Cool MateAnd that means vs Hence
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
And that means
Top 2,000 (common)
Hence
FormalTop 3,000 (common)B2adverb
Most formal: HenceMost common: And that means
| And that means | Hence | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ænd ðæt miːnz//🇺🇸 //ænd ðæt minz// | 🇬🇧 /["/hens/"]/🇺🇸 /["/hens/"]/ |
| Meaning | This shows that something is true or important. | for that reason |
| 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. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | 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 |
| Antonyms | - | therefore, thus |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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Frequently asked questions: And that means vs Hence
What's the difference between And that means and Hence?
And that means: This shows that something is true or important. Hence: for that reason
Which is more formal: And that means and Hence?
Hence is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: And that means and Hence?
And that means is the most common in everyday English.
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.
Can I use And that means and Hence interchangeably?
Not always. And that means and Hence 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.