Understanding the difference between “thats” and “that’s” can seem simple, but this small punctuation mark can completely change the meaning and grammatical correctness of a sentence. If you have ever wondered, “Thats or That’s: Which Is Correct?”, you are not alone. Many writers, students, bloggers, and English learners confuse these two forms because they sound almost identical when spoken.
The correct form in standard English is usually “that’s,” which is a contraction of “that is” or “that has.” For example, “That’s a great idea” means “That is a great idea.” On the other hand, “thats” without an apostrophe is generally considered incorrect in modern standard English when you intend to write the contraction. Learning this distinction can help you improve your English grammar, writing accuracy, and sentence structure.
In this complete guide, we’ll explain thats vs that’s, show you when to use that’s, explain why the apostrophe matters, and provide practical examples. We’ll also cover common mistakes, writing tips, and frequently asked questions so you can confidently choose the correct form every time.
Thats vs. That’s: The Difference at a Glance
Before diving deeper, here’s a quick comparison.
| Feature | That’s | Thats |
| Correct in standard English | Yes | No |
| Contains apostrophe | Yes | No |
| Type of word | Contraction | Misspelling |
| Meaning | That is / That has | No accepted grammatical meaning |
| Suitable for formal writing | Yes | No |
| Found in dictionaries | Yes | No |
Quick Answer
If you’re writing standard English, choose “that’s.”
Examples:
✅ That’s a beautiful house.
✅ That’s been completed already.
❌ Thats a beautiful house.
❌ Thats been completed already.
What Does “That’s” Mean?
The word “that’s” is a contraction. A contraction combines two words into one shorter form by replacing omitted letters with an apostrophe.
In English, contractions make writing and speech sound more natural and conversational.
The word “that’s” can represent two different phrases:
- That is
- That has
The intended meaning depends entirely on the context.
“That’s” as a Contraction of “That Is”
Most of the time, “that’s” means “that is.”
Consider these examples:
- That’s my favorite book.
- That’s the restaurant everyone recommends.
- That’s exactly what I wanted.
- That’s a brilliant idea.
If you expand the contraction, the sentence still works perfectly:
- That is my favorite book.
- That is the restaurant everyone recommends.
- That is exactly what I wanted.
- That is a brilliant idea.
This simple test helps verify whether you’re using the word correctly.
Example Table
| Contraction | Expanded Form |
| That’s amazing. | That is amazing. |
| That’s true. | That is true. |
| That’s difficult. | That is difficult. |
| That’s enough. | That is enough. |
If “that is” fits naturally, then “that’s” is correct.
“That’s” as a Contraction of “That Has”
Less commonly, “that’s” can mean “that has.”
Examples:
- That’s been happening for years.
- That’s already finished.
- That’s become a major issue.
- That’s caused several problems.
Expanded versions:
- That has been happening for years.
- That has already finished.
- That has become a major issue.
- That has caused several problems.
Notice that this version often appears before a past participle such as:
- been
- become
- caused
- created
- developed
- happened
Quick Rule
If you can replace “that’s” with “that has” and the sentence still makes sense, the contraction is correct.
Is “Thats” Ever Correct?
This question appears frequently in grammar forums and search engines.
The straightforward answer is:
No. “Thats” is not considered correct in standard English grammar.
Major dictionaries, style guides, educational institutions, and grammar references recognize “that’s” but not “thats.”
In professional writing, academic writing, journalism, publishing, and business communication, using “thats” is considered an error.
Why “Thats” Is Considered Incorrect
The word lacks the apostrophe required for a contraction.
English contractions follow specific rules.
Examples include:
| Correct | Incorrect |
| Don’t | Dont |
| Can’t | Cant |
| Isn’t | Isnt |
| It’s | Its (when contraction intended) |
| That’s | Thats |
Without the apostrophe, the contraction becomes grammatically incomplete.
Think of the apostrophe as a sign showing where letters have been removed.
In “that’s,” the apostrophe replaces the missing “i” in “is” or the missing letters in “has.”
Situations Where You Might See “Thats”
Although incorrect, you’ll encounter “thats” regularly online.
