Cool MateAnd that means vs Hence vs So
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
And that means
Hence
So
| And that means | Hence | So | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ænd ðæt miːnz//🇺🇸 //ænd ðæt minz// | 🇬🇧 /["/hens/"]/🇺🇸 /["/hens/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/səʊ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/səʊ/"]/ |
| Meaning | This shows that something is true or important. | for that reason | used to say that something is true or to show a result |
| Example | We completed the project ahead of schedule, and that means we can take on more work. | We suspect they are trying to hide something, hence the need for an independent inquiry. | She was tired, so she went to bed early. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) | High-frequency chunk |
| CEFR level | - | B2 | A1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb | |
| Collocations | and that means a lot, and that means trouble, and that means success, and that means you're right, and that means resources | hence the need, henceforth, hence it follows | so happy, so much, so good, so far, so fast |
| Antonyms | - | therefore, thus | not |
| Common mistakes | Omitting 'that' when it's needed for clarity., Using in overly complex sentences where simpler expression is better., Misplacing it in a sentence, which can confuse the meaning. | Using 'hence' incorrectly as a standalone sentence., Confusing 'hence' with 'therefore' when they have slightly different usages., Forgetting to use a comma before 'hence' when it starts a new clause. | Confused with 'very' — 'so' indicates a result rather than degree., 'So' used incorrectly at the beginning of formal sentences., Overusing 'so' in formal writing, making the text less precise. |
| Usage notes | Use in both spoken and written contexts to emphasize significance. It's commonly used in informal discussions and formal arguments. | Used in writing or formal speech to explain outcomes or reasons. It may feel too formal in casual conversations. | Used to connect sentences, showing cause and effect. In informal contexts, it can start statements or express agreement but may be considered vague in formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: And that means vs Hence vs So
What's the difference between And that means, Hence, and So?
And that means: This shows that something is true or important. Hence: for that reason So: used to say that something is true or to show a result
Which is more formal: And that means, Hence, and So?
Hence is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: And that means, Hence, and So?
So is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: And that means, Hence, and So?
Hence is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
And that means: We completed the project ahead of schedule, and that means we can take on more work. Hence: We suspect they are trying to hide something, hence the need for an independent inquiry. So: She was tired, so she went to bed early.
Can I use And that means, Hence, and So interchangeably?
Not always. And that means, Hence, and So are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.