Meaning
An expression that is used to confirm a fact or what you’ve said.
Today’s Sentences
- That’s what I need to do.
- That’s what I like about you.
- That’s what I meant to say.
- That’s what I’d like to know.
- That’s what I would do.
- Writer’s Note
01
That’s what I need to do.
Situation 1
Your shoelaces are untied.
Again? This happens way too often.
You should buy a pair of springer laces.
That’s what I need to do!
Situation 2
I wish I could track the distance when I run.
You should buy a smart watch!
That’s what I need to do.
Yea,
it’s great for collecting data when you work out.
02
That’s what I like about you.
Situation 1
So I helped this elderly woman walk across the street today.
That’s what I like about you.
Because I helped someone?
Because you’re compassionate to others.
Situation 2
I love having a smoothie after a good workout.
That’s what I like about you.
That I like smoothies?
No,
that you take care of your body.
03
That’s what I meant to say.
Situation 1
Did you say you’re going to the conference tomorrow?
Actually, I’m going today. That’s what I meant to say.
Oh, I thought I heard you wrong.
Do wanna go together?
Situation 2
I love my workplace.
That’s great!
Also, I love the people that I work with.
That’s what I meant to say.
I’m glad to hear that you’re so happy at your job.
04
That’s what I’d like to know.
Situation 1
Can I do my taxes for this year?
Do you mean today?
Or would you like to make an appointment?
I’m wondering if it’s too early to file.
That’s what I’d like to know.
I can help you file today.
Situation 2
You should head east and then take the ramp west.
Should I go left or right after the ramp?
That’s what I’d like to know.
Oh you take a right after the ramp.
Thanks so much for the directions.
05
That’s what I would do.
Situation 1
I just had another argument again.
Was it about the same thing?
It’s always about going out with friends.
I would try to talk it over when you’re both in a better mood. That’s what I would do.
Situation 2
I’ve been taking golf lessons but I’m not getting any better.
Have you tried 3D swing analysis?
Is there an app for that?
There are apps or you can just use your camera.
That’s what I would do.
Writer’s Note
Usually you use ‘That’s what I meant to say’ when you want to correct or rephrase what said. Also, you can use it to add on more information to what was said.
Important: That’s what I meant = past simple meaning it is used to clarify something that was said in the past seen in Situation 1. That’s what I mean = present simple meaning you want to correct what you’ve just said.
‘That’s what I would do’ is said to suggest your way of doing something. You can use it to show how you would take action and make a situation better.
1. ‘I find parallel parking so stressful.’
‘Take the car out on the weekend and practice parallel street parking. That’s what I would do.’
2. ‘My cookies always seem to turn out flat.’
‘Check that the butter isn’t too soft. That’s what I would do.’
3. ‘I can never sync my devices after buying a new phone.’
‘Check the ID and login using a browser. That’s what I would do‘.