Common places include:
- Text messages
- Social media posts
- Online chats
- Discussion forums
- Informal notes
- Fast typing environments
Examples:
- Thats awesome!
- Thats funny.
- Thats crazy.
These examples remain grammatically incorrect even if many people use them.
Frequency does not make a word correct.
Why Apostrophes Matter in Contractions
Many grammar mistakes stem from apostrophes.
People often omit them because they’re typing quickly or relying on autocorrect.
However, apostrophes serve an important purpose.
They show that letters have been omitted.
Without them, readers may become confused about meaning and structure.
Consider These Examples
| Correct Form | Expanded Form |
| Don’t | Do not |
| Won’t | Will not |
| Isn’t | Is not |
| That’s | That is |
| You’re | You are |
The apostrophe acts as a marker that indicates missing letters.
Without it, the word loses its grammatical integrity.
How Apostrophes Change Meaning
Sometimes an apostrophe completely changes meaning.
Consider this famous example:
It’s = It is
Its = Possessive form of it
Examples:
- It’s raining outside.
- The company changed its policy.
One tiny mark creates two entirely different functions.
The same principle applies to that’s.
Examples of Correct Usage in Sentences
Understanding the rule is useful.
Seeing it in action is even better.
Everyday Conversation Examples
- That’s a great movie.
- That’s exactly what I meant.
- That’s your backpack.
- That’s where we met.
- That’s not necessary.
These are natural, everyday uses.
Academic Writing Examples
While formal academic writing often avoids contractions, many educational contexts still allow them.
Examples:
- That’s one explanation for the observed results.
- That’s an important consideration in this study.
- That’s consistent with previous research findings.
In highly formal academic papers, writers often expand contractions:
- That is one explanation.
- That is an important consideration.
Professional Email Examples
Examples:
- That’s a valuable suggestion.
- That’s attached for your review.
- That’s already been approved.
- That’s scheduled for next week.
These phrases appear regularly in workplace communication.
Business Communication Examples
Examples include:
- That’s within budget.
- That’s our final proposal.
- That’s the recommended strategy.
- That’s generated positive results.
Clear grammar helps maintain professionalism.
Common Mistakes People Make With “That’s”
Even experienced writers occasionally make errors.
Let’s examine the most common ones.
Leaving Out the Apostrophe
This is the most frequent mistake.
Incorrect:
❌ Thats a good idea.
Correct:
✅ That’s a good idea.
The omission usually happens because people type quickly.
Overlooking Autocorrect Warnings
Modern writing tools often highlight “thats” immediately.
However, writers sometimes ignore correction suggestions.
Before submitting important documents, run a grammar check.
Confusing Informal Writing With Correct Grammar
Many people assume that because they see “thats” online, it must be acceptable.
That’s not how language standards work.
Social media often prioritizes speed over accuracy.
Professional writing does not.
Using “Thats” in Formal Documents
A missing apostrophe may seem minor.
Yet employers, editors, professors, and clients frequently notice these mistakes.
A document filled with grammar errors can undermine an otherwise strong message.
That’s vs. Similar Grammar Confusions
The confusion surrounding “that’s” isn’t unique.
English contains several similar traps.
Its vs. It’s
One of the most common grammar errors.
| Word | Meaning |
| It’s | It is |
| Its | Possessive form |
Examples:
- It’s working perfectly.
- The laptop lost its charger.
Whose vs. Who’s
| Word | Meaning |
| Who’s | Who is |
| Whose | Possessive form |
Examples:
- Who’s coming tonight?
- Whose jacket is this?
Youre vs. You’re
Correct:
- You’re welcome.
- You’re doing great.
Incorrect:
- Youre welcome.
- Youre doing great.
The apostrophe remains essential.
Cant vs. Can’t
Without an apostrophe, the word becomes a spelling error in standard English.
Correct:
- I can’t attend.
Incorrect:
- I cant attend.
The pattern remains consistent.
How to Remember the Difference
Fortunately, remembering the rule requires very little effort.
A few simple techniques can eliminate this mistake permanently.
Use the Expansion Test
This is the easiest method.
