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means

Singular and plural ending in -s​

Both the singular and the plural of means end in -s.

  • In the 19th century a new means of communication was developed – the railway. (not … a new mean of communication …)
  • There are several means of transport on the island.
note

For other words with singular forms ending in -s, (see here).

by all/any/no means​

By all means is not the same as by all possible means. It is used to give permission or to encourage somebody to do something, and means ‘of course’ or ‘it is all right to …’ Compare:

  • ‘Can I borrow your sweater?’ ‘By all means.’
  • By all means get a new coat, but don’t spend more than £150.
  • We must help her by all possible means. (not We must help her by all means.)

By no means (or not by any means) is not the opposite of by all means. It is similar to definitely not, or not by a long way.

  • ‘Is that all you’ve got to say?’ ‘By no means.’
  • Galileo was by no means the first person to use a telescope.