Page 354 - Practical English Usage 3ed - Michael Swan, Oxford

Note also the preposition in What do you mean by 'hermetic'? (= In what sense are you using the word?)
2 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. (NaT I mettn that Labour will ttfflt-. . . )
What's your opinion? (NOT yfhttt's your mettning?) 3 structures
Mean (= intend, plan) can be followed by (object) + infinitive. Sorry - I didn't mean to interrupt you.
Did you mean John to post those letters?
Mean (= involve, have as a result) can be followed by a noun or .. .ing. The Fantasians have invaded Utopia. This means war!
Ifyou decide to try the exam, it will mean studying hard.
4 Imean
5
6
I mean is used informally as a 'discourse marker' (see 157) 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 ifyou want to, ofcourse.
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 mettn 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 Phil 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 ofnight?
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 snnge Sl'Itile
mettnillg'l)
But perfect progressive forms can be used to refer to intentions.
I've been meaning to pholle you for weeks.
mean 348
page 322