Tiny grammar details often create big confusion. One of the most common questions writers ask is simple: “That’s or Thats – which is correct?”
At first glance the difference looks tiny. One word has an apostrophe. The other doesn’t. Yet that tiny mark decides whether your sentence follows proper English grammar.
You’ve probably seen both versions online. Social media posts often say “thats awesome” or “thats funny.” Fast typing and casual texting make people skip punctuation. However, professional writing almost always uses “that’s.”
So which one should you use?
The answer is straightforward. “That’s” is correct. “Thats” is incorrect in standard English.
Still, understanding why the apostrophe matters will help you write with confidence. Once you learn the logic behind contractions, the rule becomes easy to remember.
This comprehensive guide explains:
- The true meaning of that’s
- Why thats is grammatically incorrect
- The difference between that’s, that is, and that has
- Situations where contractions should be avoided
- Common grammar mistakes related to apostrophes
- Practical examples from everyday writing
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly when and how to use “that’s” correctly.
That’s or Thats – The Quick Answer
Let’s clear the confusion right away.
| Word | Correct or Incorrect | Meaning | Example |
| That’s | Correct | Contraction of that is or that has | That’s a great idea. |
| Thats | Incorrect | Not recognized in standard English | ❌ Thats my car |
The rule comes from how English contractions work. A contraction combines two words into one shorter form. The apostrophe replaces missing letters.
For example:
| Full Form | Contraction |
| That is | That’s |
| That has | That’s |
| It is | It’s |
| You are | You’re |
When you remove the apostrophe, the contraction breaks. The result becomes a spelling mistake.
What Does “That’s” Mean?
The word that’s has two possible meanings. It can represent “that is” or “that has.”
Understanding both uses will make the rule crystal clear.
“That’s” as a Contraction of “That Is”
Most of the time, that’s simply means “that is.”
Writers use this form in everyday conversation, blogs, emails, and casual writing.
Examples
- That’s the restaurant I recommended.
- That’s exactly what I meant.
- That’s the reason the project failed.
- That’s a smart solution.
Try expanding the contraction.
Example:
That’s the answer.
That is the answer.
Both sentences mean the same thing. The contraction simply sounds more natural.
Many modern writers prefer contractions because they create a friendly tone. Readers often feel the writing flows better.
“That’s” as a Contraction of “That Has”
Sometimes that’s represents that has instead of that is.
This use appears when the sentence contains present perfect tense.
Examples
- That’s been happening for years.
- That’s already been solved.
- That’s changed the entire strategy.
- That’s caused serious delays.
Again, expand the sentence to check the meaning.
That’s been discussed before.
That has been discussed before.
The meaning remains identical.
Why “Thats” Is Incorrect
Now let’s address the other word.
“Thats” without an apostrophe is not a correct English word.
English grammar requires an apostrophe whenever letters disappear during a contraction. Without that punctuation mark, the sentence becomes grammatically incorrect.
Incorrect examples
- ❌ Thats my laptop.
- ❌ Thats the problem.
- ❌ Thats been solved already.
Correct versions
- ✔ That’s my laptop.
- ✔ That’s the problem.
- ✔ That’s been solved already.
Grammar checkers such as Grammarly or Microsoft Editor automatically flag the mistake. Many style guides also highlight the rule.
Skipping the apostrophe may seem harmless. However small grammar errors can affect how readers perceive your writing. Professional communication demands precision.
Why People Confuse That’s and Thats
The mistake appears everywhere online. Blogs, comments, and social media posts often remove the apostrophe.
Several reasons explain why this confusion happens.
Fast Typing and Informal Writing
People type quickly on phones and laptops. Apostrophes slow the process slightly.
As a result many users simply write:
- thats cool
- thats funny
- thats true
While friends may understand the message, the spelling remains incorrect.
Social Media Habits
Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok encourage short messages. Users often skip punctuation entirely.
That casual style spreads quickly. Eventually many writers assume the simplified spelling is acceptable.
In formal writing though the rule still applies.
Confusion With Possessive Words
English grammar sometimes removes apostrophes for possession. This creates confusion.
For example:
| Word | Meaning |
| Its | Possessive form of it |
| It’s | Contraction of it is |
Many writers assume thats follows the same pattern. However it does not. The word that does not create a possessive form like that.
Instead English uses phrases such as:
- the cover of that book
- the owner of that car
Because of this structure, “thats” never becomes correct.
That’s vs That Is vs That Has
Writers sometimes wonder whether contractions should always replace full phrases.
Both options are correct. The choice depends on tone and context.
The table below shows the difference clearly.
| Phrase | Type | Example |
| That’s | Contraction | That’s a great strategy |
| That is | Full phrase | That is the correct answer |
| That has | Perfect tense | That has changed everything |
When writers choose contractions
- blogs
- online articles
- conversations
- emails
- storytelling
When writers prefer full forms
- academic research
- legal writing
- official reports
- formal essays
Formal contexts often avoid contractions because they sound slightly more polished.
When You Should Avoid Using “That’s”
Even though that’s is grammatically correct, some writing styles discourage contractions.
Certain situations require a more formal tone.
Academic Writing
Universities and research journals typically prefer full expressions.
Example:
Formal
That is the primary factor affecting growth.
