"i mean" vs "i meant"

Question

"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

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.

Alternatives:

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

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

Answer 1

i mean

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

i meant

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"i mean" vs "i meant"

i mean

i meant

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