If you have ever hesitated between “thats” and “that’s,” you are not alone. These two forms look almost identical, but the apostrophe completely changes the grammatical function of the word. Knowing the difference is essential for correct English writing, especially in professional, academic, and online communication.
So, thats or that’s, which is correct? In standard English, “that’s” is the correct form when you mean “that is” or “that has.” The form “thats” is generally incorrect in standard English because it does not serve as a normal standalone grammatical word.
Here’s the key distinction:
That’s = that is / that has
Thats = generally incorrect in standard English
The apostrophe in “that’s” is not decorative. It signals that letters have been removed from another word or words. Once you understand what the apostrophe represents, the difference becomes much easier to remember.
The Core Rule Explained Simply
The easiest way to understand thats vs. that’s is to focus on the apostrophe.
“That’s” is a contraction. It combines “that” with either “is” or “has.” The apostrophe shows that part of the second word has been omitted.
For example:
- That’s my book. = That is my book.
- That’s a great idea. = That is a great idea.
- That’s happened before. = That has happened before.
- That’s been difficult. = That has been difficult.
By contrast, “thats” without an apostrophe is not normally used as a standard English word.
Think of the rule this way:
If you can replace “that’s” with “that is” or “that has,” the apostrophe belongs there.
Let’s make this concrete.
“That’s” Means “That Is”
The most common use of “that’s” is as a contraction of “that is.”
Consider these examples:
- That’s my favorite restaurant.
- That’s exactly what I meant.
- That’s a difficult question.
- That’s the correct answer.
- That’s why we left early.
Expand each contraction:
- That’s my favorite restaurant. → That is my favorite restaurant.
- That’s exactly what I meant. → That is exactly what I meant.
- That’s a difficult question. → That is a difficult question.
- That’s the correct answer. → That is the correct answer.
- That’s why we left early. → That is why we left early.
The expanded versions remain grammatical, so “that’s” is correct.
“That’s” Means “That Has”
“That’s” can also represent “that has.” This usually happens when has functions as an auxiliary verb, particularly before a past participle.
Examples include:
- That’s happened before.
- That’s been my experience.
- That’s changed significantly.
- That’s never happened to me.
- That’s already been explained.
Try expanding the contraction:
That’s happened before.
becomes:
That has happened before.
That sentence works perfectly, so “that’s” is correct.
However, context matters. The same contraction can sometimes be interpreted as either “that is” or “that has.” The surrounding words usually make the intended meaning obvious.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Situation | Example | Meaning | Correct Usage |
| Contraction of “that is” | That’s my car. | That is my car. | That’s |
| Contraction of “that is” | That’s unusual. | That is unusual. | That’s |
| Contraction of “that has” | That’s happened before. | That has happened before. | That’s |
| Contraction of “that has” | That’s been difficult. | That has been difficult. | That’s |
| Uncontracted form | That is my answer. | Full form | That is |
| Uncontracted form | That has changed. | Full form | That has |
| Attempted contraction without apostrophe | Thats my car. | Intended “That is” | Incorrect |
| Attempted contraction without apostrophe | Thats been helpful. | Intended “That has” | Incorrect |
The table reveals the central point: “that’s” has a grammatical job, while “thats” normally does not.
Deep Dive into “That’s”
The apostrophe form deserves closer attention because it appears in several grammatical patterns.
When to Use “That’s”
Use “that’s” when it can be expanded to “that is” or “that has.”
The first pattern is:
That’s + noun
Example:
That’s my brother.
Expansion:
That is my brother.
The second pattern is:
That’s + adjective
Example:
That’s interesting.
Expansion:
That is interesting.
Another common pattern is:
That’s + adjective + noun
Example:
That’s an excellent suggestion.
Expansion:
That is an excellent suggestion.
You will also see “that’s” before clauses:
That’s what I wanted to say.
Here, “that’s” means “that is.”
The same structure appears in:
- That’s why I called.
- That’s where we met.
- That’s how it works.
- That’s when things changed.
- That’s all I need.
These constructions are extremely common in everyday English.
Examples of “That’s” in Sentences
Here are several examples showing different uses:
- That’s a beautiful painting.
- That’s not what I expected.
- That’s the problem we need to solve.
- That’s exactly right.
- That’s where the story begins.
- That’s why grammar matters.
- That’s been true for many years.
- That’s happened several times.
- That’s already been discussed.
- That’s never been my intention.
