that means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that means" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used in order to explain the consequence of something. For example, "The store was closed, that means I have to go to the nearby store to get what I need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yep, that means exercise.

WikiHow

That means you, and that means now.

The Guardian

That means three buses.

The New York Times

That means Germany's Joh.

The New York Times

That means you're dead.

The New York Times

That means mediocre math.

The New York Times - Tech

That means videos.

The Economist

That means nothing.

The New Yorker

"That means I'm mediocre".

The New York Times - Tech

That means something.

The New York Times

That means more balance.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that means" to clearly indicate the direct consequence or result of a preceding statement. It helps to establish a cause-and-effect relationship, making your writing more logical and easier to follow.

Common error

Avoid using "that means" in overly simple sentences where the connection is already obvious. Instead, opt for more concise phrasing to maintain a smooth flow and avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that means" functions as a linking phrase or causal connector, indicating a direct consequence, implication, or result of a preceding statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that means" is a commonly used phrase to indicate a consequence or result. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, business, and general writing. While versatile, it's best used to clearly link cause and effect, avoiding overuse in overly simple sentences. Alternatives like "consequently" and "therefore" can add formality when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consequently

Directly indicates a result or effect.

therefore

States a conclusion based on evidence or reasoning.

which implies

Highlights the implication of a previous statement.

as a result

Highlights the outcome or consequence of something.

this suggests

Indicates a suggestion or hint based on previous information.

this indicates

Shows something points to or signifies something else.

it follows that

Emphasizes a logical conclusion derived from prior statements.

that is to say

Introduces a more precise or detailed explanation.

in other words

Offers a restatement for clarification.

to put it another way

Presents the same information using different wording.

FAQs

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

"That means" is used to indicate a consequence or result. For example, "The store is closed, "that means" we have to go somewhere else".

What are some alternatives to "that means"?

You can use alternatives such as "consequently", "therefore", or "as a result" to express a similar relationship of cause and effect.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "that means"?

While grammatically acceptable, starting a sentence with "that means" can sometimes sound informal. Consider using alternatives like "therefore" or "consequently" for a more formal tone.

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

"That means" typically introduces a direct consequence of a specific situation. "Which means", on the other hand, often provides additional information or clarification about a broader context.