That’s or Thats? The Complete Guide to Using the Correct Form
Have you ever typed a quick message, email, or social media comment and paused at the last second to wonder: That’s or thats? You are not alone. Many writers, students, and professionals confuse these two forms because they look almost identical. The only visible difference is one small apostrophe, yet that tiny mark completely changes what is correct.
English punctuation can feel tricky, especially when contractions and possessives look similar. Some words use apostrophes, while others do not. That is why people often second-guess themselves when writing common words like that’s.
The truth is simple: one version is standard English, and the other is usually considered incorrect in modern writing. Once you understand the grammar rule, you will never need to hesitate again.
In this complete guide, you will learn the real difference between that’s or thats, when to use each form, common mistakes to avoid, and easy memory tricks that work every time. Whether you are writing an email, essay, text message, or business report, this article will help you choose the correct form with confidence.
Quick Answer: That’s or Thats?
That’s is the correct form in standard English. It is a contraction of that is or that has.
Thats without an apostrophe is generally incorrect and should not be used in formal or standard writing.
Example:
- That’s a great idea.
- That’s been helpful.
Understanding the Basics: That’s or Thats?
The confusion comes from apostrophes. In English, apostrophes often show contractions or possession. In this case, that’s is a contraction.
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example | Correct/Incorrect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| That’s | Contraction | That is / That has | That’s amazing. | Correct |
| Thats | Nonstandard form | No accepted meaning in standard grammar | Thats amazing. | Incorrect |
Core Difference
- Use that’s when you mean that is or that has.
- Avoid thats in standard writing.
Correct Meanings and Uses
That’s = That Is
This is the most common use of that’s.
Examples:
- That’s my car.
= That is my car. - That’s the answer.
= That is the answer. - That’s why I called.
= That is why I called.
Sentence Breakdown
In each example, the apostrophe replaces the missing letter i in is.
That + is = that’s
Test Tip
Replace that’s with that is. If the sentence still makes sense, that’s is correct.
That’s = That Has
Less common, but still correct.
Examples:
- That’s been helpful.
= That has been helpful. - That’s caused confusion before.
= That has caused confusion before. - That’s made a difference.
= That has made a difference.
Sentence Breakdown
Here, that’s replaces that has.
That + has = that’s
Test Tip
Replace that’s with that has. If the sentence works naturally, the contraction is correct.
Why “Thats” Is Incorrect
Thats without an apostrophe is not recognized as correct standard English in grammar guides, dictionaries, or professional writing.
Examples of incorrect usage:
- Thats a problem.
- I think thats true.
- Thats been fixed.
Corrected versions:
- That’s a problem.
- I think that’s true.
- That’s been fixed.
Case Study Section: Real-Life Example
Workplace Email Example
Incorrect Email
Hi Sarah,
Thats the final report you requested. Thats attached for review.
Correct Email
Hi Sarah,
That’s the final report you requested. That’s attached for review.
Why It Matters
The corrected version looks polished and professional. Small grammar mistakes can affect how readers judge attention to detail, especially in work communication.
Grammar Rules Explanation
According to standard English grammar principles and dictionary authorities such as Merriam-Webster, apostrophes are commonly used to form contractions.
A contraction combines two words by removing letters and replacing them with an apostrophe.
Examples:
- do not = don’t
- cannot = can’t
- that is = that’s
- that has = that’s
Since that’s is a contraction, the apostrophe is required.
Without the apostrophe, thats is incomplete and grammatically nonstandard.
Important Note
Some possessive pronouns do not use apostrophes, such as:
- its
- hers
- yours
- theirs
This creates confusion because many people assume thats follows the same pattern. It does not.
