Wednesday - October 7th

Today I'll teach the English expression “I meant to”. “Meant” is the past tense of “mean”, and I know you probably know what “mean” means. (Sorry, there are a lot of “means” in that sentence!) I guess you often ask, “What does this word mean?” or you say “Now I understand what the sentence means”.

Now look at these sentences:

I meant to go to the supermarket, but I did not have any money with me.

I meant to do my English homework, but my friend visited me, and we talked all evening.

I meant to speak to my mother, but she was not at home when I telephoned.

I meant to go to Anselmo's , but I really didn't know if he would be there.

“I meant to..” means “it was my plan, or my intention to..” do something. And it is an expression we often use when we have to explain why we have not done something! “I meant to send Lorena's birthday card, but I could not find a good one.” “I meant to meet my friend in town, but I had to stay home preparing Anselmo's lessons .”

Why am I explaining about “I meant to..” in this class? Well, This expression is very useful and I meant to teach you , but I really didn't have any idea whether you knew it or not. I have been worried. I meant to be a better teacher , but sometimes I forget you are almost fluent in English .