That’s or Thats: Which Is Correct? A Complete Guide to Understanding the Difference explains why one tiny apostrophe creates an important difference. Thats is incorrect, while that’s is the proper spelling and correct form in English writing. The apostrophe is a punctuation mark showing letters removed in a contraction. Thus, that’s means that is or that has. In my experience, this simple grammar rule helps prevent a grammar mistake.
A simple test can help you choose the right form without memorizing complicated grammar rules. Replace that’s with that is or that has and check the sentence. The apostrophe matters in emails, blog posts, messages, blogs, and everyday conversations. When writers type quickly, especially during fast composition on phone keyboards, the apostrophe disappears, but thats is not acceptable.
To break down everything, know that English recognizes that’s as an English word. Writers can become confused about the underlying grammar, so clear examples and easy tips help them remember the rule and use the correct form in everyday writing and conversations.
What Does “That’s” Mean?
“That’s” is a contraction, which means it is a shortened version of two separate words. The apostrophe replaces the missing letters from the original phrase.
The word “that’s” can have two meanings:
- That is
- That has
The correct meaning depends on the context of the sentence.
“That’s” as a Contraction of “That Is”
The most common use of “that’s” is as a shorter form of “that is.”
For example:
- That’s a beautiful painting.
- Meaning: That is a beautiful painting.
- That’s my favorite restaurant.
- Meaning: That is my favorite restaurant.
- That’s the reason I called you.
- Meaning: That is the reason I called you.
In everyday English, contractions make conversations smoother. Native speakers usually say “that’s” instead of “that is” because it sounds more natural and relaxed.
Here is a quick comparison:
| With “That’s” | Without “That’s” |
| That’s a great idea. | That is a great idea. |
| That’s my phone. | That is my phone. |
| That’s the problem. | That is the problem. |
Both sentences are grammatically correct. However, “that’s” is more common in everyday communication.
“That’s” as a Contraction of “That Has”
Although many people know that “that’s” means “that is,” it can also mean “that has.”
This happens when “that’s” appears before a past participle.
Examples:
- That’s been a challenging experience.
- Meaning: That has been a challenging experience.
- That’s changed my perspective.
- Meaning: That has changed my perspective.
- That’s happened many times before.
- Meaning: That has happened many times before.
A simple way to check this use is to replace “that’s” with “that has.”
Example:
That’s been the best decision I’ve made.
Replace it:
That has been the best decision I’ve made.
The sentence still makes sense, so the usage is correct.
What Does “Thats” Mean?
“Thats” without an apostrophe is not considered a correct English word in standard writing.
Unlike “that’s,” the word “thats” does not represent a contraction. It does not combine two words, and it does not have a recognized grammatical meaning.
Most people write “thats” because they forget the apostrophe while typing.
Incorrect:
❌ Thats a wonderful idea.
Correct:
✅ That’s a wonderful idea.
The missing apostrophe changes the word completely.
However, you might see “thats” used in special situations, such as:
- Usernames
- Online handles
- Brand names
- Creative titles
For example, someone might create a username called “ThatsAmazing” because usernames often avoid punctuation. This does not make it grammatically correct in normal writing.
When writing an article, email, school assignment, or professional document, always use “that’s.”
That’s vs. Thats: Key Difference Explained
The main difference between that’s and thats is the apostrophe.
The apostrophe shows that letters have been removed from a longer phrase.
| Word | Correct or Incorrect | Meaning | Example |
| That’s | ✅ Correct | That is / That has | That’s a great opportunity. |
| Thats | ❌ Incorrect | No standard meaning | Thats a great opportunity. |
Think of the apostrophe as a small but powerful symbol. It tells the reader that two words have been combined.
For example:
- That is → That’s
- That has → That’s
Without the apostrophe, the contraction disappears.
Why Is the Apostrophe Important in “That’s”?
Apostrophes may look small, but they carry a lot of meaning in English. They help readers understand whether a word shows possession or whether it is a shortened form.
Common examples include:
| Incorrect | Correct | Meaning |
| Its raining today. | It’s raining today. | It is raining today. |
| Your welcome. | You’re welcome. | You are welcome. |
| Thats interesting. | That’s interesting. | That is interesting. |
Many grammar mistakes happen because some words sound the same when spoken but have different meanings when written.
For example:
- It’s = It is
- Its = Belonging to something
The same idea applies to:
- That’s = That is / That has
- Thats = Incorrect spelling
How to Use “That’s” Correctly in a Sentence
Using “that’s” becomes easier when you understand the situations where it naturally appears.
Using “That’s” to Express an Opinion
People often use “that’s” when sharing thoughts, reactions, or judgments.
Examples:
- That’s a fantastic idea.
