mean to do sth
fixed phr..fixed phr.. to do something on purpose or have a specific plan in mind.
fixed phr.. to intend to perform an action; used to express volition or purpose behind a specific behavior.
I didn't mean to break your favorite vase.
She didn't mean to hurt your feelings when she made that comment about your hair.
Although the architect did not mean to create such a controversial design, the building's sharp angles immediately drew criticism from the local community.
followed by an infinitive verb; often used in the negative to apologize for accidents.
contrast with 'mean doing something' (which indicates a result or necessity) to help students distinguish between intention and consequence.
I didn't mean breaking it.I didn't mean to break it.when expressing intention, 'mean' must be followed by the 'to' infinitive, not the -ing form.