Thats vs that’s is a common grammar question. Many people wonder which spelling is correct. The answer is simple once you know the rule. One form is correct in standard English. The other is usually a spelling mistake.
English uses apostrophes to show missing letters or ownership. Because of this, many writers feel confused. They often type the wrong form without noticing. This mistake appears in emails, social media posts, school work, and business writing.
In this guide, you will learn the meaning of thats and that’s. You will also see examples, grammar tips, and an easy comparison table. By the end, you will know exactly when to use that’s and why thats is almost always incorrect.
📌 Quick Summary Box (Featured Snippet)
- That’s is the correct spelling.
- That’s is a contraction of that is or that has.
- Thats is not accepted in standard English.
- Always use an apostrophe in that’s.
- The apostrophe replaces missing letters.
- Use that’s in formal and informal writing.
- Avoid thats unless quoting an intentional typo.
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 favorite movie.
- That’s a beautiful sunset.
- That’s been a wonderful day.
- That’s exactly what I wanted.
In each sentence, that’s replaces two words.
Example:
That’s amazing.
becomes
That is amazing.
What Does “Thats” Mean?
Thats has no accepted meaning in standard English.
It is considered a spelling mistake.
People usually forget the apostrophe when typing quickly.
Incorrect Examples
- Thats my car.
- Thats a nice idea.
- Thats what I mean.
Correct Versions
- That’s my car.
- That’s a nice idea.
- That’s what I mean.
Thats vs That’s Comparison Table
| Feature | Thats | That’s |
|---|---|---|
| Correct English | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Meaning | None | That is / That has |
| Uses apostrophe | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Used in formal writing | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Used in emails | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Used in academic writing | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Grammatically correct | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Why Is the Apostrophe Important?
An apostrophe often replaces missing letters.
In that’s, the apostrophe replaces the missing i in is or the missing ha in has.
Example:
- That is → That’s
- That has → That’s
Without the apostrophe, the word becomes incorrect.
Compare
✔ That’s easy.
❌ Thats easy.
When Should You Use “That’s”?
Use that’s whenever you mean that is or that has.
Examples
- That’s my phone.
- That’s very kind.
- That’s the best answer.
- That’s been a busy week.
- That’s exactly right.
- That’s what everyone expected.
- That’s why I arrived early.
- That’s enough for today.
If you can replace that’s with that is or that has, it is correct.
Real-Life Examples of That’s
At School
Teacher:
“That’s an excellent answer.”
At Work
Manager:
“That’s a great presentation.”
At Home
Mom:
“That’s dinner ready.”
With Friends
“That’s hilarious.”
Online
“That’s exactly what I needed.”
These examples show how often we use that’s every day.
Common Mistakes People Make
Many writers leave out the apostrophe.
Mistake 1
❌ Thats amazing.
✅ That’s amazing.
Mistake 2
❌ Thats my book.
✅ That’s my book.
Mistake 3
❌ Thats been fun.
✅ That’s been fun.
Mistake 4
❌ Thats why I came.
✅ That’s why I came.
Mistake 5
❌ Thats correct.
✅ That’s correct.
Easy Trick to Remember the Difference
Ask yourself this question:
Can I replace the word with “that is” or “that has”?
If yes, use that’s.
Example
That’s cold.
↓
That is cold.
It makes sense.
Now try another.
That’s been wonderful.
↓
That has been wonderful.
It still makes sense.
So that’s is correct.
Usage in Daily Life
You probably use that’s many times each day.
Examples include:
- That’s enough.
- That’s perfect.
- That’s true.
- That’s wonderful.
- That’s my friend.
- That’s not fair.
- That’s interesting.
- That’s all I know.
Because the phrase appears so often, learning the correct spelling improves your writing quickly.
Similar Grammar Mistakes
Many contractions confuse writers.
Here are a few examples.
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| Thats | That’s |
| Cant | Can’t |
| Dont | Don’t |
| Im | I’m |
| Wont | Won’t |
| Isnt | Isn’t |
| Didnt | Didn’t |
| Youre | You’re |
Each correct word needs an apostrophe.
Synonyms and Related Words (LSI Keywords)
These related terms help explain the topic naturally.
Secondary Keywords
- that’s meaning
- thats meaning
- grammar rules
- apostrophe rules
- English contractions
- that is contraction
- that has contraction
- common grammar mistakes
- punctuation guide
- correct English spelling
- English writing tips
- contraction examples
Expert Insights
Professional editors recommend checking contractions before publishing any document.
Small grammar mistakes reduce writing quality.
Missing apostrophes can make emails, essays, and reports appear less professional.
Modern grammar tools often detect thats automatically.
Still, proofreading remains important.
Learning one simple rule can prevent hundreds of mistakes over time.
Real-Life Scenarios
❌ Thats attached.
✅ That’s attached.
School Assignment
❌ Thats the answer.
✅ That’s the answer.
Business Report
❌ Thats our goal.
✅ That’s our goal.
Social Media
❌ Thats awesome!
✅ That’s awesome!
Text Message
❌ Thats funny.
✅ That’s funny.
Common Grammar Rule
Remember this simple rule:
Every contraction needs an apostrophe.
Examples include:
- It’s
- That’s
- There’s
- Here’s
- What’s
- Where’s
- Who’s
- He’s
- She’s
If letters disappear, an apostrophe usually replaces them.
Internal Linking Suggestions
If you run a grammar blog, link this article to:
- It’s vs Its
- You’re vs Your
- Whose vs Who’s
- Their vs There vs They’re
- Then vs Than
- Affect vs Effect
- Lose vs Loose
- Weather vs Whether
These related topics improve user experience and SEO.
FAQs:
Is “thats” ever correct?
No. Standard English requires the apostrophe.
What does “that’s” stand for?
It means that is or that has.
Why do people write “thats”?
Most people accidentally forget the apostrophe while typing.
Can I use “that’s” in formal writing?
Yes. It is correct in most writing styles, although some formal academic writing prefers the full form “that is.”
Is “that’s” a contraction?
Yes. It combines that with is or has.
How do I remember the correct spelling?
Replace it with that is. If the sentence still makes sense, use that’s.
Does autocorrect fix “thats”?
Many writing tools correct it automatically, but not all do.
Is “that’s” acceptable in professional emails?
Yes. It is perfectly acceptable in professional communication.
Featured Snippet Answer
Thats vs that’s: That’s is the correct spelling because it is a contraction of that is or that has. Thats without an apostrophe is considered incorrect in standard English. Always use that’s when shortening that is or that has.
Conclusion
Understanding thats vs that’s is easier than it seems. The key difference is the apostrophe. That’s is the correct form because it stands for that is or that has. Thats without an apostrophe is a spelling error and should be avoided in standard English. Whether you are writing an email, a school assignment, a blog post, or a social media update, using that’s correctly makes your writing clearer and more professional. A simple way to remember the rule is to expand the contraction. If that is or that has fits the sentence, write that’s. This small grammar habit will improve your writing and help you avoid one of the most common punctuation mistakes in English.
Michael Reed is a language content writer and word comparison researcher based in the United States. He studied English Language and Communication and focuses on grammar, spelling differences, and word usage. His work helps readers understand confusing English words through clear comparisons and practical explanations. Michael creates simple, reader-friendly content designed to improve everyday language skills.
