Using the verb "to mean"

Mean + gerund expresses what the result of an action will be, or what will be necessary. The word mean could be replaced by the word involve.

Examples
  • If you take that job in London it will mean travelling for two hours every day.
  • We could take the ferry to France, but that will mean spending a night in a hotel.
  • Buying this jacket now means not buying another until next year.
  • Leaving school would mean finding a job.

Mean + infinitive expresses an intention or a plan. The word mean could be replaced by the word intend.

Examples
  • Did you mean to dial this number?
  • I mean to finish this job by the end of the week!
  • I didn't mean to hurt you.
  • I meant to return the books on time.