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what he meant vs what he means

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'What he meant' is used when you are referring to something that was said or done in the past. 'What he means' is used when you are referring to something that is currently being expressed or intended.
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Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: October 09, 2024 • 14948 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to something that was said or done in the past.

"what he meant"

This phrase is used to inquire about the intention or understanding behind a past action or statement.

Examples:

  • I didn't understand what he meant by his comment.
  • Can you explain what he meant when he said that?
  • She realized what he meant after thinking about it for a while.
  • Sep 19, 2024 ... What he meant by this. General Discussion. I got to this part of the panel, and it made me think about it.
  • Sep 25, 2019 ... ... what he meant by that?” How deliciously scheming he miss have been to come out with that. It is not hard to guess why now “Talleyrand” has ...
  • Jan 15, 2014 ... Can anyone tell me what he meant by that ? [Image]. r/Sherlock - Can anyone tell ...
  • May 6, 2022 ... They are both correct depending on the context I didn't know what he meant. This sentence means you did not understand what he meant at some ...
  • Jun 12, 2024 ... Jerry West — and what he meant to West 'By God' Virginia · Mitch Vingle The New View | Mitch Vingle. When I read the news of Jerry West's ...
  • Mar 5, 2019 ... Luke Perry Knew What He Meant to So Many ... Young Luke Perry in a suit and bowtie. ... On Monday afternoon, as I was perusing my Instagram feed in ...
  • Jan 27, 2020 ... his hearing aid trilling. But I knew what he meant: forget you.
  • 7 days ago ... What Seattle meant to Quincy Jones, and what he meant to the city ... Some celebrities go out of their way to conceal their roots, but Quincy ...
  • Jan 12, 2020 ... Neil Peart: What he meant to me. Neil Peart playing the drums. I first discovered Rush towards the end of high school, after borrowing a tape ...

Alternatives:

  • what he was trying to say
  • what he intended
  • what he was getting at
  • what he was aiming for
  • what he was driving at

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to something that is currently being expressed or intended.

"what he means"

This phrase is used to inquire about the intention or understanding behind a current action or statement.

Examples:

  • I'm not sure what he means by that statement.
  • Can you clarify what he means with his behavior?
  • She wants to know what he means by his sudden change in attitude.
  • Apr 14, 2010 ... Official Music Video for Just Jinjer's single "What He Means". Available on the album, JUST JINJER.
  • Aug 17, 2023 ... what he means? it's about the books that he wanted, but i don't get the meaning of this sentence, what he says? "while fighting it at every ...
  • Oct 12, 2024 ... I know exactly what he means. 617K views · 3 weeks ago #smosh #shorts #short ...more. Smosh Pit. 8.39M. Subscribe. 57K. Share. Save.
  • Aug 29, 2024 ... Is this what he means? ... When Boruto says was this the only possible outcome at the beginning of the series is he referring to every good ...
  • Feb 6, 2019 ... ... What He Means, Shallow Waters, I like You Madly, Father & Farther, Too Late, Impossible Machines to name a few; and for delivering a world ...
  • May 13, 2024 ... Does anybody know what he means by radiators? Question. r/Deusex - Does anybody ...
  • Oct 25, 2024 ... Fletcher Says What He Means, Means What He Says - Letter ... I've considered Representative Steve Xiarhos my friend for the last four years. We ...
  • Nov 8, 2023 ... who “Jack” is and what he means (fight club). New Theory! In the movie “Fight Club” the main character who goes unnamed and his separate ...
  • Jun 26, 2020 ... God has said what He means. Jesus would go on to say that, “Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, ...
  • Aug 17, 2023 ... so my english is a little bad, what he means in these? 1."ain't worth toeing with no big dady" 2. "you'll be no better off with.

Alternatives:

  • what he is trying to say
  • what he intends
  • what he is getting at
  • what he is aiming for
  • what he is driving at

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