Convey vs Mean: Which One Is The Correct One?

Have you ever wondered if there’s a difference between the words “convey” and “mean”? While they may seem interchangeable, there are subtle differences that can affect the clarity of your communication. In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of these two words and provide guidance on when to use each one.

Let’s define our terms. “Convey” means to communicate or express something, often through words or actions. It can also refer to transporting or delivering something from one place to another. “Mean,” on the other hand, means to signify or indicate something, or to have a particular interpretation or intention. It can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is unkind or malicious.

So, which word is the proper one to use? The answer is that it depends on the context and what you’re trying to communicate. In some cases, “convey” may be more appropriate if you’re trying to express a message or idea clearly and effectively. In other cases, “mean” may be more suitable if you’re trying to indicate or signify something specific.

Throughout the rest of this article, we’ll explore different scenarios where one word may be more appropriate than the other. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how to use these words effectively in your own communication.

Define Convey

Convey refers to the act of communicating or expressing a message or information to someone. It involves the use of words, gestures, or actions to make something known or understood by another person. Conveying can be done verbally, in writing, or through non-verbal means like body language or facial expressions.

For instance, a teacher can convey a lesson to her students through a lecture, a presentation, or by demonstrating a concept. Similarly, a person can convey his feelings to another person by expressing them through words, actions, or even through gifts.

Define Mean

Mean, on the other hand, refers to the interpretation or significance of a message or information. It is the understanding that someone has about what has been communicated to them. Mean can be influenced by various factors like culture, language, context, and personal experiences.

For example, if a person says “I’m fine” in response to a question about their well-being, the mean of their statement can vary depending on the context and the tone of their voice. It could mean that they are really fine, or it could mean that they are not fine but do not want to talk about it. The interpretation of the mean of their statement is left to the listener to decipher.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right words to use in a sentence is crucial in effectively conveying your message. Two commonly confused words are “convey” and “mean.” While they may seem interchangeable, they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Convey” In A Sentence

When you use the word “convey,” you are indicating that you are communicating something, usually through words or actions. Here are some examples of how to use “convey” in a sentence:

• She conveyed her excitement about the upcoming trip through her enthusiastic tone of voice.
• The painting conveys a sense of sadness through its use of dark colors and somber imagery.
• It can be difficult to convey complex ideas in a simple way.

As you can see from these examples, “convey” is often used to describe how someone is communicating something, whether it be through their words, tone of voice, or actions. It can also be used to describe how something is being expressed, such as in the case of the painting.

How To Use “Mean” In A Sentence

The word “mean” has several different meanings, but in the context of communication, it is often used to indicate the intended message or significance of something. Here are some examples of how to use “mean” in a sentence:

• What did you mean when you said you were “fine”?
• The red traffic light means you should stop your car.
• His silence meant that he was upset.

As you can see from these examples, “mean” is often used to describe the intended message or significance of something. It can also be used to indicate the reason behind someone’s actions or behavior, as in the case of the person’s silence.

It is important to use these words appropriately in order to effectively communicate your message. By understanding the distinct meanings of “convey” and “mean,” you can choose the right word for the right situation and avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

More Examples Of Convey & Mean Used In Sentences

In order to understand the difference between “convey” and “mean,” it’s important to see how they are used in context. Here are some examples of both words used in sentences:

Examples Of Using “Convey” In A Sentence:

• The tone of her voice conveyed her disappointment.
• The painting conveys a sense of calmness.
• His facial expression conveyed his confusion.
• The message was conveyed through a series of hand gestures.
• The picture conveys a feeling of nostalgia.
• The colors used in the design convey a sense of playfulness.
• The poem conveys a message of hope.
• The gesture conveyed a sense of gratitude.
• The music conveys a sense of sadness.
• The actor’s performance conveyed the character’s emotions perfectly.

Examples Of Using “Mean” In A Sentence:

• What do you mean by that?
• I didn’t mean to offend you.
• The word “love” can mean different things to different people.
• What does this symbol mean?
• Her silence meant that she was upset.
• The results of the test mean that he needs to change his diet.
• The word “dog” means a four-legged animal with fur.
• His actions meant that he was committed to the relationship.
• The traffic light turning red means that you need to stop.
• The word “nice” doesn’t really mean anything specific.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using language effectively, choosing the right words is crucial. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of using “convey” and “mean” interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Convey” When You Mean “Mean”

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “convey” when they really mean “mean.” While these two words may seem interchangeable, they have distinct meanings. “Mean” refers to the intended message or idea behind a statement, while “convey” refers to the act of communicating that message or idea to someone else.

For example, if you say “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings,” you are referring to the message or idea that you did not intend to cause emotional pain. If you say “I didn’t convey my message clearly,” you are referring to the act of communicating that message in a way that was not easily understood.

Using “Mean” When You Mean “Convey”

Another common mistake is using “mean” when you really mean “convey.” This can happen when someone is trying to express a thought or idea, but uses the wrong word to describe the act of communicating it.

For example, if you say “I meant to tell you about the meeting,” you are using “mean” incorrectly. The correct word would be “convey,” as you are referring to the act of communicating the information about the meeting.

