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mean ~ mean ~ means

[the first ‘mean’ rhymes with the second ‘mean’; and the word ‘means’ is pronounced with an ‘s’ sound]

“Mean” (adjective) means ‘1. not kind or pleasant in behaviour; not willing to cooperate or help; not generous (not free with money), 2. average, 3. poor or bad in quality of one’s ability’,

e.g.

He is a very mean person; he doesn’t even allow his wife to buy some decent clothes.

She was so mean that she sent her guest away because he was late.

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“Mean” (verb) — mean – meant – meant – meaning, means ‘to have something in mind to do or say something; to intend (have a plan) to do or say something; (of words, signs, etc.) to signify, represent’,

e.g.

What does this sign ‘@’ mean?

It means ‘at’ (at the rate of) in computer language.

I really didn’t mean you’re a playboy; I meant you’re a playful man.

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“Means” (noun) {plural in form but often singular in meaning} is ‘some way or method of doing or expressing something’ and the singular of the verb word ‘mean’ when used in the simple present tense with third person singular subject,

e.g.

What means of transportation do you use?  [i.e. how do you go from one place to another: by bus, subway, own car, taxi, motorcycle, etc.]

The cheapest means of transportation is the bicycle.

He lives more comfortably because he has other means of income besides his salary.

Common Errors:

1.

Being a good teacher means to make your students get interested in learning.  [wrong]

Being a good teacher means making your students get interested in learning.   [right]

2.

She was determined to get that job by all means.   [wrong]

She was determined to get that job by whatever means.  [right]

{1. We should be very careful with ‘means’ as a verb used after a 3rd person pronoun or a singular noun, and with ‘means’ as a noun with the meaning ‘some way or method of doing or expressing something’.  2. The expression ‘by all means’, which means ‘sure/certainly’, is used in formal English to show that one is happy to bilge someone else’s request or to accept a suggestion, for example, “Could I use you computer for a while?’ (the usual answer is) ‘By all means!’}

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