That means that

USAGE SUMMARY

"That means that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate a following statement will explain or serve as evidence for the preceding statement. For example, "The forecast calls for light rain. That means that umbrellas should be packed for the hike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That means that tonight you're still in rehab.

The New Yorker

That means that artist did their job.

Huffington Post

That means that St.

The Economist

That means that he likes surprises.

The New Yorker

That means that ships are doubly damaged.

The New York Times

That means that things will change".

Independent

That means that b changes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"That means that I hate me".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That means that that is my job.

The New York Times

That means that perfect knowledge is unattainable.

The Guardian - Business

That means that grandfathered plans have disappeared.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that means that" to clearly articulate the direct consequences or logical conclusions stemming from a previous statement. Ensure the connection is evident to the reader.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "that means that" within close proximity of other explanatory phrases. Vary your sentence structure to maintain a smooth and engaging flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that means that" primarily functions as a connector, linking a statement with its explanation, implication, or consequence. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage. Ludwig AI confirms this as well.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

23%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that means that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship or provide an explanation. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, from News & Media to Academia. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy and maintain a smooth flow in writing. Consider related phrases like "which implies that" or "therefore" for variety. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal settings, making it a reliable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which implies that

Focuses on the logical consequence or implication derived from a previous statement.

this suggests that

Highlights that the preceding information hints towards a particular conclusion.

it follows that

Emphasizes a direct and logical deduction from the given information.

consequently

Indicates that something is a direct result or outcome of what was previously mentioned.

therefore

States a conclusion based on the evidence or reasoning presented earlier.

as a result

Highlights that something happened because of a prior event or situation.

in other words

Offers a restatement or clarification of a previous statement for better understanding.

put differently

Rephrases the prior statement using different vocabulary or syntax to convey the same meaning.

that is to say

Introduces an explanation or further clarification of the preceding statement.

what this signifies is

Emphasizes the importance or deeper meaning of a preceding statement.

FAQs

How can I use "that means that" in a sentence?

Use "that means that" to explain the implication or consequence of a preceding statement. For instance, "The store is closed. "That means that" we'll have to come back tomorrow."

What are some alternatives to "that means that"?

You can use alternatives such as "which implies that", "this suggests that", or "it follows that" depending on the context and nuance you want to convey. Consider also "consequently" or "therefore" for more formal tones.

Is it grammatically correct to say "that means that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is widely used and understood, serving as a connector between a statement and its implication.

What's the difference between "that means that" and "that implies that"?

"That means that" directly explains the consequence, while "that implies that" suggests a more indirect or inferred outcome. Use "that implies that" when the connection is not immediately obvious.