3 CONFUSING VERBS
The terms "mind", "think" or "mean" are often used interchangeably, but they carry distinct meanings and nuances depending on context. Both words relate to cognitive processes, but they differ in their functions, applications, and implications. This article will explore their differences, provide examples, and include illustrative sentences to help you better understand their usage.
Characteristics of Mind
As a Noun: (mysl, rozum, mínění, mentalita, paměť)
Represents cognitive faculties (e.g., memory, reasoning, emotions).
Can refer to a person’s focus or mental state.
As a Verb: (vadit, dávat pozor, starat se, dbát)
Refers to being concerned about or objecting to something.
Suggests attentiveness or care.
Examples:
Noun: represents the part of a person responsible for understanding, reasoning, and decision-making.
Her mind was racing with ideas after the seminar.
The power of the human mind is incredible.
Keep it in mind!
He has a sharp mind, perfect for solving puzzles.
Her mind wandered during the long lecture.
Verb: meaning to care about, be bothered by, or pay attention to something.
mind - minded - minded
Would you mind helping me with this?
He didn’t mind staying late to finish the project.
I don’t mind it. (To mi nevadí.)
Mind the step. (Pozor schod.)
Mind your own business. (Hleď si svého.)
Do you mind if I borrow your book?
Characteristics of THINK
Action-Oriented:
Focuses on the process of generating thoughts or ideas.
-ing form: dynamic (I’m thinking = přemýšlím -> PROCES)
Subjective and Reflective:
Often linked to opinions, beliefs, and judgments.
Stative verb (I think = myslím si -> NÁZOR)
think - thought - thought
Examples:
I think it’s going to rain later.
He’s thinking about moving to a new city.
Think carefully before you make a decision.
I thought as much. (To jsem si myslel.)
I think so. (Doufám, že ano.)
I don’t think so. (Myslím, že ne.)
What do you think about …? (Co si myslíš o…?
What are you thinking about? (O čem přemýšlíš?)
Noun: a thought (myšlenka, nápad, úmysl)
Give it a thought. (Zamysli se nad tím.)
He was deep/lost in thought. (Byl hluboce zamyšlený.)
On second thought(s). (A nebo víte co..)
It’s some food for thought. (Je to něco k zamyšlení.)
I had second thoughts about going there alone.(Měla jsem pochybnosti o tom, jít tam sama.)
I lost my train of thought. (Ztratila jsem nit.)
MEAN
"Mean" is a versatile word in English with several meanings and uses. It can function as a verb, adjective, or noun, each with distinct implications.
As a Verb:
mean - meant - meant
To signify or represent:
What does this word mean? Co tohle slovo znamená?
This symbol means peace. Tento symbol znamená mír.
To intend or plan:
I mean to call her later. Mám v úmyslu ji zavolat později.
He didn't mean to hurt anyone. Neměl v úmyslu nikoho zranit.
To convey or express:
What do you mean by that? Co tím myslíš?
She means well. Myslí to dobře.
As an Adjective:
Unkind or cruel; zlý
He was mean to his sister. Byl zlý na svou sestru.
Don’t be so mean! Nebuď tak zlý!
Poor or inferior; ubohý, špinavý
He grew up in mean circumstances. Vyrůstal ve zlých poměrech.
She lived in a mean little hut. Žila v špinavé malé chatě.
3. Not willing to give or share things; lakomý
He’s too mean to buy her even a dinner.
As a Noun:
The average value; průměr
The mean of these numbers is 10.
OTHER PHRASES WITH "MEAN"
Mean to do something:
I mean to finish this by tomorrow.
Mean no harm:
She meant no harm by her comment.
Mean business:
When he says he’ll fix the issue, he means business.
What do you mean?:
What do you mean, you can’t come?
Mean streak:
He has a mean streak when he’s angry.
be no mean feat/task: (=a great achievement)
Winning that match was no mean feat.
Organizing the event was no mean task.
Arithmetic mean:
The arithmetic mean of the scores was calculated.
PRACTICE
1) Complete the sentences with these words: mind, think, thought
1. I _______ we should leave early to avoid traffic.
2. Her brilliant _______ solved the problem in minutes.
3. That’s an interesting _______; I hadn’t considered it before.
4. Do you _______ it’s possible to finish this project on time?
5. Would you _______ if I opened the window?
6. The human _______ is incredibly complex and mysterious.
7. He _______ deeply before answering the difficult question.
8. I don’t _______ she’ll agree with our plan.
2) Correct mistakes in the following sentences:
1. His mind was full of creative thinks about the project.
2. Would you thought if I borrowed your pen for a moment?
3. I had a sudden mind about a solution to the problem.
4. She is very good at focusing her thinks during stressful times.
5. He didn’t think the noise, even though it was loud.
To get the results/key, email me or put your answers in the comments below.
Comments