student asking question

When can I use "I mean"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

'I mean' can be used to mostly two scenarios. 1. To follow up on an explanation on what someone said. Ex: Let's tax more on the rich. I mean, our country has a huge budget deficit. Ex: This person was horrible. I mean, he was throwing things at me! 2. Used to correct what someone said. Ex: I blame the students, I mean, the parents. Ex: He speaks Spanish... I mean, Italian.

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