名词means的意思比较简单，但它单复数问题、所构成的短语值得我们认真学习。另外，这个词也是常常出现在考试中的，应该很好掌握。
1.means作为名词指“方法，手段”。比如：The move is a means to fight crime.这个行动是打击犯罪的一种手段。His job is his sole means of livelihood.他的工作是他唯一的谋生手段。
The army had perfected the use of terror as a means of controlling the population.军队已经能很好地利用恐怖手段来控制这里的人们。
2.难点。
means的单复数形式相同。难点在于，means作主语时指一种方式，则谓语动词用单数。means指多种方式时，则谓语动词用复数。
３.要点
Means表示“方式”时，means of后面可以跟名词。比如：a mean sof communication.一种联系方式。如果用way的话，way of后面不跟名词，多要用V+ing 形式。比如：This is the best way of doing it.这是做此事最好的方法。
4.短语
*by all means 意思是“尽一切办法，务必”。比如：
If you enjoy reading, then by all means do that whenever you want.如果你喜欢阅读，不管什么时候，都要想尽一切办法去读。If you're ready for it, however, then by all means go for it.如果你准备好了，无论如何，尽一切可能去做。
*by no means 意思是“绝不，并没有”。比如：
That was by no means the end of the matter.事情绝不可能到此为止。The inquiry is by no means cut and dried.调查之事远未盖棺定论。
The merger is by no means a done deal yet.合并之事远未成定局。She is by no means an inexperienced teacher.她绝不是个毫无经验的教师。
*by means of 意思是“用，依靠”。比如：
By means of modern technology we are able to communicate with each other instantly.通过现代技术，我们可以即时通信。This is a two-year course taught by means of lectures and seminars.这是一门通过讲座和研讨会形式讲授的两年制课程。
