Thats or that’s is a common grammar question that many English learners ask. At first glance, both forms look similar. However, only one is correct in standard English.
Understanding the difference is easy once you know one simple grammar rule. The apostrophe changes the meaning of the word. It also shows that letters are missing.
In this guide, you will learn what that’s means, why thats is usually incorrect, and how to use the correct form with confidence. You will also see real-life examples, common mistakes, memory tips, and answers to popular questions. By the end, you will know exactly when to write that’s and avoid one of the most common English writing errors.
Quick Summary Box
- That’s is the correct spelling in standard English.
- That’s means that is or that has.
- Thats without an apostrophe is incorrect in modern English.
- The apostrophe replaces missing letters.
- Use that’s in everyday writing and conversations.
- Remember: If you can replace it with that is or that has, use that’s.
Featured Snippet
Is it “thats” or “that’s”?
The correct spelling is that’s with an apostrophe. It is a contraction of that is or that has. The spelling thats is considered incorrect in modern English.
What Does “That’s” Mean?
That’s is a contraction.
It combines two words into one.
It can mean:
- That is
- That has
Examples
- That’s my new laptop.
- That’s a beautiful sunset.
- That’s been a wonderful experience.
- That’s exactly what I wanted.
The apostrophe replaces the missing letter i in is or the letters ha in has.
What Does “Thats” Mean?
In modern English, thats has no accepted grammatical use.
Most grammar checkers mark it as a spelling mistake.
Incorrect Examples
❌ Thats my favorite movie.
❌ Thats a great idea.
Correct Versions
✅ That’s my favorite movie.
✅ That’s a great idea.
Thats or That’s: Comparison Table
| Feature | Thats | That’s |
|---|---|---|
| Correct spelling | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Has an apostrophe | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Means “that is” | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Means “that has” | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Accepted in formal writing | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Used in daily English | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Why Does “That’s” Need an Apostrophe?
An apostrophe shows that letters are missing.
That’s is short for:
- That is
- That has
Examples:
That is amazing.
➡️ That’s amazing.
That has changed.
➡️ That’s changed.
Without the apostrophe, the word becomes incorrect.
Real-Life Examples of “That’s”
Here are common examples from daily life.
School
- That’s my teacher.
- That’s the correct answer.
Work
- That’s a good plan.
- That’s our new office.
Home
- That’s my dog.
- That’s dinner.
While Shopping
- That’s too expensive.
- That’s on sale today.
With Friends
- That’s funny.
- That’s awesome!
How to Know if “That’s” Is Correct
Try expanding the contraction.
Example:
That’s my phone.
↓
That is my phone.
The sentence still makes sense.
Now try:
That’s finished.
↓
That has finished.
This also works.
If the expanded sentence sounds correct, use that’s.
Common Mistakes People Make
Many writers forget the apostrophe.
Mistake 1
❌ Thats my car.
✅ That’s my car.
Mistake 2
❌ Thats interesting.
✅ That’s interesting.
Mistake 3
❌ I think thats correct.
✅ I think that’s correct.
Mistake 4
❌ Thats been difficult.
✅ That’s been difficult.
Easy Trick to Remember
Think of this sentence:
“The apostrophe replaces missing letters.”
Since that’s equals that is, it always needs an apostrophe.
Simple formula:
That is = That’s
That has = That’s
That’s in Daily Conversations
Native English speakers use that’s every day.
Examples:
- That’s wonderful.
- That’s okay.
- That’s enough.
- That’s right.
- That’s perfect.
- That’s true.
- That’s fine.
- That’s impossible.
- That’s exactly what I meant.
- That’s what happened.
These phrases appear in conversations, emails, books, movies, and websites.
Formal vs Informal Writing
Informal Writing
Contractions sound natural.
Examples:
- That’s great.
- That’s easy.
Formal Writing
Many formal documents avoid contractions.
Instead, write:
- That is correct.
- That has been approved.
However, that’s is still acceptable in many business emails and modern articles.
Similar Contractions You Should Know
Learning similar contractions makes English easier.
| Full Form | Contraction |
|---|---|
| It is | It’s |
| He is | He’s |
| She is | She’s |
| There is | There’s |
| Who is | Who’s |
| What is | What’s |
| That is | That’s |
Notice that every contraction uses an apostrophe.
Synonyms and Related Expressions
Although that’s is a contraction, these expressions have similar meanings depending on the sentence.
Synonyms
- That is
- That has
- It is
- It has
- This is (in some contexts)
- Such is
Related Keywords (LSI)
- that’s meaning
- thats vs that’s
- apostrophe rules
- English contractions
- grammar mistakes
- correct spelling
- punctuation rules
- that is contraction
- English grammar guide
- common English errors
Why This Grammar Rule Matters
Small grammar mistakes can affect how people see your writing.
Correct punctuation helps you:
- Write professionally.
- Communicate clearly.
- Improve school assignments.
- Build trust with readers.
- Avoid confusion.
Whether you write emails, blogs, or social media posts, using that’s correctly improves your writing.
Expert Insight
Professional editors recommend checking contractions during proofreading.
Missing apostrophes are among the most common writing mistakes.
Grammar tools can catch many errors, but understanding the rule yourself is even better.
The best writers know when contractions improve readability and when full forms work better.
Mastering small grammar details like that’s makes your writing stronger and more natural.
FAQs
Is “thats” ever correct?
No. Modern English uses that’s with an apostrophe.
What does “that’s” mean?
It means that is or that has.
Why is there an apostrophe in “that’s”?
The apostrophe replaces missing letters in the contraction.
Can I use “that’s” in formal writing?
Yes. It is acceptable in many situations. However, some academic writing prefers that is.
Is “that’s” a contraction?
Yes. It combines two words into one.
How do I remember the correct spelling?
Remember:
That is = That’s
If you can expand it, use the apostrophe.
Why do people write “thats”?
Most people simply forget the apostrophe while typing quickly.
Does Microsoft Word or Grammarly correct “thats”?
Yes. Most grammar tools suggest changing thats to that’s.
Internal Linking Suggestions
Consider linking this article to related grammar topics such as:
- Its vs It’s
- Your vs You’re
- Their vs There vs They’re
- Whose vs Who’s
- Then vs Than
- Affect vs Effect
- To vs Too vs Two
- Apostrophe Rules Explained
Conclusion
Understanding thats or that’s is much easier than many people think. The correct form is that’s, because it is a contraction of that is or that has. The version thats without an apostrophe is considered incorrect in modern English and should be avoided in both casual and professional writing.
A simple way to remember the rule is to expand the word. If you can replace it with that is or that has, then that’s is the right choice. Paying attention to this small punctuation mark makes your writing clearer, more accurate, and more professional. With regular practice, using that’s correctly will become a natural habit every time you write.
James Carter is a comparison writer and research specialist with over 10 years of experience in digital publishing. With a background in business communication and consumer research, he creates detailed comparison articles, buying guides, and reviews that help readers make informed decisions with confidence. “Every comparison should help readers make better decisions. My goal is to turn complex information into clear, practical guidance that people can trust.” — James Carter
