"meant to do something" vs "mean to do something"

Question

"meant to do something" vs "mean to do something"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Meant to do something' is used to express that something was intended or planned to be done in the past, while 'mean to do something' is used to express intention or plans for the future.

Last Updated: March 23, 2024

This phrase is used to talk about something that was intended or planned to be done in the past but may not have been completed.

Examples:

I meant to call you yesterday, but I forgot.
She meant to finish her homework before dinner.

Alternatives:

intended to do something
planned to do something

This phrase is used to talk about something that one intends or plans to do in the future.

Examples:

I mean to study harder next semester.
She means to travel around the world someday.

Alternatives:

intend to do something
plan to do something

Answer 1

meant to do something

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express that something was intended or planned to be done in the past.

Answer 2

mean to do something

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express intention or plans for the future.

"meant to do something" vs "mean to do something"

meant to do something

mean to do something

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