Notice that the apostrophe remains necessary in every example.
Quick Test for “That’s”
Use this simple three-step test:
Step 1: Look at “that’s.”
Step 2: Replace it with “that is.”
Step 3: If the sentence still makes sense, “that’s” is correct.
For example:
That’s a good point.
Replace it:
That is a good point.
It works.
Try another:
That’s difficult to understand.
Replace it:
That is difficult to understand.
It works again.
Now try:
That’s been a strange week.
Replace it with:
That has been a strange week.
It works.
So the apostrophe is correct.
The Fastest “That’s” Checklist
Before writing “that’s,” ask:
- Does it mean “that is”?
- Does it mean “that has”?
- Can I expand the contraction without changing the meaning?
- Is the word functioning as part of a normal English sentence?
If the answer is yes, “that’s” is the correct choice.
Deep Dive into “Thats”
Now we can examine the form that causes the confusion.
Is “Thats” Correct?
In standard modern English, “thats” is generally not correct when you are trying to write the contraction of “that is” or “that has.”
For example:
Incorrect: Thats a great idea.
Correct: That’s a great idea.
The missing apostrophe matters because “thats” does not properly indicate the omitted letters in “is” or “has.”
This is a common typing error because apostrophes are small and easy to overlook.
Why “Thats” Looks Almost Right
English contains many words that do not use apostrophes, so it is understandable that writers sometimes leave the apostrophe out.
For example:
- cats
- books
- cars
- students
- questions
These words use ordinary plural endings.
But “that’s” is different. The apostrophe does not mark a plural. It marks a contraction.
Compare:
cats = more than one cat
that’s = that is / that has
Therefore, writing “thats” changes the visual and grammatical structure of the word.
When “Thats” May Appear Online
You may occasionally encounter “thats” in informal digital communication, usernames, social media handles, search queries, or text where punctuation has been intentionally omitted.
For example, someone might type:
thats amazing
in a casual message.
That does not make the spelling standard. It simply reflects informal typing habits or omitted punctuation.
In edited writing, professional communication, academic work, website content, and published material, use “that’s.”
A Simple Pattern to Remember
If you mean:
that is
write:
that’s
If you mean:
that has
write:
that’s
If you have written:
thats
stop and ask whether you intended “that’s.”
In most ordinary sentences, you did.
The Meaning Shift, or Nuance
The difference between “thats” and “that’s” is not really a difference in meaning between two legitimate standard words. Instead, it is primarily a difference between standard grammatical usage and an incorrect or informal form.
The apostrophe tells the reader something important.
In “that’s,” the apostrophe represents missing letters from “is” or “has.”
For example:
that’s
can represent:
that is
or:
that has
This gives the reader grammatical information immediately.
Without the apostrophe, “thats” does not communicate that contraction correctly.
There is another important nuance. “That’s” and “that is” are both correct, but they can create slightly different tones.
Compare:
That’s a serious problem.
and:
That is a serious problem.
Both are grammatical. The contraction often sounds more natural, conversational, and direct. The full form can sound more formal, deliberate, or emphatic.
Look at this:
That’s exactly what happened.
versus:
That is exactly what happened.
The second version can place stronger emphasis on “is.”
So the choice between “that’s” and “that is” can sometimes be stylistic, while the choice between “that’s” and “thats” is grammatical.
Why the Confusion Persists
The confusion around thats vs. that’s has several causes.
First, the two forms are visually almost identical. The only difference is a tiny apostrophe. When people read quickly, that punctuation mark can be easy to overlook.
Second, apostrophes have several functions in English. They can indicate contractions, possession, and certain conventional forms. Because writers learn multiple apostrophe rules, mistakes can happen when those rules overlap.
Third, digital communication has made punctuation more flexible. Text messages, comments, captions, and informal posts often omit apostrophes and other punctuation marks.
For example, people may write:
dont
instead of don’t
or:
cant
instead of can’t
Similarly, they may type:
thats
instead of that’s.
These forms can be understood by readers, but being understandable is not the same as being grammatically standard.
Another reason is pronunciation. “That’s” is usually pronounced as one compact syllable, and the omitted word “is” or “has” is not separately pronounced. Writers may therefore forget that the contraction represents two grammatical elements.
Education also plays a role. Students often learn apostrophe rules individually, but the most useful approach is to understand what the apostrophe represents.
Once you recognize that “that’s” = “that is” or “that has,” the rule becomes much more logical.
