When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To mean (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to mean" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I don't know what you mean by that.
Meaning (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "meaning" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
The meaning of this word is unclear.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To mean (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To mean is important in effective communication.
To mean is important in effective communication.
- "*To mean*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important in effective communication).
- 2Object
She wants me to mean what I say.
She wants me to mean what I say.
- "Me *to mean* what I say" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to mean* what I say).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a clear explanation to mean anything.
I need a clear explanation to mean anything.
- "*To mean* anything" modifies the noun "explanation."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a clear explanation *to mean* anything).
Meaning (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Meaning is subjective and can vary from person to person.
Meaning is subjective and can vary from person to person.
- "*Meaning*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (subjective and can vary from person to person).
- 2Object
I enjoy the meaning behind this song.
I enjoy the meaning behind this song.
- "The *meaning* behind this song" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (the *meaning* behind this song).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a deep understanding of the meaning of life.
She has a deep understanding of the meaning of life.
- "Of the *meaning* of life" is the object of the preposition "of."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a deep understanding of the *meaning* of life).
Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects
The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects
Example
He plans to mean his words when he speaks.
We hope to mean well with our actions.
They want to mean something to others.
She decided to mean what she said.
We agreed to mean every word we wrote.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys meaningful conversations with friends.
They recommend exploring the deeper meaning of the text.
I dislike the vague meaning of that statement.
She avoids discussing the deeper meaning of her artwork.
Can you imagine the meaning behind this ancient symbol?
