Why do words like mean (in the context of ' means _') require an s?

Question

I am trying to help a friend of mine from Thailand with his English, and before I correct his usage of 'mean' I'd like to be able to explain the why and wherefore of what I am telling him. He often sends me messages that say things like "That mean..." and I can't for the life of me determine why that word requires an s in that context.

Are you speaking here about the third person singular, present tense of the verb to mean? That's no exception. Almost every regular verb in English forms the third person in that way. — WS2, Apr 29 '16 at 21:29

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Apr 29 '16 at 21:29

1

That means - it's the 3rd (third) person singular so you need to add an s since 'mean' is a verb here.

answered Apr 29 '16 at 21:29

TheFrenchDude

82
2

How about It's all those little things that mean I love you? – deadrat Apr 29 '16 at 21:49
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@deadrat: different "that". the subject is "those little things". – Colin Fine Apr 29 '16 at 21:53
@ColinFine Now, let's not always see the same hands. – deadrat Apr 30 '16 at 00:34

Why do words like mean (in the context of '__ means ___') require an s?

1 Answers1

Why do words like mean (in the context of ' means _') require an s?