English punctuation can completely change the meaning and correctness of a word. One of the most common mistakes writers make is confusing that’s and thats. At first glance, the difference seems tiny just one apostrophe but it makes all the difference in standard English.
Whether you’re writing emails, school assignments, blog posts, or social media captions, knowing when to use that’s correctly helps you communicate more professionally. In this guide, you’ll learn the meaning of that’s, why thats is considered incorrect, practical examples, memory tricks, and common grammar mistakes to avoid.
Quick Answer
That’s is the correct form because it’s a contraction of that is or that has. Thats (without an apostrophe) is not recognized as a correct spelling in standard English. Whenever you mean that is or that has, always write that’s.
Why People Confuse It
Many English learners and even native speakers forget apostrophes when typing quickly. Since words like its, hers, and ours don’t use apostrophes for possession, people sometimes assume thats follows the same rule.
Autocorrect doesn’t always catch this error, especially in informal writing. As a result, thats frequently appears in text messages, online comments, and social media posts despite being grammatically incorrect.
That’s
That’s is a contraction of:
- That is
- That has
The apostrophe replaces the missing letter(s).
Examples
- That’s my favorite movie.
- That’s exactly what I meant.
- That’s been happening for weeks.
- That’s the best solution.
- I think that’s enough for today.
Meaning in Sentences
Replace that’s with that is or that has to check if it makes sense.
Example:
- That’s amazing.
- That is amazing. ✔
Thats
Thats is not a correct word in modern standard English.
It appears mainly because:
- The apostrophe was accidentally omitted.
- Someone typed too quickly.
- The writer misunderstood contraction rules.
Incorrect Examples
- Thats my phone.
- Thats exactly right.
- I think thats enough.
Correct Versions
- That’s my phone.
- That’s exactly right.
- I think that’s enough.
Comparison Table
| Feature | That’s | Thats |
| Correct spelling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Part of speech | Contraction | Incorrect form |
| Means | That is / That has | No accepted meaning |
| Standard English | Yes | No |
| Suitable for formal writing | Yes | No |
When to Use Each
Use that’s when you mean:
- That is
- That has
Examples:
- That’s a wonderful idea.
- That’s been fixed already.
- That’s all I wanted to say.
Never use thats in formal, academic, or professional writing. Simply replace it with that’s.
Examples
Here are more examples to help you remember the difference.
- That’s my backpack.
- That’s exactly what happened.
- That’s a difficult question.
- That’s been our plan from the beginning.
- I believe that’s correct.
- That’s why everyone agreed.
- That’s the tallest building in town.
- That’s all we need today.
- That’s not what I expected.
- That’s one of my favorite books.
- That’s already been completed.
- That’s where we met.
Common Mistakes
People often make these mistakes:
- ❌ Thats my car.
- ✅ That’s my car.
- ❌ Thats been solved.
- ✅ That’s been solved.
- ❌ I think thats enough.
- ✅ I think that’s enough.
- ❌ Thats amazing!
- ✅ That’s amazing!
Memory Trick
Remember this simple rule:
If you can replace the word with “that is” or “that has,” use “that’s.”
Think of the apostrophe as a shortcut that replaces missing letters.
That’s = That is / That has
No apostrophe?
Then it’s almost certainly incorrect.
American vs British English
There is no difference between American and British English in this case.
Both varieties follow the same rule:
- ✅ That’s is correct.
- ❌ Thats is incorrect.
Whether you’re writing for readers in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or elsewhere, the spelling remains the same.
Similar Words
If you’re learning English contractions, you may also find these useful:
- It’s vs Its
- Who’s vs Whose
- You’re vs Your
- They’re vs Their
- There’s vs Theirs
- What’s vs What is
- Here’s vs Here is
These pairs are often confused because apostrophes indicate contractions rather than possession.
Final Verdict
The rule is straightforward:
- Use that’s when you mean that is or that has.
- Avoid thats, because it isn’t considered correct English.
Adding one small apostrophe makes your writing clearer, more accurate, and grammatically correct.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is “thats” ever correct?
No. Thats is not accepted in standard English. Always write that’s.
What does “that’s” stand for?
It is a contraction of that is or that has.
Can I use “that’s” in formal writing?
Yes. Contractions like that’s are acceptable in many forms of modern writing, although some highly formal academic styles may prefer that is.
Why do people forget the apostrophe?
Because they type quickly or misunderstand how contractions work.
Is “that’s” a possessive word?
No. It’s a contraction, not a possessive form.
How can I check if “that’s” is correct?
Replace it with that is or that has. If the sentence still makes sense, that’s is correct.
Does British English spell it differently?
No. Both British and American English use that’s.
Conclusion
Although that’s and thats differ by only one apostrophe, only that’s is grammatically correct in standard English. It serves as a contraction for that is or that has, making it an essential part of everyday writing and conversation.
The next time you’re unsure, simply expand the contraction. If that is or that has fits naturally, use that’s. Mastering this simple punctuation rule will improve your grammar, boost your confidence, and make your writing look polished in any situation.
Remember This
That’s = That is / That has ✅
Thats = Incorrect spelling ❌
Whenever you need the contraction, don’t forget the apostrophe it makes all the difference.
Nova Turner specializes in imaginative science fiction blending futuristic technology, thrilling adventures, and powerful human emotions. Her innovative storytelling inspires curiosity, creativity, and exploration among readers of every age.
