I've been meaning to tell you...

Meaning

Indicates the information has been withheld for some time.

Examples

• John: Is everything alright?
• Alice: Actually, <b>I've been meaning to tell you</b>... my grandmother is coming to visit.
• John: Oh, that's nice! How long will she be staying?
• Alice: A month. I should have mentioned this sooner, <b>I've been meaning to tell you</b> for a while now.