“Thats mean” vs “that means” is a common grammar confusion for English learners. Both expressions may look similar, but only one is grammatically correct in standard English. Understanding the difference will help you explain meanings, describe situations, and communicate more clearly in everyday conversations, academic writing, and professional settings.
Comparison Overview
The main difference between “thats mean” and “that means” is grammatical correctness. “That means” is the correct expression when explaining what something signifies or implies. “Thats mean” is incorrect in standard English because it lacks the necessary apostrophe and uses the wrong verb form.
The expression “that’s mean” is grammatically possible in a different context, meaning “that is unkind,” but it does not mean the same as “that means.”
Definition of Thats Mean
“Thats mean” is an incorrect expression in standard English. It combines “thats,” which incorrectly omits the apostrophe in “that’s,” with “mean,” which does not fit the intended sentence structure.
For example:
- Incorrect: Thats mean we are late.
- Correct: That means we are late.
Remember that “that’s” is a contraction of “that is” or “that has,” not a replacement for “that means.”
Definition of That Means
“That means” is the correct expression used to explain the meaning, result, or implication of something. Here, “that” is the subject, and “means” is the present-tense verb.
Examples:
- That means we need more time.
- Your ticket expires today. That means you must renew it.
- She passed the exam, and that means she can graduate.
Use “that means” whenever you want to explain what a fact, statement, or situation indicates.
Main Differences Between Thats Mean and That Means
| Feature | Thats Mean | That Means |
| Grammatical status | Incorrect in standard English | Correct |
| Subject | Incorrectly formed | That |
| Verb | Mean | Means |
| Apostrophe | Missing in “thats” | Not needed |
| Intended meaning | Usually unclear or incorrect | Indicates a result or meaning |
| Example | Thats mean we won | That means we won |
One related expression deserves attention: “That’s mean” can describe something unkind, as in “That’s mean of you to say.” However, when explaining a consequence, use “that means.”
Grammar Guide
How Each Term Is Used in Sentences
Use this pattern to explain a meaning or result:
That + means + explanation
- That means the store is closed.
- That means we should leave early.
- That means your answer is correct.
For the different expression “that’s mean,” use:
That + is (contracted as ’s) + mean
- That’s mean of him.
- That’s mean to say about someone.
In these examples, “mean” describes unkind behavior rather than expressing a consequence.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
- Writing “thats” instead of “that’s” when a contraction is intended.
- Writing “thats mean” instead of “that means” to explain a result.
- Confusing “that’s mean” (that is unkind) with “that means” (that signifies).
- Forgetting that “means” agrees with the singular subject “that.”
Simple Rules to Remember
- Use “that means” to explain a result or meaning.
- Use “that’s mean” to describe something unkind.
- Write “that’s” with an apostrophe when shortening “that is.”
- Never use “thats mean” as a standard grammatical expression.
Quick Tips for Writing and Speaking
Read your sentence and ask what you want to express. If you can replace the phrase with “this indicates,” choose “that means.” If you mean “that is unkind,” choose “that’s mean.” This simple substitution test helps you select the correct phrase quickly.
When to Use Each One
Use “that means” in these situations:
- Daily conversation: “The bus is delayed. That means we will arrive late.”
- Education: “You scored full marks. That means you answered everything correctly.”
- Business: “The budget was reduced. That means we must cut expenses.”
- Science: “The temperature increased. That means the sample became warmer.”
- Technology: “The battery is empty. That means the device needs charging.”
Use “that’s mean” when commenting on unkind words or actions, such as “That’s mean to laugh at someone’s mistake.”
When NOT to Use Each One
Do not use “thats mean” in standard English writing or speech when explaining a meaning or result. It is incorrectly formed.
Do not use “that’s mean” when you intend to describe a consequence.
Incorrect: “The deadline passed. That’s mean we cannot submit the work.”
Correct: “The deadline passed. That means we cannot submit the work.”
Which One to Use (Decision Guide)
Choosing the correct expression is easy when you focus on your intended meaning.
- Explaining a result? Use “that means.”
- Explaining what something indicates? Use “that means.”
- Describing an unkind comment or action? Use “that’s mean.”
- Writing “thats mean” without an apostrophe? Correct the sentence before using it.
For most sentences involving explanations, consequences, or conclusions, “that means” is the correct choice.
Real-World Practical Examples
That’s Mean Examples
“Thats mean” is incorrect in standard English. The following examples show how to correct it in different contexts.
- Education: Incorrect: “Thats mean I passed.” Correct: “That means I passed.”
- Daily life: Incorrect: “Thats mean dinner is ready.” Correct: “That means dinner is ready.”
- Science: Incorrect: “Thats mean the water is boiling.” Correct: “That means the water is boiling.”
- Business: Incorrect: “Thats mean we need a new plan.” Correct: “That means we need a new plan.”
- Technology: Incorrect: “Thats mean my phone is charging.” Correct: “That means my phone is charging.”
That Means Examples
- Education: “You completed the course. That means you can receive your certificate.”
- Daily life: “It is raining heavily. That means we should take an umbrella.”
- Science: “The pressure has increased. That means the gas is being compressed.”
- Business: “Sales have improved. That means the new strategy is working.”
- Technology: “The software needs an update. That means some features may not work until it is installed.”
- Writing: “The author uses a metaphor. That means the description is figurative.”
- Conversation: “You are leaving early? That means I will see you tomorrow.”
Self-Assessment
Complete each sentence with “that means” or “that’s mean.” Choose the phrase that fits the context.
- The shop is closed today. ______ we must return tomorrow.
- You passed the test. ______ you answered enough questions correctly.
- Laughing at someone’s mistake is unkind. ______ to do that.
