Definition of That’s Mean Vs That Means
Thats Mean Vs That Means differ in grammar meaning and usage. “That’s mean” is a contraction of “that is mean” and expresses an emotional judgment. “That means” is a verb phrase used to explain or clarify something logically. Quick rule: emotion = “That’s mean,” explanation = “That means.”
Understanding the Core Difference Between “That’s Mean” and “That Means”
The difference between that’s mean and that means is both grammatical and functional. “That’s” is short for “that is,” while “means” is a verb showing explanation.
Key contrasts:
• Contraction vs full verb
• Emotional reaction vs logical explanation
• Adjective vs action verb
• Opinion vs clarification
Mini Comparison Table:
| Phrase | Type | Purpose | Example Function |
| That’s mean | Contraction + adjective | Emotional judgment | Expresses feeling |
| That means | Subject + verb | Explanation | Clarifies result |
| Examples: | |||
| “That’s mean to say that.” | |||
| “That means we are late.” |
Deep Dive: What “That’s Mean” Really Means
“That’s mean” is an emotional expression used in informal English. It shows that someone believes an action or comment is unkind, rude, or unfair.
Definition and Function
“That’s mean” = “That is mean.”
Structure: Subject (That) + linking verb (is) + adjective (mean).
Example: “That’s mean, don’t laugh at him.”
Emotional and Social Nuance
Tone matters. It can show:
• Hurt feelings
• Disapproval
• Mild criticism
• Sympathy for someone
Example: “That’s mean. She tried her best.”
Common Situations Where “That’s Mean” Is Used
You’ll hear it in:
• School conversations
• Friend arguments
• Social media comments
• Workplace disagreements
Example: “That’s mean to ignore her message.”
Alternatives to “That’s Mean”
| Phrase | Tone | Example |
| That’s rude | Direct | That’s rude to interrupt. |
| That’s unkind | Gentle | That’s unkind to say. |
| That’s harsh | Strong | That’s harsh criticism. |
| That’s unfair | Balanced | That’s unfair treatment. |
Cultural Note: British vs American Usage
In both British vs American English, the phrase is informal.
• More common in casual speech
• Often used by younger speakers
• Tone may sound stronger depending on context
Example: “That’s mean, mate.”
Deep Dive: What “That Means” Really Means
“That means” is an explanatory phrase. It connects information to a result or interpretation.
Definition and Function
Structure: Subject (That) + verb (means).
“Means” is third-person singular of “mean.”
Example: “That means the store is closed.”
Everyday Uses of “That Means”
Used in:
• Academic writing
• Instructions
• Logical explanations
• Conversations
Examples:
• “That means we need more time.”
• “That means the answer is correct.”
Signal Words That Often Follow “That Means”
| Signal Word | Example |
| we | That means we are ready. |
| you | That means you passed. |
| the result | That means the result is final. |
| therefore | That means, therefore, we stop here. |
Pronunciation and Grammar Notes
They sound similar in fast speech, which causes confusion.
• “That’s” includes an apostrophe
• “Means” shows action
• Writing requires clear punctuation
Example confusion: “Thats mean” (incorrect spelling).
Examples in Real Sentences
| Emotional | Logical |
| That’s mean to joke about that. | That means the joke was inappropriate. |
| That’s mean of you. | That means you misunderstood me. |
Comparison Table: “That’s Mean” vs “That Means”
| Feature | That’s Mean | That Means |
| Grammar Type | Contraction + adjective | Subject + verb |
| Function | Emotional reaction | Logical explanation |
| Tone | Subjective | Neutral |
| Context | Informal speech | Formal & informal |
| Quick Test | Replace with “that is” | Shows explanation |
Linguistic Insight & Expert Usage Notes
From a linguistic difference perspective:
• “That’s mean” uses a linking verb with an adjective
• “That means” uses a lexical verb showing interpretation
• Pragmatically, one shows emotion, the other shows reasoning
Example: “That’s mean” (judgment) vs “That means we failed” (conclusion).
Common Mistakes and Why They Happen
Grammar mistakes often appear in fast writing.
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
| Thats mean | That’s mean | Missing apostrophe |
| That’s means | That means | Double verb confusion |
| That mean | That means | Subject-verb agreement |
Frequent Errors
• Forgetting the apostrophe
• Adding “s” after “That’s”
• Mixing emotional and logical meaning
Example: “That’s means we go” (wrong).
