When it comes to using the verb “to mean,” it can be confusing to decide whether to use a gerund or infinitive. The choice between the two depends on the context and intended meaning of the sentence. In this article, we will explore the different uses of “to mean” with both gerunds and infinitives.
Gerunds are verb forms that end in -ing and act as a noun in a sentence. Infinitives are the base form of a verb preceded by “to.” Both gerunds and infinitives can be used after “to mean,” but with different meanings. Understanding the nuances of these two forms is crucial to using them correctly.
Whether you are a native speaker or a language learner, knowing the appropriate use of gerunds and infinitives with “to mean” can help you communicate more effectively. In the following sections, we will examine the different contexts where gerunds and infinitives are used with “to mean” and provide examples to illustrate their meanings.
Definition of Gerunds and Infinitives
What is a Gerund?
A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun in a sentence. It is formed by adding -ing to the base form of a verb. For example, in the sentence “Swimming is my favorite hobby,” the word “swimming” is a gerund. It acts as the subject of the sentence and functions as a noun.
Gerunds can also act as the object of a verb, as in “I enjoy swimming,” where “swimming” is the object of the verb “enjoy.” Gerunds can also act as the object of a preposition, as in “I am thinking about swimming,” where “swimming” is the object of the preposition “about.”
What is an Infinitive?
An infinitive is a verb form that is preceded by the word “to” and functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. For example, in the sentence “I want to swim,” the phrase “to swim” is an infinitive. It acts as the direct object of the verb “want.”
Infinitives can also act as the subject of a sentence, as in “To swim is my favorite hobby.” In this sentence, the infinitive phrase “to swim” acts as the subject of the sentence. Infinitives can also act as the object of a verb, as in “I like to swim,” where “to swim” is the object of the verb “like.”
It is important to note that some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive and the choice of which one to use can change the meaning of the sentence. For example, the verb “to mean” can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive and the choice of which one to use will affect the meaning of the sentence.
Using Gerunds and Infinitives with the Verb “to mean”
Gerund after “to mean”
The gerund form (-ing) of a verb is used after “to mean” when it is followed by another verb. This construction is used when “to mean” is used to express the intended result or purpose of an action. Here are some examples:
- If I don’t call you at 10, it will mean calling you at 11 when it is very late
- What do you mean by saying that?
In these examples, the gerund form (-ing) is used after “to mean” to express the intended result or purpose of an action. In the first example, the intended result was to call, but it will now happen much later. In the second example, “to mean” is used to ask for clarification of what was said.
Infinitive after “to mean”
The infinitive form (with “to”) of a verb is used after “to mean” when it is followed by a noun or pronoun. This construction is used when “to mean” is used to express the intended meaning or definition of a word or phrase. Here are some examples:
- I didn’t mean to do it.
- She meant to say “thank you,” but she was too nervous.
In these examples, the infinitive form (with “to”) is used after “to mean” to express the intended meaning or definition of a word or phrase.
Examples of Gerunds and Infinitives with “to mean”
The verb “to mean” can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, depending on the intended meaning of the sentence. Here are some examples:
| Verb + Gerund | Verb + Infinitive |
|---|---|
| That will mean staying at my auntie’s for another week. | I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. |
| Cutting costs will mean laying off more people. | I mean to study harder next semester. |
| That will mean taking another week off work | What does this symbol mean to represent? |
When “to mean” is followed by a gerund, it often indicates the action that someone intended to do or the reason behind an action. It is nearly always used for a future meaning. On the other hand, when “to mean” is followed by an infinitive, it often indicates the intended outcome or purpose of an action.
It is important to note that the use of gerunds or infinitives with “to mean” can change the meaning of a sentence. For example, “I meant to call you” indicates that the speaker intended to call, but did not actually make the call.
Exceptions and Special Cases
While the general rule is to use the infinitive after the verb “to mean,” there are some exceptions and special cases to keep in mind.
- Mean to + Gerund: When “mean” is used in the expression “mean to + gerund,” it means to intend or plan to do something. In this case, the gerund form is used after “mean to.” For example: “I meant to call you yesterday.”
- Mean + Object + Infinitive: When “mean” is followed by an object and then an infinitive, it means to have the intention or purpose of doing something. For example: “I meant him to finish the project by Friday.”
- Mean + Adjective + Infinitive: When “mean” is followed by an adjective and then an infinitive, it means to express a certain attitude or opinion. In this case, the infinitive form is used after the adjective. For example: “His behavior meant to be helpful.”
It’s important to note that the meaning of “mean” can change depending on the context and the words that follow it. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to pay attention to the structure of the sentence and the intended meaning.
Additionally, some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive without changing the meaning of the sentence. These include “begin,” “continue,” “hate,” “like,” “love,” “prefer,” “propose,” and “start.” For example: “I started reading a new book” and “I started to read a new book” have the same meaning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between using a gerund or infinitive with the verb “to mean” depends on the context and the intended meaning. Here are some key takeaways:
- When “to mean” is used in the sense of “to intend” or “to plan,” it is usually followed by the infinitive form.
- When “to mean” is used in the sense of “to signify” or “to represent,” it is usually followed by the gerund form.
- However, there are cases where both forms can be used interchangeably, such as in sentences where the meaning is ambiguous or unclear.
- It is important to consider the context and intended meaning when choosing between the gerund and infinitive forms with “to mean.”
Overall, the use of gerunds and infinitives can be tricky, but with practice and an understanding of context, one can master the proper usage of these forms.
