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what do you mean vs What do you mean by

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'What do you mean' is a more general question asking for clarification, while 'What do you mean by' is used when asking for the specific definition or explanation of something.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 870 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to ask for clarification or understanding.

"what do you mean"

This phrase is used to ask someone to explain or clarify what they are trying to convey. It is a general question seeking more information.

Examples:

  • I don't understand what you're saying. What do you mean?
  • What do you mean by that statement?
  • Aug 30, 2015 ... ... What do you mean? When you don't want me to move But you tell me to go What do you mean? Said we're running out of time Trying to catch ...
  • "What Do You Mean?" is a song by Canadian singer Justin Bieber. It was released on August 28, 2015 by Def Jam as the lead single from his fourth studio ...
  • Aug 28, 2015 ... ... What do you mean? When you nod your head yes But you wanna say no What do you mean? When you don't want me to move But you tell me to go ...
  • 2 days ago ... WHY YOU DO THIS FILIGREE WHAT DO YOU MEAN KEYPIECE 2???? Bug. r ...
  • Sep 8, 2015 ... what do you mean Justin Bieber best whatsapp status ❤️ #justinbieber #whatdoyoumean #music #shorts. 1.5K views ...
  • 15 hours ago ... What do you mean you're dressed as 1940s biker Armand for Halloween?
  • Jun 17, 2021 ... Justin Bieber - What Do You Mean (Lyrics) Follow Cakes & Eclairs on Spotify: http://bit.ly/CakesEclairs Stream What Do You Mean Justin ...
  • Part 1: What Do You Mean When You Say “Student Agency”? Insights 11 September 2018. By Jennifer Davis Poon, Center for Innovation in Education ...
  • Mar 18, 2021 ... What do you mean, you've never seen 'Blade Runner'? Alex Turner lives for moments like this. The strangled incredulity in the voices of those ...
  • Aug 28, 2015 ...What do you mean?“ … I don't really know, that's why I'm asking. To build anticipation, Justin enlisted a series of celebrities to help ...

Alternatives:

  • Could you explain that further?
  • Can you clarify that?
  • What are you trying to say?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when asking for the specific definition or explanation of something.

"What do you mean by"

This phrase is used when you want someone to provide a more detailed explanation or definition of a particular statement or concept.

Examples:

  • What do you mean by 'success'?
  • Can you tell me what you mean by 'happiness'?
  • What do you mean by tracking?
  • What do you mean by perfect?
  • What do you mean by tenacious?
  • What do you mean by "recycling"?
  • What do you mean by properly?
  • What do you mean by "hallucinations"?
  • What do you mean by "interesting"?
  • What do you mean by mostly?
  • What do you mean by suitable?
  • What do you mean by his "behavior"?
  • What do you mean by quickly?
  • What do you mean by "father"?
  • What do you mean by "taking advantage of?"
  • What do you mean by "a professional"?
  • What do you mean by "normal"?
  • What do you mean by "deficits"?
  • What do you mean by "strange dealings"?
  • Easy! - What do you mean by portal?
  • What do you mean by "they"?
  • What do you mean by "funny"?

Alternatives:

  • What is your definition of that?
  • Can you elaborate on that?
  • Can you clarify that for me?

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