Grammar fix
what I mean is …
make your point clearer
A spoken phrase used to restate something in a clearer way when the other person hasn't quite understood.
expressionB1core
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- 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
Fix the pattern
Pattern: What I mean is (that) [clearer statement]
WrongI mean is the price too high.
RightWhat I mean is, the price is too high.
Keep the fixed opener 'What I mean is …'; don't shorten it to 'I mean is'.
PatternWhat I mean is (that) [clearer statement]
Don't confuse it
'What I mean is …' restates your own point; 'do you mean …?' checks what someone else said.