i mean vs i meant

The phrases 'i mean' and 'i meant' have different meanings and are used in different contexts. 'I mean' is used to clarify or explain something that was said, while 'I meant' is used to correct or clarify something that was previously said. They are not interchangeable.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 3297 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"i mean"

Use 'i mean' when you want to clarify or explain something that was said. It is often used to provide further context or to rephrase a statement.

Examples:

I don't like seafood. I mean, I can eat it, but it's not my favorite.
She's always late. I mean, she tries to be on time, but she gets distracted easily.
I mean, I understand why you're upset, but I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.
I mean, it's not that I don't want to go, it's just that I have other plans.
I mean, I thought we were meeting at 3, not 2.

Show examples from the web [+]

Our fake relationship - i mean, you and bryce were...
You look like a million - i mean, a billion bucks.
Seriously, really, i mean, The most pointless of all shapeshifters.
You know, i mean, things have changed.
But, i mean, dan's never liked a girl like he likes you.
i mean, both brothers are duke university grads.
i mean, natalie said owen was sick, right?
i mean, resentment is a 2-way street.
i mean, half the people pass.
No, i mean, that's where Dutch always started out when he was trying to track him down.
I thought it would be fine. i mean, I'm the face of c.o.b.
Of course. but why is he? i mean, he's you five years ago.
i mean, you need gold.
i mean, we haven't been to the beach since argentina.
Like, you know what i mean.
Other than your husband, i mean.
Not having a family of your own, i mean.
I think you know What i mean.
And by flesh i mean all that stinking, disgusting meat.
Who knows about this? on the islandm i mean.

Alternatives:

in other words
to clarify
to put it differently
to explain
to rephrase

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"i meant"

Use 'i meant' when you want to correct or clarify something that was previously said. It is often used to explain that your previous statement was not accurate or was misunderstood.

Examples:

I said I would be there at 5, but I meant 6.
She thought I was angry, but I meant to be playful.
I didn't mean to offend you. I meant to offer constructive criticism.
I meant to call you yesterday, but I got busy.
I meant to say 'thank you,' not 'thanks.'

Alternatives:

what I intended to say was
what I was trying to convey was
what I actually meant was
what I meant to say was
what I wanted to express was

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