what i meant was vs what i meant is

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'What I meant was' is used when referring to something said or done in the past, while 'What I meant is' is used when explaining or clarifying a current point or intention.

Last updated: April 04, 2024 • 3045 views

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

"what i meant was"

This phrase is used to clarify or explain a previous statement or action. It is often followed by an explanation or clarification.

Examples:

What I meant was that we should leave early to avoid traffic.
I didn't mean to offend you. What I meant was to offer constructive criticism.

Show examples from the web [+]

What I meant was we're not together at the moment.
What I meant was it's time to renegotiate.
What I meant was that we'd help keep her alive.
And what I meant was, he should try a different approach.
What I meant was, it sounds like a real good time.
What I meant was, no, it's not about love.
What I meant was that Herrmann already asked me to scrub the showers, so...
What I meant was I can't wait to take him down.
What I meant was... was...
What I meant was what this was.
What I meant was that I wouldn't be scared if one of us was a ghost.
What I meant was, I see no case here.
What I meant was, why is she thanking us?
What I meant was..., ...someone under my...
What I meant was that, I know where they are. I mean, the stuff we wrote. It's in there.
What I meant was, if you haven't received a letter by now, it may not happen.
What I meant was, I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you, because I should have been.
What I meant was it takes strength to express your pain.
What I meant was that I want us to shine together.
What I meant was no more than any man.

Alternatives:

What I intended to say was
What I was trying to convey was

This phrase is correct and commonly used when explaining or clarifying a current point or intention.

"what i meant is"

This phrase is used to provide further explanation or clarification about a current statement or intention. It is often followed by additional details or reasoning.

Examples:

What I meant is that we need to focus on the long-term goals.
I'm sorry if I wasn't clear. What I meant is that we should start the project next week.

Show examples from the web [+]

What I meant is your official mourning period is over.
What I meant is Sebastian and I are still together.
What I meant is, it'll save real people real money.
Actually, what I meant is, why are you down here?
What I meant is that Daled IV rotates only once per revolution.
What I meant is that being a detective is not easy.
What I meant is I accidentally texted Angie instead.
Well, what I meant is...
What I meant is... I'd be happy to make it another night if you'd like.
Well, what I meant is, I like it both ways.
Right, I guess what I meant is why did we bothering learning them.
What I meant is that Sharpe is not as well-bred as his wife.
Guys, what I meant is maybe we can all pitch in a little cash and cover it.
What I meant is to mourn for the dead king before you.
I'm strongly agree to the marriage what I meant is that it's something different...
What I meant is... I need to get the band back, and I can't do it without you.
No, what I meant is's awesome that you and I have had breakfast for four mornings in a row.
Until the last year or so, what I meant is that my website paid me in love more frequently than it paid in money.
What I meant is that I, too, was like that once.
What I meant is, I don't precisely know where I... where Dr. Radcliffe currently is at this precise moment.

Alternatives:

What I mean is
What I am trying to say is

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