- That’s the best movie I have watched this year.
- That’s an interesting way to solve the problem.
In each example, “that’s” means “that is.”
Using “That’s” to Point Something Out
You can use “that’s” when identifying something specific.
Examples:
- That’s my new laptop.
- That’s the building where I work.
- That’s the person who helped me yesterday.
It helps direct attention toward a particular object, place, or person.
Using “That’s” to Explain a Reason
The phrase “that’s why” is one of the most common expressions in English.
Examples:
- That’s why I arrived early.
- That’s why learning grammar matters.
- That’s why we need a better solution.
Here, “that’s” means “that is.”
Using “That’s” in Everyday Conversations
People use “that’s” frequently because it sounds natural and friendly.
Example conversation:
Emma: I finally completed my project.
David: That’s amazing! You worked really hard.
Another example:
Lisa: I forgot my keys at home.
Mark: That’s unfortunate.
These conversations sound more natural with contractions.
Common Mistakes People Make With That’s and Thats
Even strong writers sometimes make apostrophe mistakes. Here are the most common ones.
Forgetting the Apostrophe
The most common error is leaving out the apostrophe.
Incorrect:
❌ Thats my favorite book.
Correct:
✅ That’s my favorite book.
A quick proofreading check can help you catch this mistake.
Confusing “That’s” With “Its”
Many people mix up apostrophe rules because these words look similar.
Remember:
- That’s = That is / That has
- Its = Shows ownership
Examples:
✅ That’s a beautiful bird.
✅ The bird spread its wings.
The first sentence identifies something. The second sentence shows possession.
Using “That’s” When the Sentence Does Not Need It
Sometimes people add “that’s” without checking whether the sentence makes sense.
Incorrect:
❌ That’s a book belongs to me.
Correct:
✅ That’s a book that belongs to me.
Always check whether you mean “that is” or “that has.”
Easy Tricks to Remember That’s vs. Thats
Grammar becomes easier when you use simple memory techniques.
Use the Expansion Test
Replace “that’s” with either:
- That is
- That has
If the sentence still makes sense, “that’s” is correct.
Example:
That’s a great achievement.
Replace:
That is a great achievement.
Correct ✅
Another example:
That’s changed everything.
Replace:
That has changed everything.
Correct ✅
Remember the Missing Letters
The apostrophe shows missing letters.
Examples:
- That + is = That’s
- That + has = That’s
Imagine the apostrophe as a shortcut sign. It tells readers that two words have taken a shorter path.
Is “Thats” Ever Acceptable?
In regular English writing, “thats” is not acceptable.
However, it may appear in special cases where grammar rules are not the focus.
Examples include:
- A social media username
- A company name
- A creative project title
These uses are based on branding or style rather than grammar.
For example, a website might choose a name without punctuation because domain names often have restrictions.
Still, in normal sentences, reports, essays, and professional writing, use “that’s.”
Is That’s or Thats Correct in Professional Writing?
Professional writing requires accuracy. Small mistakes can affect how readers view your work.
Using “that’s” correctly is important in:
- Business emails
- Reports
- Presentations
- Academic writing
- Website content
Example:
❌ Thats an important point for our customers.
✅ That’s an important point for our customers.
The corrected version looks cleaner and more professional.
Clear grammar helps readers focus on your message instead of noticing errors.
Read More: Which One Is You or Which One Are You?
Examples of That’s in Different Contexts
Casual Conversation Examples
- That’s awesome!
- That’s exactly what I meant.
- That’s so funny.
Workplace Examples
- That’s a valuable suggestion for our team.
- That’s the information we needed.
- That’s a practical solution.
Academic Examples
- That’s an important finding in this research.
- That’s why this topic requires more attention.
Social Media Examples
- That’s the best photo I’ve seen today.
- That’s such a creative idea.
FAQs:
1. Is “that’s” or “thats” correct?
That’s is the correct form in standard English. Thats without an apostrophe is incorrect.
2. What does “that’s” mean?
That’s is a contraction of that is or that has, depending on the sentence.
3. Why does “that’s” need an apostrophe?
The apostrophe shows that letters have been removed from the original words.
4. How can I remember whether to use “that’s”?
Use a simple test: replace that with that is or that has. If the sentence still makes sense, that’s correct.
5. Can I use “thats” in informal writing?
No. Even in messages, emails, blogs, or everyday writing, that is the correct spelling when you mean that is or that has.
Conclusion:
That’s is the proper and standard form, while that is an incorrect spelling. The apostrophe matters because it shows the missing letters in the contraction of that is or that has.
Remembering this rule can make your English writing, spelling, and grammar more accurate. When you are unsure, replace that with that is or that has and check whether the sentence still works.
