what I mean is … — make your point clearer
expressionB1IELTS 4+neutralcore
A spoken phrase used to restate something in a clearer way when the other person hasn't quite understood.
Pattern: What I mean is (that) [clearer statement]
In use
- Sorry, that came out wrong — what I mean is, I'd rather start tomorrow.clarifying yourself
- A: So you don't want to come?
B: No, what I mean is I can't make it until later.clearing up a misunderstanding
Common mistake
✗ I mean is the price too high.
✓ What I mean is, the price is too high.
Keep the fixed opener 'What I mean is …'; don't shorten it to 'I mean is'.
Don't confuse it
'What I mean is …' restates your own point; 'do you mean …?' checks what someone else said.