had meant to do/meant to have done

语言学家们认为,在表达未完成或未实现的“希望”“打算”“计划”等时,最好是使用此类动词的过去完成时+不定式。例如:

1. I had meant to come, but something happened. 我本想来，但发生了点事，没有来。

2. I had intended to speak, but time did not permit. 我本来想发言,但是时间不允许。

3. I had hoped to visit you yesterday. 我本希望昨天去看望你。

4. I had hoped to send him a telegram to congratulate him on his marriage, but I didn't manage it. (LEG) 我本想给他拍个电报祝贺他新婚之禧，但是我却没有做到。

5. I was disappointed with the film. I had expected it to be much better. 我对这部电影很失望。我原以为它会好多了。

但是,用它们的一般过去时+完成时不定式,也能表达同样的意思:

1. I hoped to have seen you before now. (Scheurweghs) 我本希望在这以前看到你。

2. I intended to have called on you, but... (GPU) 我本打算去拜访你,但……

3. I meant to have visited you yesterday. 我本应该在昨天拜访你。