- The battery is low. ______ we need to charge the phone.
- She missed the bus. ______ she may arrive late.
- Mocking his appearance is unkind. ______ to say.
- The price increased. ______ we need more money.
- The teacher approved my work. ______ I can submit it.
- Ignoring someone on purpose can be hurtful. ______ of you.
- The road is blocked. ______ we need another route.
- The computer restarted. ______ the update may be complete.
- You forgot her birthday. ______ you should apologize.
- Calling someone a cruel name is unkind. ______ to say.
- The meeting was canceled. ______ we have extra time.
- The experiment produced the expected result. ______ the hypothesis may be correct.
- You took the last cookie without asking. ______ of you.
- The train is delayed. ______ we should wait here.
- The file is missing. ______ we need to check the backup.
- Telling a secret to embarrass someone is unkind. ______ to do.
- The lights are off. ______ nobody is in the room, although we should check first.
Answers
- That means
- That means
- That’s mean
- That means
- That means
- That’s mean
- That means
- That means
- That’s mean
- That means
- That means
- That means
- That’s mean
- That means
- That means
- That’s mean
- That means
- That means
- That’s mean
- That means
Final Verdict
The correct expression for explaining a meaning, result, or consequence is “that means.” For example, “The weather is getting worse. That means we should stay inside.” The expression “thats mean” is incorrect in standard English because it lacks the proper apostrophe and verb structure.
However, “that’s mean” is a valid expression when you mean “that is unkind,” as in “That’s mean of you to say.” The difference comes down to meaning and grammar: use “that means” to explain what something indicates, and use “that’s mean” to describe unkind behavior. Remembering this simple distinction will help you write more accurately and speak English with greater confidence.
Conclusion
Understanding “that’s mean” vs “that means” helps you avoid common grammar mistakes and express your ideas more clearly. When explaining a result, consequence, or the significance of something, “that means” is the correct expression. For example, “The store is closed today. That means we need to return tomorrow.” It connects information naturally and makes your writing easier to understand.
However, “that’s mean” has a different meaning. It is a grammatically correct phrase when describing something unkind, such as “That’s mean of you to say.” Remember that “that’s” is a contraction of “that is,” while “means” is the verb used to explain what something signifies. The expression “thats mean” is not correct in standard English. By remembering this simple distinction, you can improve your grammar, write more confidently, and communicate effectively in everyday conversations, school assignments, and professional settings.
FAQs
Is “thats mean” grammatically correct?
No, “thats mean” is incorrect in standard English. The phrase Thats Mean vs That Means highlights a common grammar mistake. The word “thats” is missing an apostrophe if you intend to write “that’s,” and “mean” is the wrong verb form when explaining a result. In most cases, use “that means” to express what something indicates or implies. For example, “That means we are ready.”
Is “that means” correct English?
Yes, “that means” is grammatically correct English. When studying Thats Mean vs That Means, remember that “that means” explains the meaning, result, or consequence of a statement or situation. For example, “The deadline is tomorrow. That means we must finish today.” Here, “that” is the subject and “means” is the verb, making the expression appropriate for speaking and writing.
What is the difference between “that’s mean” and “that means”?
The key difference in Thats Mean vs That Means is their meaning and grammatical function. “That means” explains what something signifies or what result follows. “That’s mean” means “that is unkind” and describes someone’s words or behavior. For example, “That means we should leave” explains a consequence, while “That’s mean of you” criticizes an unkind action. The correct choice depends on the meaning you want to communicate.
Does “that’s” mean the same as “that means”?
No, “that’s” and “that means” do not have the same meaning. “That’s” is a contraction of “that is” or “that has,” depending on the sentence. “That means” explains what something signifies. For example, “That’s my book” identifies an object, while “That means the book belongs to me” explains its significance.
Why do we use “means” instead of “mean” after “that”?
In the simple present tense, the verb usually takes an “s” when its subject is third-person singular. Because “that” is singular in “that means,” the correct verb is “means.” For example, “That means everything is ready.” The base form “mean” is used with subjects such as “I,” “you,” “we,” and “they.”
Can “that’s mean” describe rude behavior?
Yes, “that’s mean” can describe something unkind, hurtful, or inconsiderate. For example, “That’s mean of you to laugh at your friend.” In Thats Mean vs That Means, this distinction is important because “that’s” means “that is,” and “mean” is an adjective describing the behavior. It does not explain a result, which is the purpose of “that means.”
What is a simple example of “that means”?
A simple example is “The bus is late. That means we will arrive late.” The phrase explains the consequence of the delayed bus. Other examples include “You passed the exam. That means you succeeded” and “The shop is closed. That means we must come back tomorrow.” Each sentence uses the expression to clarify a result.
Can I use “that means” in formal writing?
Yes, “that means” is appropriate in formal and informal writing when explaining an implication or consequence. In Thats Mean vs That Means, this expression works well in essays, reports, emails, educational materials, and everyday messages. For highly formal academic writing, you may prefer alternatives such as “this indicates” or “this suggests,” depending on the context and the level of certainty.
Is “that’s mean of you” correct?
Yes, “that’s mean of you” is grammatically correct when describing unkind behavior. For example, “That’s mean of you to spread a rumor about someone.” In Thats Mean vs That Means, the distinction is that “that’s” means “that is,” and “mean” is an adjective describing unkind behavior. However, if you want to explain a consequence, use “that means” instead.
How can I remember when to use “that means”?
Remember that “that means” explains something. You can often replace it with “that indicates” to check whether it fits your sentence. Use “that’s mean” when you want to say something is unkind. Understanding Thats Mean vs That Means helps you choose the right expression. For example, “That means we should leave” explains a result, while “That’s mean of you” describes unkind behavior.
