Hi, Linda,
 
I'm not sure how typical this usage is. It seems a fairly normal usage to me, carrying the idea of "what she is suggesting" or "what she is implying" or something along those lines. I suppose it would have been a little more concise to just say "what she means," but I committed the sin of writing like I speak, at least in that sentence--adding extra words, trying not to sound too blunt.
 
Tim
 
Tim Hadley
Research Assistant, The Graduate School
Ph.D. candidate, Technical Communication and Rhetoric
Texas Tech University
Editor, ATEG Journal

________________________________

From: Assembly for the Teaching of English Grammar on behalf of Linda DiDesidero
Sent: Tue 11/22/2005 9:54 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: grammar & writing class


Tim,
I cannot help asking you about this construction. You wrote: 
 
"...depending on exactly what she is meaning by her topic."
 
This is an interesting use of 'mean' in the progressive.  Is it typical for speakers you know, or would you say it is unusual?  I'm just curious.
 
Linda DiDesidero
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