Formal vs. Casual Contexts
The correct spelling remains “that’s” in both formal and casual writing.
What changes is whether you choose the contraction or the full form.
Casual and Conversational Writing
In everyday speech and informal writing, “that’s” is extremely natural.
Examples:
- That’s great!
- That’s what I thought.
- That’s not a problem.
- That’s pretty interesting.
- That’s why I asked.
These sentences sound natural because contractions are common in ordinary communication.
Professional Writing
Professional writing can also use “that’s,” particularly when the tone is accessible and conversational.
For example:
That’s why our team recommends reviewing the document before publication.
This sentence is professional while still sounding natural.
However, a more formal document may prefer:
That is why our team recommends reviewing the document before publication.
Neither is inherently wrong. The appropriate choice depends on the publication’s style and desired tone.
Academic Writing
Academic writing often favors a more formal style, but contractions are not automatically grammatically incorrect.
If a professor, journal, institution, or style guide prefers formal constructions, use:
That is
instead of:
That’s
The important point is that you should never replace “that’s” with “thats” merely to avoid contractions.
Correct:
That is an important distinction.
Correct:
That’s an important distinction.
Incorrect in standard writing:
Thats an important distinction.
Case Studies and Pop Culture Examples
The form “that’s” is extremely common in speech, entertainment, advertising, journalism, and everyday dialogue because contractions make language sound natural.
Think about familiar conversational phrases such as:
That’s all.
That’s it.
That’s right.
That’s the point.
That’s life.
These expressions appear frequently in dialogue because speakers naturally contract “that is” to “that’s.”
Everyday Conversation
Imagine two friends discussing a movie:
“That’s the best scene in the film.”
The sentence means:
“That is the best scene in the film.”
The contraction makes the statement sound relaxed and conversational.
News and Journalism
A journalist might write:
“That’s what officials are investigating.”
This is appropriate when the publication uses a conversational style.
A more formal report might instead state:
“That is what officials are investigating.”
Again, both are grammatical.
Advertising
Marketing language frequently favors contractions because they create a direct, approachable voice:
That’s a better way to learn.
That’s the difference.
That’s what makes it special.
The contraction can make the copy feel more immediate.
Academic and Educational Examples
A grammar textbook might state:
“That’s a contraction of ‘that is’ or ‘that has.’”
An academic paper might choose:
“That is a contraction of ‘that is’ or ‘that has.’”
The underlying grammar does not change.
This distinction is useful because it separates grammar from style. The apostrophe is a grammatical requirement for the contraction, while choosing the contraction itself can be a stylistic decision.
Advanced Scenarios and Flowchart
When you encounter “thats” or “that’s,” use this decision process.
Start with the word you want to write.
↓
Do you mean “that is”?
↓ Yes
Write “that’s.”
↓ No
Do you mean “that has”?
↓ Yes
Write “that’s.”
↓ No
Are you intentionally using a different expression, name, username, or informal spelling?
↓ Yes
Check the specific context or official spelling.
↓ No
Do not use “thats” as the standard contraction.
Here’s an even faster version:
that’s → that is / that has → correct
thats → ordinary standard contraction? → no → usually incorrect
Advanced Example 1
That’s been a challenging project.
Ask whether “that has been” works.
That has been a challenging project.
Yes.
Therefore:
That’s been a challenging project.
is correct.
Advanced Example 2
That’s exactly what she said.
Expand it:
That is exactly what she said.
Correct.
Therefore, “that’s” is correct.
Advanced Example 3
Thats exactly what she said.
The intended meaning is clearly:
That is exactly what she said.
Therefore, the correct version is:
That’s exactly what she said.
Advanced Example 4
That’s changed everything.
Expansion:
That has changed everything.
The sentence remains grammatical.
Therefore, “that’s” is correct.
Advanced Example 5
That’s the book I wanted.
Expansion:
That is the book I wanted.
Again, correct.
The important thing is not to guess based on appearance. Expand the contraction.
Quick Reference Table
| Form | Meaning | Standard English? |
| That’s | That is | Yes |
| That’s | That has | Yes |
| That is | Full form of “that’s” in one use | Yes |
| That has | Full form of “that’s” in one use | Yes |
| Thats | Usually intended as “that’s” | No |
| THATS | Usually omitted punctuation or informal styling | Not standard as the contraction |
The shortest rule is:
Use “that’s” when you mean “that is” or “that has.”