Replace “that’s” with “that is.”
Example:
That’s wonderful.
Expanded:
That is wonderful.
The sentence still works.
Now test “thats.”
Thats wonderful.
Expanded:
That is wonderful.
The missing apostrophe immediately becomes obvious.
Check for “That Has”
Sometimes “that’s” means “that has.”
Example:
That’s been fixed.
Expanded:
That has been fixed.
The sentence remains correct.
This confirms proper usage.
Look for Grammar Patterns
Whenever you see:
- that’s been
- that’s become
- that’s caused
- that’s happened
You can often replace the contraction with “that has.”
Quick Proofreading Techniques
Professional writers rarely rely on memory alone.
They use systems.
Effective Editing Checklist
Before publishing:
- Search for “thats”
- Verify every contraction
- Use grammar software
- Read the document aloud
- Review headings and captions
- Check email subject lines
These small steps catch surprising numbers of mistakes.
Grammar Checker Tips
Popular tools can identify apostrophe errors automatically.
Useful options include:
- Microsoft Editor
- Grammarly
- ProWritingAid
- LanguageTool
These programs won’t replace human judgment, but they can spot obvious issues quickly.
Does Using “Thats” Affect Professional Writing?
Some writers wonder whether readers truly care.
In many situations, the answer is yes.
Grammar influences perception.
Impact on Credibility
Imagine two job applicants.
Applicant A writes:
That’s one of my strongest skills.
Applicant B writes:
Thats one of my strongest skills.
Most hiring managers will view Applicant A as more detail-oriented.
Small details often create first impressions.
Impact on Academic Work
Teachers and professors evaluate more than ideas.
They also assess communication quality.
Repeated grammar mistakes can reduce the effectiveness of otherwise excellent work.
Impact on Business Communication
Companies spend substantial resources developing professional branding.
Emails, reports, presentations, and proposals represent that brand.
Consistent grammar helps maintain trust and authority.
Real-World Case Study: The Cost of Small Writing Errors
A marketing agency sent two versions of a promotional email.
Version A contained polished grammar.
Version B contained multiple small errors, including missing apostrophes.
Although the offer remained identical, readers perceived Version A as more professional.
The result?
Higher engagement, greater trust, and improved response rates.
The lesson is simple:
Tiny grammar details often influence how readers judge quality.
Examples: Correct vs. Incorrect Usage
Everyday Examples
| Incorrect | Correct |
| Thats my car. | That’s my car. |
| Thats interesting. | That’s interesting. |
| Thats the answer. | That’s the answer. |
| Thats been completed. | That’s been completed. |
| Thats what I meant. | That’s what I meant. |
Workplace Examples
| Incorrect | Correct |
| Thats attached. | That’s attached. |
| Thats approved. | That’s approved. |
| Thats our recommendation. | That’s our recommendation. |
| Thats scheduled for Monday. | That’s scheduled for Monday. |
Academic Examples
| Incorrect | Correct |
| Thats consistent with prior studies. | That’s consistent with prior studies. |
| Thats a significant finding. | That’s a significant finding. |
| Thats supported by the data. | That’s supported by the data. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, “that’s” is the correct form when you mean “that is” or “that has.” The spelling “thats” is generally incorrect when used as a contraction. Remembering the role of the apostrophe, checking the sentence meaning, and expanding the contraction can make the difference easy to identify. With regular practice, choosing between thats and that’s will become natural and automatic.
FAQs
1. Is “thats” grammatically correct?
In standard English, “thats” is generally not correct when you mean the contraction “that’s.” The apostrophe is required.
2. What does “that’s” mean?
“That’s” is a contraction of “that is” or “that has.” The intended meaning depends on the sentence.
3. Which is correct, “thats” or “that’s”?
“That’s” is normally the correct choice when writing the contraction of “that is” or “that has.”
4. Why does “that’s” need an apostrophe?
The apostrophe indicates that letters have been omitted from the original words “that is” or “that has.”
5. Can “thats” ever be used?
In ordinary modern English writing, “thats” without an apostrophe is generally not used as the contraction. Use “that’s” instead.
