Many English learners get confused between “that’s mean” vs. “that means” because they sound somewhat similar in casual speech. However, only one of these forms is grammatically correct in standard English. Understanding the difference will help you write and speak more naturally while avoiding a very common mistake.
That’s Mean vs. That Means: Comparison Overview
Although that means” and “that means” look similar, they have completely different meanings and grammatical structures.
- “That means” is the correct and commonly used phrase.
- “That’s mean” is usually an incorrect spelling of either “that’s mean” or “that means.”
People often type “that’s mean” without an apostrophe or mistakenly use “mean” instead of “means.” Learning the correct form makes your English clearer and more professional.
| Feature | Thats Mean | That Means |
| Standard English | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Grammatically Correct | Usually No | Yes |
| Common Usage | Typing mistake or confusion | Explaining the meaning of something |
| Verb Form | Incorrect in most contexts | Correct third-person singular verb |
Definition of That’s Mean
“That’s mean” is generally not a correct English phrase.
It usually appears because of one of these mistakes:
- The writer forgot the apostrophe in “that’s.”
- The writer intended to write “that means.”
- The verb “mean” was incorrectly used instead of “means.”
For example:
- ❌ That’s mean you are late.
- ✅ That means you are late.
Sometimes people actually mean:
- That’s mean! (meaning “That is unkind.”)
In this case, the correct form includes an apostrophe.
Definition of That Means
“That means” is the correct English expression used to explain, clarify, or show the result of something.
The verb “means” is the third-person singular form of “mean.”
Examples:
- That means we have enough time.
- A red light means stop.
- This symbol means danger.
- Your score means you passed.
- That means the meeting is canceled.
Main Differences Between Thats Mean vs. That Means
The biggest difference is that “that means” is grammatically correct, while “thats mean” is usually an error.
| Aspect | Thats Mean | That Means |
| Grammar | Usually incorrect | Correct |
| Purpose | Mistyped phrase | Explains meaning or result |
| Standard Writing | No | Yes |
| Verb Agreement | Incorrect | Correct third-person verb |
| Professional Writing | Avoid | Recommended |
Why People Confuse These Two
Several factors cause this confusion.
- Fast typing
- Missing apostrophes
- Similar pronunciation
- Lack of understanding of verb agreement
- Autocorrect mistakes
Once you recognize that means is the correct verb after that, the confusion becomes much easier to avoid.
That’s Mean vs. That Means: Comparison Table
| Question | Correct Choice |
| Explaining a meaning | That means |
| Showing a result | That means |
| Formal writing | That means |
| Casual typo | Thats mean |
| Academic English | That means |
Grammar Guide
The grammar difference is simple.
- That is a demonstrative pronoun.
- Means is a third-person singular verb.
- Mean is the base form of the verb.
How each term is used in sentences
Thats Mean
Incorrect:
- ❌ Thats mean we should leave.
- ❌ Thats mean you failed.
Correct alternatives:
- ✅ That means we should leave.
- ✅ That’s mean. (Meaning: That is unkind.)
That Means
Sentence pattern:
That + means + explanation
Examples:
- That means dinner is ready.
- That means the answer is correct.
- That means we succeeded.
- That means you should wait.
- That means the road is closed.
Common mistakes learners make
- Forgetting the apostrophe in that’s
- Writing mean instead of means
- Using the wrong verb form
- Confusing “that’s mean” with “that means”
- Assuming both phrases are interchangeable
Simple rules to remember
- Use means after that when explaining something.
- Use that’s when you mean that is.
- Never write thats in formal English.
- Remember that singular subjects take singular verbs.
Quick tips for writing and speaking
- Ask yourself if you’re explaining something.
- If yes, use that means.
- Always check for missing apostrophes.
- Read the sentence aloud.
- Proofread before submitting your writing.
When to Use Each One
Use That Means when:
- Explaining a definition
- Describing a result
- Clarifying information
- Teaching someone
- Giving instructions
- Explaining data
- Writing emails
- Writing reports
- Academic writing
- Everyday conversations
Use That’s Mean only when saying that something is unkind.
Example:
- That’s mean to laugh at someone.
When NOT to Use Each One
Do not use Thats Mean when:
- Explaining a meaning
- Writing essays
- Writing reports
- Sending professional emails
- Completing school assignments
Do not use That’s Mean when you actually want to say That Means.
Incorrect:
- ❌ That’s mean the class starts now.
Correct:
- ✅ That means the class starts now.
Which One to Use (Decision Guide)
Choose That Means if you are:
- Explaining something
- Giving a definition
- Showing a conclusion
- Describing a result
- Clarifying information
Choose That’s Mean only if you are saying someone or something is unkind.
Decision shortcut:
- Explaining meaning? → That Means
- Saying something is rude? → That’s Mean
- Writing Thats Mean? → Correct it before publishing.
That’s Mean vs. That Means: Real-World Practical Examples
Thats Mean Examples
These examples show the intended meaning “That’s mean.”
- That’s mean to ignore your friend.
- That’s mean of him to laugh.
- That’s mean behavior.
- That’s mean, and you should apologize.
- That’s mean to say during a meeting.
That Means Examples
- That means class starts at nine. (Education)
- That means dinner is ready. (Daily life)
- That means the experiment worked. (Science)
- That means our company made a profit. (Business)
- That means the software update finished. (Technology)
Self-Assessment (Fill in the Blanks)
- I will use ______ when referring to explaining a result. The correct word is ______ because it introduces a conclusion.
