Many English learners and even native speakers occasionally get confused between thats and that’s. The difference may seem small—a single apostrophe—but it completely changes whether the word is grammatically correct. Because contractions are common in everyday writing, understanding this distinction is essential for emails, essays, blog posts, social media updates, and professional communication.
If you’ve ever wondered whether to write thats or that’s, you’re not alone. This guide explains the correct form, how the apostrophe works, common mistakes to avoid, and practical examples you can use in real-life writing.
The Short Answer: “Thats” vs “That’s”
The simple answer is:
✅ That’s is correct.
❌ Thats is generally incorrect in standard English.
The word that’s is a contraction that combines either:
- That is
- That has
The apostrophe replaces the missing letter(s) in the shortened form.
Quick Comparison Table
| Word | Correct? | Meaning |
| That’s | Yes | That is / That has |
| Thats | No | Not recognized in standard English grammar |
Examples
Correct:
- That’s a great idea.
- That’s been happening for years.
- I think that’s the best option.
Incorrect:
- Thats a great idea.
- Thats been happening for years.
- I think thats the best option.
In nearly all situations, that’s is the form you should use.
What Does “That’s” Mean?
The contraction that’s can represent two different phrases depending on the sentence.
“That’s” as “That Is”
The most common meaning of that’s is that is.
Examples
- That’s my favorite book.
- That’s exactly what I needed.
- That’s an excellent suggestion.
- That’s the restaurant everyone recommends.
If you expand the contraction, the sentence still makes sense:
- That is my favorite book.
- That is exactly what I needed.
Common Situations
You will often see that’s = that is in:
- Everyday conversations
- Emails
- Text messages
- Blog articles
- Informal business communication
Quick Test
Replace that’s with that is.
If the sentence still sounds natural, you’re using it correctly.
Example:
- That’s a beautiful view.
- That is a beautiful view.
Both versions work.
“That’s” as “That Has”
Less commonly, that’s can also mean that has.
This usually occurs when the next word is a past participle.
Examples
- That’s been a difficult year.
- That’s happened before.
- That’s become a popular trend.
- That’s changed significantly over time.
Expanded versions:
- That has been a difficult year.
- That has happened before.
- That has become a popular trend.
How to Identify This Usage
Look at the word following that’s.
If it’s a past participle such as:
- Been
- Happened
- Become
- Changed
- Improved
- Developed
Then that’s likely means that has.
Comparison Table
| Contraction | Full Form | Example |
| That’s | That is | That’s a good idea. |
| That’s | That has | That’s happened before. |
Understanding both meanings helps prevent grammatical confusion.
How to Remember the Difference Between “Thats” and “That’s”
One of the easiest ways to remember the difference is to focus on the apostrophe.
The Apostrophe Rule
In English, contractions require an apostrophe.
Examples include:
| Contraction | Full Form |
| It’s | It is / It has |
| She’s | She is / She has |
| He’s | He is / He has |
| That’s | That is / That has |
Because that’s is a contraction, the apostrophe is necessary.
Easy Memory Trick
Think:
No apostrophe = usually wrong.
Whenever you mean:
- That is
- That has
You must use:
That’s
Visual Reminder
Correct:
✅ That’s amazing.
✅ That’s been completed.
Incorrect:
❌ Thats amazing.
❌ Thats been completed.
Why People Write “Thats”
Common reasons include:
- Fast typing
- Autocorrect errors
- Lack of proofreading
- Confusion about apostrophe rules
While the mistake is common, it should be corrected in formal writing.
Proofreading Tip
Before submitting an email, report, essay, or article:
- Search for “thats.”
- Replace it with “that’s” where appropriate.
- Read the sentence aloud.
- Check whether “that is” or “that has” fits.
This simple habit eliminates one of the most frequent grammar mistakes.
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When to Use “That’s” in Your Writing
Knowing when to use that’s can improve both readability and professionalism.
Use “That’s” in Informal Writing
Contractions are common in everyday communication.
Examples:
- That’s exactly what I wanted.
- That’s a great movie.
- That’s the best solution.
These sentences sound natural and conversational.
Use “That’s” in Business Communication
Modern business writing often allows contractions because they create a friendly tone.
Examples:
- That’s a valuable suggestion.
- That’s the information we needed.
- That’s been addressed already.
Use “That’s” in Digital Content
Blogs, newsletters, social media posts, and online articles frequently use contractions.
Examples:
- That’s why SEO matters.
- That’s how the process works.
- That’s one of the biggest challenges today.
When You May Avoid “That’s”
In highly formal or academic writing, some writers prefer the expanded version.
Instead of:
- That’s an important factor.
You might write:
- That is an important factor.
Both are grammatically correct, but the expanded form can sound more formal.
Common Sentence Examples
Here are practical examples showing correct usage:
- That’s the answer I was looking for.
- That’s one reason people prefer remote work.
- That’s been a successful campaign.
- That’s the best way to learn grammar.
- That’s not what I expected.
- That’s become increasingly common.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Omitting the Apostrophe
Incorrect:
- Thats my phone.
Correct:
- That’s my phone.
Mistake #2: Using “Thats” in Professional Writing
Incorrect:
- Thats the final report.
Correct:
- That’s the final report.
Mistake #3: Forgetting the Expansion Test
Always check whether:
- That is
- That has
fits the sentence naturally.
If it does, that’s is correct.
Conclusion
The difference between thats and that’s is simple but important. In standard English, that’s is the correct form because it functions as a contraction for that is or that has. The apostrophe is essential because it indicates missing letters in the shortened expression.
Whenever you’re writing emails, articles, social media posts, reports, or everyday messages, remember that that’s is the accepted spelling. By applying the expansion test and paying attention to apostrophes, you can avoid one of the most common grammar mistakes and write with greater confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “thats” a real word?
No. In standard English grammar, thats without an apostrophe is generally considered incorrect.
What does “that’s” stand for?
That’s can mean either that is or that has, depending on the sentence.
Why is “that’s” written with an apostrophe?
The apostrophe replaces missing letters in the contraction of that is or that has.
Can I use “that’s” in formal writing?
Yes, although some highly formal documents may prefer the expanded forms that is or that has.
How do I know if “that’s” means “that is” or “that has”?
Look at the words that follow. If a past participle follows, it usually means that has.
Is “that’s” grammatically correct?
Yes. That’s is fully grammatically correct and widely used in modern English.
What is the biggest mistake people make with “that’s”?
The most common mistake is omitting the apostrophe and writing thats instead.
Rimsha creates simple grammar guides, English writing tips, and word meaning content for readers at Hollo Magazine.