Have you ever wondered whether to say “that’s mean” or “that means” in a conversation, text message, or piece of writing? These expressions look similar, but they communicate different ideas. One usually describes behavior as unkind, while the other explains what something signifies or what result it produces. Choosing the wrong expression can make your sentence confusing or change its meaning. The good news is that both expressions can be correct English. You only need to understand how the word mean functions in each sentence. This guide explains the difference with simple grammar rules, everyday examples, and practical writing tips.
That’s Mean vs That Means: Quick Answer
Both “that’s mean” and “that means” are correct, but they have different meanings. “That’s mean” is short for “that is mean” and usually describes unkind behavior. “That means” explains the meaning, significance, or consequence of something. For example, “That’s mean of you” describes behavior, while “That means we’re late” explains a result.
Key Takeaways
- That’s mean is a contraction of “that is mean” and commonly describes something unkind.
- That means uses the verb means to explain a meaning, fact, or consequence.
- Both expressions are grammatically correct when used in the right context.
- That’s means that is in these examples, while means is the present-tense verb form.
- “That mean” is usually incorrect when used alone to express a present-tense statement about what something signifies.
- The easiest way to choose is to ask whether you’re describing unkind behavior or explaining what something means.
What Is the Difference Between That’s Mean and That Means?
The main difference is grammatical function. In “that’s mean,” the word mean is an adjective describing something as unkind. In “that means,” means is a verb that explains what something represents or leads to.
What Does That’s Mean?
“That’s mean” is a contraction of “that is mean.” Here, mean is an adjective that describes an action, comment, or behavior as unkind or hurtful.
For example:
- That’s mean of you to laugh at his mistake.
- That’s mean! She worked hard on that project.
- Telling everyone her secret was mean.
- That’s a mean thing to say.
The expression is common in casual conversation, especially when someone reacts to behavior they consider unfair or unkind. Depending on the situation, “That was mean” may sound more natural when referring to a completed action.
What Does That Means Mean?
“That means” is a phrase in which means is the present-tense form of the verb mean. It explains what a statement, action, situation, or fact signifies.
For example:
- The store is closed. That means we need another plan.
- You passed the test. That means you can move to the next level.
- The sign is red. That means you must stop.
- She hasn’t replied. That means we should wait before making a decision.
In each example, “that means” introduces an explanation or consequence. It does not describe someone as unkind.
Why Does the Letter S Matter?
The letter s appears in different ways in these expressions. In that’s, it forms part of the contraction that is. In means, it marks the third-person singular present-tense verb.
Compare these sentences:
- That’s mean: That is unkind.
- That means: That signifies or results in something.
The spelling difference reflects a grammatical difference, not simply a stylistic preference.
Is That’s Mean Grammatically Correct?
Yes. “That’s mean” is grammatically correct when mean describes behavior as unkind, unpleasant, or hurtful. The phrase is informal but natural in everyday American English.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines the adjective mean as unkind or unpleasant and provides examples of its use in descriptions of behavior. The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary also documents this adjective meaning. These references support using mean as an adjective in sentences such as “That’s mean of you.”
When Should You Use That’s Mean?
Use “that’s mean” when reacting to an action, comment, joke, or decision that seems unkind.
Examples:
- That’s mean of you to exclude her from the group.
- That’s mean. He didn’t deserve that comment.
- That’s mean of them to cancel without telling anyone.
- That’s a mean joke to make about a friend.
The phrase expresses a judgment about behavior. It does not explain the definition or result of an event.
Is That’s Mean the Same as That’s Means?
No. “That’s means” is generally incorrect in standard English when the intended meaning is either “that is unkind” or “that signifies something.”
The contraction that’s already represents “that is.” In the first meaning, it should be followed by the adjective mean. In the second meaning, use the verb means without the contraction: “That means something.”
Compare:
- Correct: That’s mean.
- Correct: That means something.
- Incorrect for the intended meanings: That’s means something.
There are more complicated sentences in which similar words appear close together, but the last example does not work as a standard replacement for either expression.
Is That Means Grammatically Correct?
Yes. “That means” is grammatically correct when the subject that refers to a statement, fact, event, or situation and means expresses its significance or consequence.
Cambridge Dictionary’s English Grammar Today explains that mean is used to explain what a word or phrase refers to and to describe significance or results. Its examples also show how mean can introduce a consequence.
When Should You Use That Means?
Use “that means” to clarify information, explain a conclusion, or identify a likely result.
