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that means vs that meant

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'That means' is used to explain or clarify something in the present or future, while 'that meant' is used to refer to something that was intended or signified in the past.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 766 views

that means

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to explain or clarify something in the present or future.

Use 'that means' when you want to explain or clarify the significance or implications of something in the present or future.

Examples:

  • I have to leave early, so that means I won't be able to attend the meeting.
  • She didn't reply to my message, so that means she might be busy.
  • If you see dark clouds, that means it might rain soon.
  • Wait, that means three parts one third antifreeze.
  • For furniture designers that means: limitless design freedom.
  • Upset, that means with worries.
  • Gratteri derives from Greek kratèr that means basin.
  • And that means finding his next partner.
  • But that means it's on you.
  • The teacher said that means you passed
  • And that means... telling Amelia.
  • But that means it's timed around Britain.
  • And that means we have to really increase efficiency even more.
  • The word tantra draws origin from the sanscrit root tan that means expansion and tra that means liberation.
  • But that means Gardner is effectively making policy.
  • My experience is that means trouble.
  • And that means there's none.
  • Guess that means your friends are dead.
  • And that means hungry for love.
  • None of that means I killed Antonio.
  • Of course that means that architecture is political.
  • You never really Knowwhat that means.
  • Everything that means happiness costs money.

Alternatives:

  • this implies
  • this indicates
  • this suggests
  • in other words
  • to clarify

that meant

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to something that was intended or signified in the past.

Use 'that meant' when you want to talk about the intended meaning or significance of something in the past.

Examples:

  • When he said he was tired, that meant he wanted to go home.
  • Her silence during the argument that meant she was hurt.
  • The red light that meant we had to stop.
  • I never knew what that meant.
  • And I used to think that meant... that we could overcome anything.
  • So that meant putting up with Dalia for the night.
  • For Malik, that meant sculpting a bust of Lisa's head...
  • I had a name... that meant something.
  • It was work that meant something then.
  • And that meant staying close to the hunter.
  • It was Saturday morning, 1980-something, and that meant one thing... cartoons.
  • And that meant a lot to me.
  • And that meant taking Muddy back down South.
  • We figured that meant he had a million.
  • And until today, I didn't even know what that meant.
  • It meant making some investments and that meant reducing profits for a few years.
  • I think I was worriedabout you and charlotteand what that meant, but...
  • You refused to remain silent, even when that meant prolonging your sentence.
  • For me, that meant staying here.
  • For me, that meant staying here.
  • I should have known that meant I really want this.
  • And that meant everything to me.
  • Met a girl... and that meant something.

Alternatives:

  • that signified
  • that indicated
  • that was intended to convey
  • that symbolized
  • that represented

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