Casual
That’s the main factor affecting growth.
Both sentences are correct. However the formal version suits academic work better.
Legal Documents
Legal writing values absolute clarity. Lawyers often avoid contractions completely.
Example:
The agreement states that it is binding.
A contraction could introduce ambiguity in complex clauses.
Business Reports
Corporate documents sometimes follow strict style guides. Many companies recommend full forms for consistency.
However internal emails usually allow contractions.
Real-Life Sentence Examples of “That’s”
Understanding grammar becomes easier when you see real examples. The word that’s appears in many types of communication.
Everyday Conversation
People use contractions naturally when speaking.
Examples:
- That’s amazing news.
- That’s the café I mentioned.
- That’s the best movie this year.
- That’s why practice matters.
Notice how the contraction makes the sentences sound relaxed and friendly.
Workplace Communication
Emails and internal messages often include contractions.
Examples:
- That’s the deadline for the report.
- That’s the document we reviewed yesterday.
- That’s the strategy we agreed on.
Professional writing does not require overly stiff language. Clear communication matters more.
Online Content and Blogging
Blog writers frequently use contractions to maintain a conversational tone.
Examples:
- That’s why SEO matters for your website.
- That’s how content reaches the first page of Google.
- That’s the strategy successful bloggers follow.
Readers usually prefer writing that feels natural.
Common Grammar Mistakes Related to That’s
Confusion around apostrophes doesn’t stop with that’s. Several similar words cause mistakes as well.
Learning these differences will improve your grammar quickly.
Its vs It’s
This is one of the most common errors in English.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Its | Possessive | The company changed its policy |
| It’s | Contraction of it is | It’s raining today |
Remember the rule:
If you mean “it is,” use “it’s.”
Who’s vs Whose
These words look similar but function differently.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Who’s | Who is | Who’s coming to dinner |
| Whose | Possession | Whose laptop is this |
A quick test helps.
Replace who’s with who is. If the sentence still works, the contraction is correct.
Your vs You’re
Another extremely common grammar mistake.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Your | Possessive | Your phone is ringing |
| You’re | You are | You’re doing great |
Writers often mix these words during fast typing.
A Simple Trick to Remember the Rule
One quick test prevents mistakes every time.
The Expansion Test
Follow these steps.
- Replace that’s with that is.
- If the sentence still makes sense, the contraction is correct.
- If the sentence sounds strange, rewrite it.
Example 1
That’s the answer.
Expansion:
That is the answer.
The sentence still works. The contraction is correct.
Example 2
That’s been finished already.
Expansion:
That has been finished already.
Again the sentence works perfectly.
Mini Grammar Practice Quiz
Testing your understanding helps lock the rule into memory.
Choose the correct word.
Question 1
___ the best option.
A) Thats
B) That’s
Question 2
___ been discussed already.
A) Thats
B) That’s
Question 3
___ the restaurant everyone recommends.
A) Thats
B) That’s
Answers
- That’s
- That’s
- That’s
Every correct answer includes the apostrophe.
Why Apostrophes Matter in English
Apostrophes may look small yet they play an important role in writing.
They serve two primary functions.
Showing Missing Letters
Contractions remove letters and replace them with an apostrophe.
Examples:
| Contraction | Full Phrase |
| Don’t | Do not |
| Can’t | Cannot |
| It’s | It is |
| That’s | That is |
The punctuation signals that something is missing.
Showing Possession
Apostrophes also indicate ownership.
Examples:
- Sarah’s book
- the teacher’s desk
- the company’s profits
Without apostrophes readers might struggle to understand the sentence structure.
Case Study: How Small Grammar Errors Affect Credibility
Several digital marketing studies highlight how grammar mistakes influence reader trust.
A survey from Global Lingo reported that 74 percent of web users pay attention to spelling and grammar quality when evaluating websites.
Another experiment conducted by Real Business UK showed that spelling mistakes can reduce online sales significantly. Even small errors can make readers doubt the professionalism of a brand.
The lesson is simple.
Clear grammar strengthens credibility.
Using the correct form “that’s” instead of “thats” helps your writing appear polished and trustworthy.
Read More: In the Street vs On the Street: Understanding the Real Difference
Frequently Asked Questions About That’s or Thats
Is “Thats” ever correct?
No. Standard English grammar does not recognize thats as a correct word.
Always include the apostrophe when forming the contraction.
Can “that’s” appear in formal writing?
Yes in many cases. However academic and legal documents often prefer the full phrase that is.
Does “that’s” always mean “that is”?
No. It can also mean that has depending on the sentence structure.
Example:
That’s been solved.
That has been solved.
Why do people write “thats” online?
Casual typing and social media habits encourage simplified spelling. However professional writing still requires proper punctuation.
Final Thoughts: That’s the Correct Choice
Grammar rules sometimes feel complicated. Fortunately the rule behind that’s or thats is simple.
That’s is the correct form.
Thats is incorrect.
The apostrophe replaces missing letters from that is or that has. Without that punctuation the contraction stops working.
Remember these key points:
- That’s = that is or that has
- Thats = grammar mistake
- Apostrophes indicate missing letters in contractions
- Formal writing sometimes prefers that is
Good grammar strengthens communication. Small details improve clarity, credibility, and professionalism.