Examples:
- Your flight was delayed. That means you’ll arrive later.
- The deadline is Friday. That means we have three days left.
- He accepted the invitation. That means he’ll probably attend.
- The password has expired. That means you need to reset it.
These sentences use means as a verb. The subject is that, so the standard present-tense form is means.
Can That Means Start a Sentence?
Yes. You can start a sentence with “That means” when the phrase refers to information in the previous sentence.
For example:
“The school has canceled classes because of the weather. That means students should stay home.”
The second sentence explains the consequence of the first. This construction is common in conversations, emails, reports, and educational writing.
That’s Mean vs That Means: Comparison Table
| Feature | That’s mean | That means |
|---|---|---|
| Expanded form | That is mean | That means |
| Role of mean | Adjective | Verb |
| Main purpose | Describes unkind behavior | Explains meaning or consequence |
| Typical tone | Often conversational | Neutral; used in casual and formal writing |
| Example | That’s mean of you. | That means we’re finished. |
| Can it be correct? | Yes | Yes |
| Common error | Using it to explain a result | Using it to describe unkindness |
Remember: The expressions are not interchangeable. Choose according to what you want to communicate.
How to Choose the Correct Expression: A Simple Process
You can decide between “that’s mean” and “that means” by following these four steps.
Step 1: Identify Your Intended Meaning
Ask yourself what you want the sentence to communicate.
If you’re judging an action as unkind, you probably need “that’s mean.” If you’re explaining what a situation signifies or causes, you probably need “that means.”
Step 2: Check Whether Mean Is an Adjective or Verb
An adjective describes a person, action, or thing. A verb expresses an action, state, or relationship.
- Adjective: That’s mean of you.
- Verb: That means we need to leave.
This is the most useful grammatical distinction between the expressions.
Step 3: Try Replacing That’s With That Is
If the sentence describes behavior, expand the contraction.
“That’s mean of you” becomes “That is mean of you.” The sentence still works, so the contraction is appropriate.
However, “That’s means we should go” becomes “That is means we should go.” This is not grammatical for the intended meaning. Write “That means we should go” instead.
Step 4: Read the Entire Sentence
Context matters. A sentence can be grammatically correct but still communicate the wrong idea.
For example, “That’s mean” tells the listener that something is unkind. “That means” tells the listener what something signifies. Read the sentence aloud and check whether it expresses your intended message.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Writers and English learners often confuse these expressions because they look and sound similar. The following mistakes are easy to correct.
Mistake 1: Writing That Mean
Incorrect: That mean we should leave now.
Correct: That means we should leave now.
In a standard present-tense statement, that is a third-person singular subject, so the verb takes -s: means. However, mean can appear after auxiliary verbs, such as “Does that mean we should leave?” The form depends on sentence structure.
Mistake 2: Using That’s Mean to Explain a Result
Incorrect for the intended meaning: The road is closed. That’s mean we need another route.
Correct: The road is closed. That means we need another route.
The first sentence needs a verb that explains the consequence. “That’s mean” would instead describe something as unkind if used in an appropriate context.
Mistake 3: Writing That’s Means
Incorrect: That’s means you are right.
Correct: That means you are right.
The contraction that’s expands to that is. The verb means can follow that directly, but not in the intended construction after that is.
Mistake 4: Assuming Mean Always Describes Unkindness
The word mean has several meanings. It can describe unkind behavior, express what someone intends, or explain the significance of something. It can also refer to an average in mathematics.
For example, “What do you mean?” asks about intention or meaning, while “The mean is 12” refers to a mathematical average. Always use the surrounding sentence to determine which meaning applies.
Real-World Examples of That’s Mean vs That Means
These examples show how the expressions work in common situations.
Example 1: A Conversation Between Friends
Situation: One friend makes fun of another person’s clothes.
Friend A: “You shouldn’t have made that comment about her outfit.”
Friend B: “You’re right. That was mean.”
In this context, mean describes unkind behavior. “That’s mean” would also work as an immediate reaction: “That’s mean of you.”
Example 2: A School Assignment
Situation: A teacher explains a rule about an upcoming test.
Teacher: “You need to score at least 80 percent to pass. That means you must answer enough questions correctly.”
Here, “that means” explains the practical consequence of the rule.
Example 3: A Workplace Email
Situation: A manager tells the team that the meeting has been moved.
“The meeting has been moved to Thursday. That means everyone should update their calendars.”
The phrase connects the announcement to the action employees need to take.
