You’ve seen it. You’ve probably hesitated over it.
That’s mean or that means?
Two tiny phrases. One split-second decision. And yet it can make your writing sound sharp and precise, or slightly off.
This guide breaks it down clearly. No fluff. No vague rules. No academic fog. You’ll learn when to use “that’s mean”, when to use “that means”, why the confusion exists, and how to make the right choice instantly.
By the end, you won’t guess. You’ll know.
Why “That’s Mean or That Means” Still Confuses Smart Writers
Grammar doesn’t usually trip people up at this level. Yet this one does.
Here’s why:
- Both phrases use the root word mean.
- Both begin with the word that.
- Native speakers blur the “s” sound in fast speech.
- The rule involves parts of speech, not tense.
Most grammar mistakes happen because people mix up adjectives and verbs.
Adjectives describe how something is.
Verbs explain what something does.
That difference changes everything.
The Core Rule: That’s Mean vs That Means Explained Simply
Let’s strip this down to its bones.
- Use “that’s mean” for cruel or unkind behavior.
- Use “that means” for definitions or consequences.
That’s the entire system.
But you need to understand what adjectives and verbs actually do in grammar.
Understanding Adjective vs Verb Forms
The confusion around that’s mean or that means comes from two grammatical functions:
- The adjective form
- The verb form
Most people never learned this clearly in school. So let’s fix that.
Adjective Form: Describing Behavior
The adjective form describes:
- Attitude
- Cruelty
- Unkind actions
- Unfair situations
If someone or something is being hurtful, you use the adjective.
Example:
That’s mean to leave him out of the game.
You’re not translating anything. You’re judging. That’s behavioral description.
Here are more examples:
- If you say that, that’s mean.
- I think that’s mean to ignore her text.
- I don’t know why he did it, but that’s mean.
Each sentence refers to an unkind action.
Verb Form: Explaining Definition
Now we shift gears.
The verb form expresses:
- Definitions
- Results
- Significance
- Translations
This is where “that means” comes in.
Example:
If the sky is dark, that means it will rain.
It isn’t cruel. That’s the point.
Another example:
If he nodded, that means we can start.
It’s not unkind.
The verb connects a cause to an effect. It signals understanding.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Let’s make this concrete.
| Situation Type | Sentence | Meaning | Correct Form |
| Unkind behavior | Don’t say that, that’s mean. | It is cruel. | That’s mean |
| Definition | A red light, that means stop. | It signifies stopping. | That means |
| Cruel action | If you steal, that’s mean. | It is hurtful. | That’s mean |
| Consequence | If he wins, that means we lose. | It results in our loss. | That means |
Notice something important.
The difference isn’t spelling.
It’s behavior vs definition.
When “That’s Mean” Is Correct
Many writers avoid “that’s mean” because they think it’s too simple. It isn’t.
You should use “that’s mean” when:
- You’re discussing an unkind action.
- You’re calling out unfairness.
- You’re judging a situation as harsh.
Examples That Show It Clearly
That’s mean to take his lunch.
You’re judging. It is a harsh action.
If you exclude her, that’s mean.
You’re not defining. You’re evaluating.
I’m not sure if he was joking, but that’s mean.
Again, evaluation of behavior.
Quick Reality Test
Ask yourself:
Is this action cruel or hurtful?
If yes, use that’s mean.
When “That Means” Is Required
Now let’s talk about the definitional heavyweight.
Use “that means” when:
- The situation is a consequence.
- The condition translates to something else.
- You’re explaining a result.
- The second clause provides a definition.
Classic Pattern
Condition + that means + consequence
Example:
He has the keys, so that means he can drive.
He isn’t being cruel. That’s implied.
More Clear Examples
- If the bell rings, that means class is over.
- If the code breaks, that means we have a bug.
- If he is here, that means this will be easier.
In each case, the condition provides a definition.
The Meaning Shift That Most Writers Miss
Sometimes both “that’s mean” and “that means” are grammatically correct in a sentence, but the meaning changes.
Look at this:
He laughed at you, that’s mean.
You are calling his laughter cruel.
Now compare:
He laughed at you, that means he likes the joke.
His laughter is a sign. You’re explaining it.
That’s a subtle but powerful shift.
Tone changes. Meaning shifts. Precision increases.
Why the Confusion Persists in 2025
English isn’t static. It evolves.
Here’s why people still struggle with that’s mean or that means:
The Sounds Blend Together
Modern American English runs words together.
In fast speech, the “s” in “that’s” and the “s” in “means” sound identical.
Autocorrect Fails
Your phone sees:
That mean…
It auto-fills incorrectly based on recent text history.
However, formal grammar demands accuracy.
Education Gaps
Many schools focus on vocabulary but barely touch contractions.
So writers know “mean” but not how the prefix or suffix alters the entire sentence structure.
Formal vs Casual English: Does It Matter?
Yes. Context matters.
