ENGLISH
REFERENCE

a means of transport

compound.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

compound. a way of traveling from one place to another, such as a car, bus, or train.

compound. a noun phrase referring to any vehicle or system used for the conveyance of passengers or goods.


SIMPLE

The bicycle is a cheap means of transport.

CONTEXTUAL

In many large cities, the subway is the most efficient means of transport for daily commuters.

COMPLEX

The government is investing in sustainable infrastructure to ensure that every citizen has access to a reliable means of transport.

Usage

the word 'means' is always plural in this phrase, even when referring to a single vehicle.

Teaching tip

highlight that 'means' functions as a singular noun here despite the 's'; students often mistakenly say 'a mean of transport'.

Pitfall

a mean of transporta means of transportthe word 'means' must end in 's' because it refers to a method or way, which is a singular noun in this form.

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