Why Mistakes Occur
• Fast typing
• Similar pronunciation
• ESL interference
• Autocorrect errors
Quick Fixes and Usage Hacks
Easy grammar tips:
• Use the “that is” test
• Check if you’re explaining something
• Look for emotional tone
Simple Decision Guide
If you can say “that is mean,” use “That’s mean.”
If you’re explaining a result, use “That means.”
Example: “That means we’re done.”
Mnemonic Device
Mean = emotion.
Means = meaning.
Remember: The “s” in “means” stands for “sense.”
Visual Trick
Look for the apostrophe in “That’s.”
No apostrophe? It might be “That means.”
Similar and Related Phrases
| Phrase | Function | Example |
| That is | Full form | That is unfair. |
| This means | Explanation | This means trouble. |
| It means | Clarification | It means success. |
Real-Life Case Study: “That’s Mean” vs “That Means” in Context
Dialogue:
A: “He laughed at her mistake.”
B: “That’s mean.”
Teacher: “He lost five points. That means he failed.”
One expresses judgment. The other explains a result.
Quick Recap Table
| Question | Use |
| Showing emotion? | That’s mean |
| Giving explanation? | That means |
| Replace with “that is”? | That’s mean |
| Showing result? | That means |
🧠 Self-Assessment Quiz
Fill in the blanks:
- _______ we need to leave early.
- _______ to make fun of someone.
- He didn’t study. _______ he failed.
- _______ very unfair behavior.
- The lights are off. _______ nobody is home.
Answer Key: - That means
- That’s mean
- That means
- That’s mean
- That means
Final Thoughts
Understanding That’s Mean Vs That Means becomes simple once you focus on function. “That’s mean” expresses emotional judgment and usually reacts to someone’s behavior. It is informal and personal. “That means,” on the other hand, introduces an explanation or logical conclusion. It connects ideas and clarifies results. The grammar difference is clear: one is a contraction of “that is,” and the other is a subject-verb structure using “means.” When unsure, apply the quick test. If you can replace the phrase with “that is,” choose “That’s mean.” If you are explaining what something shows or implies, choose “That means.” With practice, the confusion disappears. Context is your strongest guide. Mastering this small grammar point will make your English clearer and more confident.
FAQs
What does “That’s mean” mean?
“That’s mean” is a contraction of “that is mean.” It expresses emotional judgment about someone’s behavior. It suggests something is unkind, rude, or unfair. The phrase is informal and commonly used in everyday conversations to show disapproval or sympathy toward someone who was treated badly.
What does “That means” mean?
“That means” introduces an explanation or conclusion. It connects one idea to its result. For example, “The store is closed. That means we can’t buy anything.” It is used in both formal and informal contexts to clarify or interpret information logically.
Is “That’s mean” always negative?
Yes, it usually carries a negative tone. It expresses criticism or disapproval. However, the strength of negativity depends on context and tone. Sometimes it can sound mild or playful, but it still suggests something is unkind or unfair.
How can I remember the difference easily?
Use the “that is” test. If you can replace the phrase with “that is,” choose “That’s mean.” If you are explaining a result or meaning, use “That means.” Also remember: “means” relates to meaning or explanation.
Why do English learners confuse these phrases?
They sound similar in fast speech. The apostrophe in “That’s” is often missed in writing. Learners also confuse adjective structures with verb forms. Because both phrases begin with “that,” they look alike but serve different grammar roles.
Is “That means” formal or informal?
“That means” works in both formal and informal settings. It is common in academic writing, instructions, explanations, and daily conversation. Its neutral tone makes it appropriate for professional communication as well.
Can both phrases appear in the same paragraph?
Yes. One can express emotion and the other explanation. For example: “That’s mean to exclude her. That means she feels left out.” They serve different functions but can logically appear together.
Does punctuation change the meaning?
Yes. The apostrophe in “That’s” shows it is a contraction of “that is.” Without it, the sentence may be grammatically incorrect. “That means” does not require an apostrophe because it is not a contraction.
Is “Thats mean” without apostrophe correct?
No. “Thats mean” is incorrect because it is missing the apostrophe. The correct form is “That’s mean.” Apostrophes are essential in contractions to show omitted letters.
What is the fastest way to check usage?
Ask yourself: Am I judging behavior or explaining a result? Judgment equals “That’s mean.” Explanation equals “That means.” This quick context check solves most confusion instantly.
Sophia Turner is a grammar-focused writer who covers similes, word-versus-word meanings, and correct English usage. Her content is designed for learners who want quick answers, logical explanations, and practical guidance for improving writing accuracy and style.