In Formal Writing
Use “that means” for logical deductions in:
- Academic papers
- Research writing
- Business reports
- Legal documents
- Standardized tests
Formal writing expects precision.
In Casual Speech
People often type quickly:
Thats mean…
It’s common. It won’t shock anyone.
But strong writing requires stronger standards.
Case Study: Workplace Email vs Group Chat
Let’s compare two contexts.
Workplace Email Example
If the budget is cut, that means we pause hiring.
Correct. Formal. Precise.
Group Chat Example
Did he ignore you? That’s mean.
If the conversation is casual, this fits perfectly.
In casual text, grammar serves emotion.
In formal writing, grammar serves clarity.
Literature and Pop Culture Examples
Great writers use these phrases deliberately.
From teen comedy movies:
“Why would you say that? That’s mean.”
From scientific documentaries:
“The ice is melting, and that means sea levels will rise.”
Speakers choose that’s mean for emotional impact.
It sounds personal. Reactive. Judgmental.
They choose that means for logical deduction.
Advanced Grammar: Contractions vs Present Tense
Let’s push deeper.
Sometimes the grammatical roots trip up writers.
Example:
That’s mean is a contraction of “That is mean.”
“Is” acts as the linking verb.
That means uses “means” as the active, present-tense verb.
Understanding this structural difference prevents errors.
This structure appears often in advanced writing.
Inverted Clause Structures
Formal English sometimes flips the subject.
Example:
What that means is we must begin.
This structure appears in:
- Legal writing
- Academic prose
- Classic literature
It sounds formal and deliberate.
Fixed Expressions That Always Use “Means”
Some phrases are locked in.
- By all means
- A means to an end
- Beyond your means
- What this means is
These expressions don’t change.
Flowchart: Should You Use “That’s Mean” or “That Means”?
Here’s a practical decision guide:
Are you describing someone acting cruelly?
Yes -> Use THAT’S MEAN.
No -> Are you defining a result or consequence?
Yes -> Use THAT MEANS.
No -> Re-evaluate your sentence.
Simple. Fast. Reliable.
Quick Reference Table
| Sentence Type | Correct Choice |
| Calling out cruelty | That’s mean |
| Explaining a rule | That means |
| Judging a remark | That’s mean |
| Defining a symbol | That means |
| Reacting to bullying | That’s mean |
Print it. Memorize it. Use it.
Common Mistakes That Lower Writing Quality
Even experienced writers make these errors:
- Using “that’s mean” when defining a result.
- Avoiding contractions entirely to sound smart in formal writing.
- Forgetting the apostrophe in “that’s mean”.
- Confusing the adjective form with the verb form.
Remember, this isn’t about sounding fancy. It’s about meaning.
Memory Hacks That Actually Work
The “Cruel” Test
If you can replace the phrase with “that is cruel,” you are correct.
Example:
Stealing his toy, ___
Correct answer: that’s mean
The “Signifies” Method
Ask:
Does this translate to “that signifies”?
Signifies -> that means
Cruel -> that’s mean
How Standard Style Guides Treat It
Major grammar authorities support this distinction.
For example:
- The Chicago Manual of Style
- MLA Handbook
- Purdue OWL
These references consistently explain that means acts as a verb for definition.
Academic and professional writing still follows this rule.
Why Precision Matters in Professional Writing
Imagine this sentence in a business contract:
If the deadline passes, that’s mean we cancel.
That implies a childish evaluation.
Now compare:
If the deadline passes, that means we cancel.
That describes a definitive outcome.
Legal writing depends on precision. So does academic research.
Small words carry large consequences.
SEO and Writing Authority: Why This Topic Matters
Search trends show consistent interest in:
- that’s mean or that means
- when to use that means
- that’s mean vs that means grammar
- adjective vs verb examples
Grammar queries remain stable year after year because writers want clarity.
Clear grammar builds credibility.
Credibility builds trust.
Trust drives authority.
Frequently Asked Questions About That’s Mean vs That Means
What’s the main difference between “that’s mean” and “that means”?
“That’s mean” expresses a judgment about cruelty.
“That means” expresses a definition or result.
Can I use “that’s mean” instead of “that means”?
No, they serve completely different grammatical functions.
In formal writing, use “that means” for deductions.
Is “that means” outdated?
No. It remains standard in formal American English.
Why does English still keep this rule?
Because it clearly marks definitions versus behaviors. Without it, meaning blurs.
What’s the fastest way to choose correctly?
Check if you are explaining a result.
If you are, you likely need “that means”.
Final Takeaway: Stop Guessing
The debate around that’s mean vs that means isn’t complicated once you understand parts of speech.
Use “that’s mean” when discussing cruel actions.
Use “that means” when explaining a consequence.
That’s it.
You don’t need to memorize Latin grammar.
You don’t need advanced linguistics.
Just ask one question:
Is this a definition?
If yes, choose that means.
Master that distinction and your writing instantly becomes sharper, clearer, and more authoritative.
Small detail. Big impact.
