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mean

Questions​

Note the structure of questions with mean.

  • Excuse me. What does ‘hermetic’ mean? (not What means ‘hermetic’?)

Note also the preposition in What do you mean by ‘hermetic’? (= In what sense are you using the word?)

mean and think, meaning and opinion​

Mean and meaning are ‘false friends’ for speakers of some European languages. They are not usually used for ‘think’ or ‘opinion’.

  • I think that Labour will win the next election. (not I mean that Labour will win …)
  • What’s your opinion? (not What’s your meaning?)

Structures​

Mean (= intend, plan) can be followed by (object) + infinitive.

  • Sorry – I didn’t mean to interrupt you.
  • Did you mean Jack to pay for everybody?

Mean (= involve, have as a result) can be followed by a noun or an -ing form.

  • The Fantasians have invaded Utopia. This means war!
  • If you decide to try the exam, it will mean studying hard.

I mean​

I mean is used informally as a ‘discourse marker’ to introduce explanations or additional details.

  • He’s funny – I mean, he’s really strange.
  • It was a terrible evening. I mean, they all sat round and talked politics.
  • Would you like to come out tonight? I mean, only if you want to, of course.

When I mean introduces a comment it can be close to I think or I feel, but it is not followed by that.

  • A hundred pounds for a thirty-hour week. I mean, it’s not right, is it? (but not I mean that it’s not right …)

In informal speech, I mean often acts as a connector or ‘filler’, with little real meaning.

  • Let’s go and see Jake on Saturday. I mean, we could make an early start …

I mean is also used to introduce corrections.

  • She lives in Southport – I mean Southampton.

What do you mean …?​

What do you mean …? can express anger or protest.

  • What do you mean, I can’t sing?
  • What do you mean by waking me up at this time of night?

No progressive form​

Mean is not normally used in progressive forms when it refers to meanings.

  • What does that strange smile mean? (not What is that strange smile meaning?)

But perfect progressive forms can be used to refer to intentions.

  • I’ve been meaning to phone you for weeks.