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What is Mean in English? Does Mean go with “to V” or “Ving”? The structure of Mean in English

Both "Mean to V" and "Mean Ving" are correct, but each structure is used in different contexts and will change completely in meaning. Let's read this article to understand what Mean is, the structure of Mean in English and distinguish between using Mean with “to V" and “Ving"!

The structure of Mean in English
The structure of Mean in English

I. What is Mean in English?

What is Mean in English? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, Mean is pronounced as /miːn/, this word acts as an adjectivenoun, and verb. Let's find out the meaning through the examples below!

  • Mean acts as an adjective, meaning: not willing to give or share things, especially money; unkind or unpleasant; very good. For example:
    • Stop being so mean big me! 
    • John is too mean to buy his wife a ring. 
    • She is a mean music composer. 
  • Mean acts as a noun and has the following meaning: the result you get by adding two or more amounts together and dividing the total by the number of amounts = average. For example: The mean of 5, 4, 10, and 15 is 8.5. 
  • Mean acts as a verb, meaning: to express or represent something such as an idea, thought, or fact; to intend. For example:
    • What does this word mean
    • I'm sorry if I offended you - I didn't mean any harm. 
What is Mean in English?
What is Mean in English?

II. Idioms used with Mean in English

Let's review some common idioms that are used with Mean in English in the table below.

Idioms

Meaning

Example

Be meant for each other

If you say two people are meant for each other, you think they suit each other as romantic partners.

The director and his wife are meant for each other

I mean…

Used to correct what you have just said or to add more information

I really do love Alex - as a friend, I mean

Mean business

To want very much to achieve something

mean business for the first prize in a marathon in May. 

To be serious about taking action

You’ve got to tell the students that you mean business – if they don't do work, they won't pass the class. 

Mean well

To do what you think will be helpful, although by doing it you might cause problems without intending to

I know he means well, but he just gets in the way. 

(Do you) see what I mean?

Used to ask if someone understands what you are trying to explain

You have to hold the bar down while you lock it – do you see what I mean? 

What do you mean?

Used to show that you are annoyed or that you disagree

What do you mean, it was my fault? 

No mean something

Used to say a person is very good at a certain activity

John is no mean cook

Idioms used with Mean in English
Idioms used with Mean in English

III. The structure of Mean in English

To answer the question “Does Mean go with “to V” or “Ving”?”, let's review the following table comparing the meanings of "Mean to V" and "Mean Ving", along with other common structures using Mean in English.

1. Distinguish between "Mean to V" and "Mean Ving"

Does Mean go with “to V” or “Ving”? Both "Mean to V" and "Mean Ving" are grammatically correct. However, they have completely different meanings. Let's explore together the differences between "Mean to V" and "Mean Ving".

 

Mean to V

Mean Ving

Meaning

Used when you want to express that someone intends to do something or wants to intentionally do something.

Used to express what something/an action/event implies, signifies or represents.

Structure

S + mean + (O) + to + V-inf + …

S + mean + (O) + V-ing + …

Example

mean to go home early today. 

The sign means waiting for the bus here. 

2. Common structures using Mean in English

Common structures using Mean in English
Common structures using Mean in English

Structure 

Meaning

Example

Mean that + clause (clause)

to represent or express something intended/ to have as a result

Advances in electronics mean that AI world is developing every second.

These figures mean that almost 7% of the population is unemployed. 

Be meant to do something

to be intended to

We were meant to go on a trip away last week but my sister was ill. Therefore, we had to cancel. 

Mean by something

to express or represent something such as an idea, thought, or fact

What do you mean by “rightsizing the department”? 

Be mean with something

not generous

Alex is well known for being mean with money

Be mean to somebody

unkind

If Jenny has ever been mean to staff, she always apologizes afterwards. 

IV. Exercises on Mean in English with answers

To further understand the definition, usage of Mean in English, and how to differentiate between using Mean with “to V" and "Ving", let's complete the following exercises together.

1. Exercises

Conjugate the verbs in brackets:

  1. Maria didn't mean________ (interrupt) your conversation; it was an accident.
  2. I didn't mean________ (hurt) your feelings with my comments.
  3. The sign means________ (park) car here.
  4. Being independent means________ (live) away from your parents.
  5. Alex didn't mean________ (forget) your birthday; it completely slipped his mind.
  6. We didn't mean________ (cause) any trouble; it was just a misunderstanding.
  7. More people at the party means________ (buy) more candy.
  8. This sign means not________ (smoke) in the hospital.
  9. They didn't mean________ (disturb) you during your presentation; they thought the meeting was over.
  10. I hope you know I didn't mean________ (ignore) your message; I've been quite busy lately.

2. Answer

  1. to interrupt
  2. to hurt
  3. parking
  4. living
  5. to forget
  6. to cause
  7. buying
  8. smoking
  9. to disturb
  10. to ignore

PREP hopes this article above has helped you grasp the definition, usage of Mean in English, and differentiate between using Mean with “to V" and "Ving". Let’s follow PREP for more high-quality English language knowledge updates in the future!

Master Tu Pham
Master Tu Pham
Founder/CEO at Prep
Founder of Prep Smart Test Preparation Platform. With over 10 years of experience in teaching and test preparation, Mr. Tú has helped thousands of students achieve high scores in the IELTS exam. In addition, Mr. Tú Phạm is also a consulting expert in British Council programs and a speaker at many leading educational events, programs, and conferences.
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