Offering Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the distinct meanings of “convey” and “mean.” Here are some tips to help you choose the right word:

• Think about the intended message or idea behind your statement. If you are referring to the message or idea, use “mean.” If you are referring to the act of communicating that message or idea, use “convey.”
• Read your statement out loud to make sure it makes sense. If it doesn’t, try using the other word to see if it fits better.
• When in doubt, consult a dictionary or thesaurus to make sure you are using the right word.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words “convey” and “mean” can be a tricky task, as it heavily depends on the context in which they are used. While both words can be used to express a similar idea, they carry different connotations and can be more appropriate in certain situations than others.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “convey” and “mean” might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Appropriate Word Choice
Formal Writing	“I mean to say that the company will not be able to meet its financial goals.”	Convey
Informal Speaking	“What do you mean by that?”	Mean
Expressing Emotions	“Your actions mean a lot to me.”	Mean
Explaining Information	“I want to convey the importance of this project to the team.”	Convey

As you can see from the examples above, the choice between “convey” and “mean” can vary depending on the context. In formal writing, “convey” is often the more appropriate choice as it has a more professional connotation. However, in informal speaking or when expressing emotions, “mean” might be a better fit.

It’s important to consider the context in which you are using these words to ensure that you are conveying the intended meaning and tone.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “convey” and “mean” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. It is important to understand these exceptions to avoid confusion and miscommunication.

Exceptions For “Convey”

• Conveying Emotion: In some cases, “convey” can be used to describe the expression of emotion or feeling. For example, “Her eyes conveyed a sense of sadness.”
• Conveying Ownership: “Convey” can also be used to describe the transfer of ownership or property. For example, “The deed conveys ownership of the property to the new owner.”
• Conveying Information Implicitly: Sometimes, “convey” can be used to describe the communication of information implicitly, without directly stating it. For example, “The painting conveys a sense of mystery and intrigue.”

Exceptions For “Mean”

• Meaning as Intent: In some cases, “mean” can be used to describe intention or purpose. For example, “I meant to call you earlier.”
• Meaning as Definition: “Mean” can also be used to describe the definition or interpretation of a word or phrase. For example, “What does this word mean?”
• Meaning as Result: Sometimes, “mean” can be used to describe a result or consequence. For example, “The heavy rain meant that the game had to be cancelled.”

By understanding these exceptions, you can use “convey” and “mean” more effectively in your writing and communication.

Practice Exercises

Improving one’s understanding and use of convey and mean can be challenging, but practice exercises can help solidify the concepts. Here are a few exercises to try:

Exercise 1: Convey Or Mean?

Sentence	Correct Word Choice
Can you _______ the message to the team?	convey
I didn’t _______ to hurt her feelings.	mean
The tone of his voice _______ that he was angry.	conveyed
What do you _______ by that?	mean
She tried to _______ her excitement, but failed.	convey
He didn’t _______ to be rude, but he came across that way.	mean

Answer Key:

• Can you convey the message to the team?
• I didn’t mean to hurt her feelings.
• The tone of his voice conveyed that he was angry.
• What do you mean by that?
• She tried to convey her excitement, but failed.
• He didn’t mean to be rude, but he came across that way.

Exercise 2: Using Convey And Mean In Context

Read each sentence and decide whether convey or mean is the correct word to use. Then, rewrite the sentence using the other word to see how the meaning changes.

1. The picture on the wall conveys a sense of calm.
2. He didn’t mean to hurt her feelings.
3. The headline of the article means that the company is going bankrupt.
4. She tried to convey her message through her body language.
5. What do you mean by that?

Answer Key:

1. The picture on the wall conveys a sense of calm. (Rewritten: The picture on the wall means there is a sense of calm.)
2. He didn’t mean to hurt her feelings. (Rewritten: He didn’t convey to hurt her feelings.)
3. The headline of the article means that the company is going bankrupt. (Rewritten: The headline of the article conveys that the company is going bankrupt.)
4. She tried to convey her message through her body language. (Rewritten: She tried to mean her message through her body language.)
5. What do you mean by that? (Rewritten: What do you convey by that?)

Conclusion

After exploring the nuances between “convey” and “mean,” it is clear that these two words are not interchangeable. While they both relate to expressing information, “convey” implies a more intentional and deliberate effort to communicate a message, while “mean” is simply the underlying message or intention behind what is said or written.

It is important to understand the distinction between these two words in order to effectively communicate in both written and verbal contexts. By using “convey” when you mean to express a message and “mean” when referring to the underlying intention, you can avoid confusion and ensure that your audience understands your point.

Key Takeaways:

• “Convey” and “mean” are not interchangeable words.
• “Convey” implies intentional effort to communicate a message, while “mean” refers to the underlying intention or message.
• Understanding the distinction between these two words can improve communication in both written and verbal contexts.

It is important to continue learning about grammar and language use in order to effectively communicate in a variety of settings. By expanding your knowledge and understanding of language, you can become a more effective communicator and avoid common mistakes that can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.