Collocation
What I mean is
Used to clarify, rephrase, or explain the true intention or specific point of something you have just said or are about to say.
Definition
'What I mean is' is a common English collocation. Used to clarify, rephrase, or explain the true intention or specific point of something you have just said or are about to say.
What I mean is + [explanation/clarification]
“I'm not saying it's bad; what I mean is it could be improved.”
Examples
- I'm not upset, what I mean is I'm just a little tired.
- He's not a bad person; what I mean is he just makes questionable decisions sometimes.
- Don't misunderstand me, what I mean is that we need to work together more effectively.
Show more examples
- The food wasn't terrible, what I mean is it just wasn't what I expected.
- I love the idea in theory, but what I mean is implementing it will be a challenge.
- It's not about winning or losing, what I mean is the experience itself is what matters.
- My criticism isn't personal; what I mean is your approach needs some adjustment.
- We don't need to replace it entirely; what I mean is we should upgrade the existing system.
- I'm not trying to be negative; what I mean is we need to be realistic about the risks.
- The project isn't failing; what I mean is it's just facing some unexpected delays.
Learn this in a path
More at A2 level
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