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.
A: So you don't want to come?
B: No, what I mean is I can't make it until later.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: I mean is the price too high.
Say: 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'.