Common Mistakes Section
Why Mistakes Happen
Many people write thats by accident because of:
- Fast typing – apostrophes are easy to skip
- Autocorrect errors – some devices miss context
- Lack of grammar knowledge – many users never learned the contraction rule
- Visual similarity – both forms look close enough to seem correct
Similar Grammar Confusions
| Confusing Pair | Correct Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| it’s / its | it is / belonging to it | It’s cold. / Its color is blue. |
| you’re / your | you are / belonging to you | You’re late. / Your bag is here. |
| they’re / their | they are / belonging to them | They’re ready. / Their house is big. |
| who’s / whose | who is / belonging to whom | Who’s there? / Whose coat is this? |
| that’s / thats | that is or that has / incorrect form | That’s fine. |
Usage in Different Contexts
Everyday Conversation
Use that’s naturally in speech and writing.
- That’s funny.
- That’s enough.
- That’s my friend.
Professional Writing
Always use the correct form.
- That’s the updated contract.
- That’s our final decision.
Even better, some formal writing may prefer the full form:
- That is our final decision.
Creative Writing
Contractions help dialogue sound natural.
- “That’s not what I meant,” she said.
Social Media and Texting
Many users type quickly and skip apostrophes, but that’s is still correct.
- That’s wild!
- That’s amazing news!
Why It Matters
Correct grammar is not just about rules. It shapes how people understand and judge your writing.
Clarity in Communication
Apostrophes signal meaning quickly. Readers instantly recognize that’s as that is or that has.
Professionalism
Clear grammar helps emails, resumes, and reports look polished.
Accuracy in Digital Communication
Short messages spread fast. Mistakes spread too. Correct writing builds trust.
“Small details create strong impressions.”
When you use that’s correctly, your writing feels sharper and more credible.
Special Exception Section
In standard English grammar, thats has no accepted grammatical use. However, there are rare exceptions:
Brand Names or Usernames
A company, product, username, or creative title might intentionally use Thats without an apostrophe.
Examples:
- ThatsMedia
- ThatsCoolApp
These are naming choices, not grammar rules.
Search Queries or Informal Typing
Some people type thats in search bars or texts because it is faster. This does not make it grammatically correct.
Quick Recap Checklist
| Question | If Yes → Use |
|---|---|
| Do you mean “that is”? | That’s |
| Do you mean “that has”? | That’s |
| Are you writing standard English? | That’s |
| Are you using a brand name or username? | Possibly Thats |
| Unsure? Expand the sentence first | That’s |
Practice Examples
- ___ a smart solution.
Answer: That’s - ___ been difficult lately.
Answer: That’s - I think ___ correct.
Answer: That’s
FAQs About That’s or Thats
1. Is “thats” ever correct?
In normal grammar, no. Thats is usually incorrect unless it is part of a brand name, username, or stylized title.
2. What does “that’s” mean?
That’s means that is or that has, depending on the sentence.
3. Is “that’s” formal enough for business writing?
Yes, but some formal documents may prefer that is instead of the contraction.
4. Why do people write “thats”?
Usually because of fast typing, skipped punctuation, or confusion about apostrophe rules.
5. How can I remember the rule?
If you can replace it with that is or that has, use that’s.
6. Is “thats” accepted in texting?
People may use it informally, but that’s is still the correct written form.
Conclusion
The answer to that’s or thats is simple once you know the rule. That’s is the correct standard form because it is a contraction of that is or that has. The apostrophe is essential because it replaces missing letters. Without it, thats is generally considered incorrect in normal English writing.
Whenever you feel unsure, use the expansion test. If the sentence works as that is or that has, then that’s is the right choice. This quick method removes doubt instantly.
Small punctuation marks may seem minor, but they make a big difference in clarity, professionalism, and credibility. Correct grammar helps your writing look polished whether you are sending an email, posting online, or writing an essay.
Remember this simple rule: If you mean “that is” or “that has,” always write that’s. One tiny apostrophe can make your writing look much smarter.
See Also: Assume vs Presume vs Infer
Hi, I’m Axton Vane. I work at gramzio.com and bring over 11 years of experience in professional grammar. I specialize in refining complex syntax to help writers achieve perfect clarity in every sentence.
