that is what I meant vs that is what I mean

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'That is what I meant' is used when referring to something you intended to convey in the past, while 'That is what I mean' is used when clarifying or emphasizing a point in the present or future.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 530 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to something intended to convey in the past.

"that is what I meant"

This phrase is used to clarify that a previous statement or action was intended to convey a specific meaning.

Examples:

I didn't mean to offend you. That is what I meant by my comment.
She misunderstood my message, but that is what I meant to say.

Show examples from the web [+]

that is what I meant
No, that is what I said.
Now, that is what I call a mobile home.
Well, that is what I wait for.
Yet that is what I see is happening.
Now, that is what I call passive-aggressive behaviour.
And that is what I intend to do with you.
Yet that is what I see is happening.
But that is what I tell them.
And that is what I shall put in my report.
And that is what I shall put in my report.
Now, that is what I call a success.
Yes, that is what I am asking.
Yes, that is what I intended.
And that is what I intend to do.
Ambition and political courage - that is what I wish for today's participants.
At least that is what I think...
I agree, that is what I said.
Yes... Maybe that is what I mean.
Mr Bennet, that is what I tried to say.
Well, first because that is what I listen to these days.

Alternatives:

that is what I was trying to say
that is what I was getting at
that is what I was aiming for

This phrase is correct and commonly used when clarifying or emphasizing a point in the present or future.

"that is what I mean"

This phrase is used to clarify or emphasize a point that is being made in the present or future.

Examples:

I want to make sure you understand my perspective. That is what I mean.
When I say I need your help, that is what I mean.

Show examples from the web [+]

No, that is what I mean.
That is what I mean but not in that way.
Yes... Maybe that is what I mean.
That is what I mean by "sterilization".
See? That is what I mean.
That is what I mean by the right way to put bark or any other mix into a pot.
That is what I mean when I say that I love you.
That is what I mean by the moment of truth in these important areas: legal cooperation and the fight against organized crime.
That is what I mean by promoting more than one product or service. Essentially what you are doing is giving yourself a good well-rounded product mix.
That is what I mean when, in my Message of 1 January 1986, I speak of peace as "a value with no frontiers, North South, East West"
That. That is what I mean.
That is what I mean.

Alternatives:

that is what I am saying
that is what I am trying to convey
that is what I am getting at

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that is what I meant vs that is what I mean

"that is what I meant"

"that is what I mean"

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