Example 4: A Text Message
Situation: Someone receives a hurtful reply from a friend.
“That’s mean. You could have said that more kindly.”
This is a natural, informal reaction to unkind behavior. It is different from “That means you don’t want to come,” which interprets the significance of someone’s words.
Best Practices for Using Mean and Means
Correct grammar becomes easier when you focus on the role each word plays rather than memorizing isolated phrases.
- Use “that’s mean” to describe unkind or hurtful behavior.
- Use “that means” to explain what a statement, fact, or situation signifies.
- Expand contractions when you’re unsure whether the sentence is grammatical.
- Check subject-verb agreement in present-tense statements.
- Read the full sentence to ensure that it communicates the intended meaning.
- Consult a reliable dictionary or grammar guide when a word has several meanings.
A Quick Editing Checklist
Before sending a text message, email, assignment, or article, ask yourself:
- Am I describing behavior as unkind?
- Am I explaining the meaning or consequence of something?
- Does “that’s” correctly expand to “that is”?
- Have I used means when that is the subject of a standard present-tense statement?
- Does the whole sentence sound natural and express my intended meaning?
If you’re explaining a result, choose “that means.” If you’re criticizing an unkind action, “that’s mean” may be the better choice.
Tools and Resources for Checking Your Grammar
Reliable dictionaries and grammar references can help you confirm how mean and means work in context.
Cambridge Dictionary: Its entry for mean distinguishes the verb meaning “to express or represent” from the adjective meaning “unkind or unpleasant.” Its English Grammar Today resource also explains how mean expresses significance and consequences.
Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary: This resource documents mean as an adjective describing unkind behavior and provides usage examples.
A trusted grammar checker: A grammar checker may identify subject-verb agreement problems, but it may not understand your intended meaning. Use it as a first check rather than a final authority.
For this particular question, a simple substitution test is often enough: expand “that’s” to “that is” and see whether the sentence still makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it “that’s mean” or “that means”?
Both expressions are correct, but they have different meanings. “That’s mean” describes something as unkind, while “that means” explains the meaning or consequence of a situation. For example, “That’s mean of you” criticizes behavior, whereas “That means we need to leave” explains what follows from a fact.
2. What is the difference between that’s mean and that means?
The difference is the grammatical role of mean. In “that’s mean,” mean is an adjective, and that’s means that is. In “that means,” means is a verb. One describes unkindness; the other explains what something signifies or causes.
3. Is “that’s mean” grammatically correct?
Yes. “That’s mean” is a grammatically correct contraction of “that is mean.” The adjective mean can describe an unkind remark, action, or decision. For example, “That’s mean of you to make fun of him” is a natural sentence in everyday American English.
4. Is “that means” grammatically correct?
Yes. “That means” is correct when that refers to a fact, statement, or situation and means explains its significance or result. For example, “The store is closed. That means we need another place to shop.” The verb agrees with the singular subject that.
5. Can I say “that’s mean of you”?
Yes. “That’s mean of you” is a natural expression used to criticize behavior as unkind. For example, if someone deliberately embarrasses a friend, you might say, “That’s mean of you.” You can also say “That was mean of you” when referring to a completed action.
6. Why do people say “that means” instead of “that mean”?
In standard present-tense statements, that is a third-person singular subject, so the verb takes the form means. For example, “That means we are late” is correct. However, mean is used after the auxiliary verb does, as in “Does that mean we’re late?”
7. Is “that’s mean” rude or impolite?
The phrase itself is not necessarily rude, but it criticizes an action as unkind. Its effect depends on tone and context. Saying “That’s mean” can be a reasonable response to hurtful behavior, while saying “You’re mean” may sound more personal because it directly labels someone rather than criticizing a specific action.
8. How do you use “that means” in a sentence?
Use “that means” to explain what a fact, statement, or situation implies. For example, “The deadline is tomorrow. That means we need to finish the report today.” The phrase connects information to its significance or consequence and works in conversations, academic writing, and professional communication.
Conclusion: That’s Mean vs That Means
The difference between that’s mean vs that means comes down to meaning and grammar. “That’s mean” means “that is unkind,” while “that means” explains what something signifies or what result it produces. Both expressions are correct when used in the right context.
When writing, identify your intended meaning first. Use the adjective mean to describe unkind behavior and the verb means to explain a fact or consequence. If you’re unsure, expand “that’s” to “that is” and read the sentence aloud. This quick check can help you choose the correct expression in everyday conversations, schoolwork, emails, and professional writing.
