mean to do something

Meaning

This expression means to intend to do something or to do it on purpose. It is frequently used in the negative ('didn't mean to') to apologize for an accident or an unintentional mistake. The tone is polite, conversational, and very common.

Examples

• I'm so sorry I stepped on your foot; I didn't mean to do it.

  I'm so sorry I stepped on your foot; I didn't mean to do it.

• Did you mean to leave your keys on the kitchen counter?

  Did you mean to leave your keys on the kitchen counter?

• I've been meaning to call you all week, but I've been so busy.

  I've been meaning to call you all week, but I've been so busy.

• He didn't mean to offend anyone with his joke.

  He didn't mean to offend anyone with his joke.

• I meant to buy some milk, but I completely forgot.

  I meant to buy some milk, but I completely forgot.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I meant doing my homework, but I fell asleep.

  ✓ I meant to do my homework, but I fell asleep.

  The verb 'mean' (signifying intention) must be followed by an infinitive ('to do'), not a gerund ('doing').

• ✗ I didn't mean it to happen.

  ✓ I didn't mean for it to happen.

  To express that you did not want an event to occur, use 'mean for [something] to happen' or simply say 'I didn't mean to.'

Related Expressions

Practice

• I didn't ________ hurt your feelings; it was just a misunderstanding.

  💡 To intend to (often used in the past tense or negative).

  Show answer

  mean to

• She has been ________ email you about the upcoming trip.

  💡 Intending to do something for a while.

  Show answer

  meaning to