that's not what I meant vs that's not what I mean

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'That's not what I meant' is used when referring to something that was said or done in the past, while 'That's not what I mean' is used to clarify a current statement or intention.

Last updated: April 09, 2024 • 879 views

that's not what I meant

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to express that something said or done in the past was not intended in a certain way.

Examples:

I'm sorry if I offended you, that's not what I meant.
When I said that, that's not what I meant at all.

Show examples from the web [+]

No, that's not what I meant.
No, that's not what I meant.
Charlotte, that's not what I meant.
Hannah, that's not what I meant.
Dad, that's not what I meant.
Dr. Lightman, that's not what I meant.
Dad, that's not what I meant.
Leon... that's not what I meant.
No, that's not what I meant, Guidino.
No, Bob, that's not what I meant.
No, that's not what I meant.
Darius, that's not what I meant. Okay.
Dylan, no, that's not what I meant.
Okay, that's not what I meant.
Okay, listen, that's not what I meant.
No, Al, that's not what I meant.
No, sir, that's not what I meant.
That's - that's not what I meant.
I mean... That's not what I meant.
That's not what I meant.

Alternatives:

I didn't mean that.
That wasn't my intention.
I misspoke.

that's not what I mean

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to clarify a current statement or intention that may have been misunderstood.

Examples:

I want to go to the beach, that's not what I mean by wanting to stay outdoors.
When I said that, that's not what I mean for us to do.

Show examples from the web [+]

People do, and that's not what I mean.
I know, that's not what I mean to say.
No, that's not what I mean.
You know that's not what I mean. Okay.
No, that's not what I mean.
I'm so happy that's not what I mean
I know, I know, that's not what I mean.
That's not what I mean.
That's not what I mean, Reed.
That's not what I mean, ma.
That's not what I mean. I mean... it's happening to you, too, of all people.
No, no. That's not what I mean.
No, that's not what I mean.
I said that's not what I mean.
No, that's not what I mean.
I know, but that's not what I mean.
No, that's not what I mean, and you know it.
No, that's not what I mean.
Schmidt, that's not what I mean, but...
You know that's not what I mean.

Alternatives:

That's not what I intended.
What I meant was...
Let me clarify.

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