mean about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mean about" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe how someone feels or thinks about a particular thing. For example: "I'm not sure what he meant about his plans for the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I mean 17 percent of G.D.P.

The New York Times

"It does not mean 80percentt compliance.

The New York Times - Sports

"I mean, 99.5percentt -- we've never seen that," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

That doesn't mean 100percentt of the time.

The New York Times - Sports

Did you mean 0.5%?

Science Magazine

The party does not mean TME.

BBC

G3? Oh, you mean 3G.

TechCrunch

The carbominerites include carbargilite (mean 13.0%), carbopyrite (mean 5.0%), and carbankerite (mean 0.4%).

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

The mineral matter includes sulphides (mean 4.9%), carbonates (mean 0.8%), and argillaceous mineral matter (mean 14.1%).

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

The analysis reveals that among the monomacerite, humite dominates (mean 46.8%) followed by liptite (mean 4.9%), and inertite (mean 1.6%).

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

Results 12 patients were enrolled (mean age 31.3 years, mean FEV1/FVC49.9% %, mean FEV128.4% % predicted).

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mean about", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. It's most effective when clarifying a previous statement or action.

Common error

Avoid using "mean about" when a more direct verb like "intend" or "imply" would be clearer. Overusing it can make your writing sound vague or indirect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mean about" functions primarily as a phrasal verb construction, typically used to inquire about or clarify the intention or significance behind someone's words or actions. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "mean about" is grammatically correct, Ludwig AI indicates that it is not widely used. It serves to ask for clarification regarding intentions or implications behind statements or actions. When using "mean about", clarity and context are key to avoiding ambiguity. Alternatives like "imply" or "refer to" might be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Imply

Highlights the suggestive nature of the communication.

Indicate

Points out the signal or evidence provided by the communication.

Suggest

Highlights the indirect or subtle nature of the communication.

Intend to convey

Focuses on the intention behind the message, rather than just the meaning.

Allude to

Focuses on the indirect or veiled reference.

Connote

Emphasizes the associated or implied meaning.

Signify

Stresses the symbolic representation or importance of the message.

Refer to

Emphasizes the direct object or subject of the statement.

What I'm driving at

This idiomatic phrase is less formal and more direct.

Hint at

This option suggests a subtle or indirect indication.

FAQs

How can I use "mean about" in a sentence?

You can use "mean about" to clarify what someone intended to say or do. For example, "I'm not sure what she meant about leaving early."

What is a good alternative to "mean about"?

Alternatives include "imply", "indicate", or "refer to", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "mean about"?

It's appropriate when you need to inquire about the specific intention or significance behind someone's words or actions. It's often used to seek clarification.

What's the difference between "mean about" and "mean by"?

"Mean by" is used to ask for a definition or explanation of a word or phrase, while "mean about" is used to ask for clarification of a statement or action, focusing on the intention or feeling behind it.