mean to do something and mean doing something

[jiang]

Dear teachers,

Is there any difference between "to mean to do something" and "to mean doing something"?

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance.

Jiang

 

[Chicken Sandwich]

NOT A TEACHER

To me "to mean doing something" doesn't sound right. If you look at the 3rd definition here, you'll see that only "mean to do something" is listed. Consider this sentence, which to me sounds wrong:

I've been meaning asking you if you want to come for a meal next week.

 

[5jj]

Consider this sentence, which to me sounds wrong:

I've been meaning asking you if you want to come for a meal next week.

You're right - it's wrong.

 

[Rover_KE]

Confusingly, although mean to and intend to have the same meaning, for some reason I wouldn't say 'I mean going to church later' whilst I would say 'I intend going to church later.'

Rover

 

[jiang]

Hi,
Thank you very much for your help. The following is from Longman dictionary:
mean to do something I didn't mean to upset you.
mean doing something My new job will mean travelling all over the world.

Dieting also means being careful about which foods you buy.

Could you please explain them to me?

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance.

Jiang

 

[5jj]

mean to do something - I didn't mean (intend) to upset you.
mean doing something - My new job will mean (have as a result) travelling all over the world.