The 'which' adds an extra level of reference to a specific clause.