- I will use ______ when referring to explaining a definition. The correct word is ______ because it expresses meaning.
- I will use ______ when referring to a grammar lesson. The correct word is ______ because it explains information.
- I will use ______ when referring to a teacher’s explanation. The correct word is ______ because it clarifies an idea.
- I will use ______ when referring to a business report. The correct word is ______ because it describes the outcome.
- I will use ______ when referring to scientific findings. The correct word is ______ because it explains results.
- I will use ______ when referring to technology instructions. The correct word is ______ because it provides clarification.
- I will use ______ when referring to a road sign explanation. The correct word is ______ because it explains a symbol.
- I will use ______ when referring to daily conversation about a conclusion. The correct word is ______ because it explains what follows.
- I will use ______ when referring to academic writing. The correct word is ______ because it is grammatically correct.
- I will use ______ when referring to someone being rude. The correct word is ______ because it means “that is unkind.”
- I will use ______ when referring to bullying. The correct word is ______ because it describes unkind behavior.
- I will use ______ when referring to insulting someone. The correct word is ______ because it expresses criticism of behavior.
- I will use ______ when referring to hurtful comments. The correct word is ______ because it means “that is mean.”
- I will use ______ when referring to an unkind action. The correct word is ______ because it describes behavior.
- I will use ______ when referring to explaining exam results. The correct word is ______ because it explains the outcome.
- I will use ______ when referring to explaining a rule. The correct word is ______ because it clarifies meaning.
- I will use ______ when referring to explaining directions. The correct word is ______ because it gives clarification.
- I will use ______ when referring to interpreting data. The correct word is ______ because it explains information.
- I will use ______ when referring to explaining a warning sign. The correct word is ______ because it states what the sign indicates.
Answers
- That means
- That means
- That means
- That means
- That means
- That means
- That means
- That means
- That means
- That means
- That’s mean
- That’s mean
- That’s mean
- That’s mean
- That’s mean
- That means
- That means
- That means
- That means
- That means
That’s Mean vs. That Means: Final Verdict
The comparison between “thats mean” and “that means” is straightforward once you understand the grammar. “That means” is the correct expression when you want to explain the meaning, result, or consequence of something. “Thats mean” is generally an incorrect form caused by a missing apostrophe or the wrong verb choice. If your intention is to say that someone is being unkind, the proper phrase is “That’s mean.” By remembering the difference between means (explains something) and mean (describes unkind behavior), you can avoid one of the most common English writing mistakes and communicate with greater confidence in both speaking and writing.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between Thats Mean vs. That Means can greatly improve your English grammar and help you communicate more clearly. While “that means” is the correct phrase used to explain a meaning, result, or conclusion, “thats mean” is generally a grammatical mistake or a misspelling of either “that’s mean” or “that means.” Recognizing this distinction will make your writing more accurate, professional, and easier for others to understand.
Whether you’re writing essays, emails, social media posts, or simply having everyday conversations, choosing the correct expression reflects strong language skills and attention to detail. Whenever you want to explain what something signifies, remember to use “that means.” If you’re describing someone’s unkind behavior, the correct phrase is “that’s mean.” Keeping these simple grammar rules in mind will help you avoid common mistakes and use both expressions with confidence in every situation.
FAQs
Is “thats mean” grammatically correct?
No. “Thats mean” is not considered grammatically correct because it is missing the apostrophe in “that’s” and is often mistakenly used instead of “that means.” In formal and standard English, you should use “that means” when explaining something or “that’s mean” when describing unkind behavior.
What does “that means” mean?
“That means” is a phrase used to explain the meaning, result, or implication of something. It helps clarify information or show what follows from a fact or situation. It is one of the most common expressions used in both spoken and written English.
Is “that’s mean” different from “that means”?
Yes. “That’s mean” means “that is unkind,” while “that means” explains the meaning or result of something. Although they sound somewhat similar in casual speech, they have completely different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.
Why do people confuse “thats mean” and “that means”?
Many learners confuse them because they sound similar when spoken quickly. Missing apostrophes, typing errors, and misunderstanding verb forms also contribute to the confusion. Learning the difference between “means” and “mean” helps eliminate this common mistake.
When should I use “that means”?
Use “that means” whenever you want to explain what something signifies or what conclusion can be drawn. It is appropriate in conversations, academic writing, business communication, instructions, presentations, and everyday English whenever clarification is needed.
Can I use “thats mean” in formal writing?
No. “Thats mean” should never appear in formal writing because it is not standard English. Always proofread your work and replace it with either “that means” or “that’s mean,” depending on what you intend to say.
Is “that means” a complete sentence?
It can be part of a complete sentence, but it is usually followed by additional information. For example, “That means we have enough time.” The phrase introduces an explanation, making the sentence complete when followed by the intended meaning or conclusion.
What part of speech is “means” in “that means”?
In the phrase “that means,” the word “means” is a verb. It is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb “mean,” agreeing correctly with the singular subject “that.”
How can I remember the difference easily?
A simple trick is to remember that “means” explains something, while “mean” describes behavior or serves as the base form of the verb. If you’re giving an explanation, choose “that means.” If you’re saying someone is unkind, write “that’s mean.”
Is “that means” commonly used in everyday English?
Yes. “That means” is extremely common in daily conversations, education, business, media, and professional communication. It is one of the most useful phrases for explaining ideas, interpreting information, and helping listeners or readers understand what something signifies.
