English Language Discussion Forums

lanlethi2603 · #1 26-Apr-2008, 16:46

Dear teachers,

I have been wondering about the use of ' Mean to do st' and ' mean doing st'. what is the difference between them? Could I have examples for these differences if have?

This is one questions from my students that makes me confused:(

I am also wondering if any of our teachers could help me with some factors (as far as you know) affecting the second/foreign language learning? I am finding those factors to find the ways out to help some of my students?

I am so much looking forward to hearing from you and your experience teaching?

Regards,

**RonBee** · #2 26-Apr-2008, 18:51

I mean to ask a question = I intend to ask a question

Snowcake · #3 26-Apr-2008, 18:55

Courage can mean doing something physically or mentally challenging.
In rural areas, supported housing may mean living with a family.

something bears the meaning of ...

This was meant to help you with you homework.
Football is meant to be played with you feet.

'be meant to' = should

I didn't mean to hurt you.
I meant to meet you as we agreed, but I was delayed.

'mean to' says that we intend to do something.

lanlethi2603 · #4 26-Apr-2008, 19:10

mean to do st= intend to do st- it is clear to me now!

How about 'mean doing st'- it is so confusing??

Also, I am a private tutor of English and is going to be a teacher of English. However, I am working on some factors affecting the foreign language achievements and how to overcome them. Any one of you could share your thoughts and your own experiences on this!

We could help many people thanks to those things

Am I right????

**RonBee** · #5 26-Apr-2008, 19:19

I don't recognize "mean doing something" as an English phrase.

engee30 · #6 26-Apr-2008, 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonBee

I don't recognize "mean doing something" as an English phrase.

mean doing something means making something happen/resulting in something/leading to something:

The injury Michael Owen sustained could have meant him missing a few games.

**RonBee** · #7 26-Apr-2008, 20:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by engee30

mean doing something means making something happen/resulting in something/leading to something:

The injury Michael Owen sustained could have meant him missing a few games.

Try:

The injury Michael Owen sustained could have meant he would miss a few games.

engee30 · #8 26-Apr-2008, 20:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonBee

Try:

The injury Michael Owen sustained could have meant he would miss a few games.

As good an example as that with the verb in the non-finite clause used (ie missing).