Common Mistakes That Lower Quality
Even experienced writers can make apostrophe mistakes when writing quickly.
1. Dropping the Apostrophe
Incorrect: Thats a good question.
Correct: That’s a good question.
This is probably the most common mistake.
2. Treating “Thats” Like a Plural
Some writers unconsciously treat “thats” as though the apostrophe were unnecessary.
But “that’s” is not a plural form. The apostrophe represents omitted letters.
3. Using “That’s” When You Mean Possession
This is an important distinction.
That’s means “that is” or “that has.”
The possessive form of “that” is “that” itself, not “that’s.”
For example:
The company changed its policy.
The word “its” is possessive.
By contrast:
It’s changing its policy.
Here, “it’s” means “it is.”
This is a related apostrophe issue, but it should not be confused with “that’s.”
4. Assuming Every Apostrophe Means Possession
Apostrophes do not always show possession.
In “that’s,” the apostrophe indicates a contraction.
The apostrophe tells us that part of another word has been omitted.
5. Removing Apostrophes in Professional Content
A casual message might survive a missing apostrophe.
A business website, academic assignment, article, résumé, or formal email should not rely on readers overlooking punctuation errors.
A tiny apostrophe can affect the perceived quality of your writing.
6. Overcorrecting by Avoiding “That’s”
Some writers become so concerned about apostrophe mistakes that they avoid contractions entirely.
That is unnecessary.
“That’s” is perfectly standard English.
If your writing style allows contractions, use it confidently.
7. Using “thats” Because It Appears Online
Online frequency does not automatically establish grammatical correctness.
Search engines, social media, comments, usernames, and informal messages contain many unedited forms.
When writing for a professional audience, follow standard English conventions, not accidental online spellings.
Memory Hacks That Actually Work
The best grammar rules are the ones you can apply quickly.
The “Two Words” Trick
Whenever you see “that’s,” mentally split it into:
that + is
or:
that + has
The apostrophe is your reminder that something has been shortened.
The Expansion Test
This is the most reliable trick.
Write:
That’s
Then ask:
Can I say “that is”?
If yes, keep “that’s.”
If not, ask:
Can I say “that has”?
If yes, keep “that’s.”
For example:
That’s amazing.
→ That is amazing.
Correct.
That’s happened before.
→ That has happened before.
Correct.
The Apostrophe Means Missing Letters
Remember:
that’s
contains an apostrophe because letters from is or has are represented through a contraction.
The apostrophe is therefore doing grammatical work.
Think “That Is” First
When in doubt, start with the full phrase:
that is
Then shorten it:
that’s
This approach is particularly useful when proofreading.
Use a Mental Red Flag
Whenever you see:
thats
in your draft, pause.
Ask:
Did I mean “that’s”?
In ordinary English sentences, the answer will usually be yes.
Read It Aloud
Reading your sentence aloud can also help.
If the sentence naturally sounds like:
“That is…”
or:
“That has…”
you probably need “that’s” if you are using the contracted form.
The pronunciation will not reveal the apostrophe directly, but it can help you identify the underlying words.
Why Precision Matters: SEO and Authority
Grammar accuracy matters beyond the classroom.
When readers encounter repeated spelling and punctuation errors on a website, they may begin to question the reliability of the information itself. This is particularly important for SEO content, educational websites, business pages, and professional publications.
A correctly written sentence creates a smoother reading experience.
Compare:
Thats why this rule matters.
with:
That’s why this rule matters.
The second version looks polished immediately.
For content creators, this matters because credibility is communicated through details. Readers may not consciously identify every punctuation error, but repeated mistakes can make content feel rushed or poorly edited.
Correct grammar also improves consistency across a website.
If an article teaches English grammar while repeatedly using “thats”, readers can reasonably question the site’s authority. Accuracy is therefore part of the overall content experience.
SEO Benefits of Clean Grammar
Grammar itself is not a simple ranking shortcut. You should not expect an apostrophe correction to automatically push a page higher in search results.
However, high-quality writing supports better content overall.
Clear grammar can contribute to:
- Better readability
- Stronger user trust
- More professional presentation
- Easier comprehension
- Greater editorial credibility
- Better engagement with educational content
- A more consistent brand voice
For websites focused on language learning, grammar accuracy is especially important.
If your topic is “thats or that’s,” readers expect the article itself to demonstrate correct usage.
Precision Builds Authority
Authority is often built through hundreds of small decisions.
Correct punctuation is one of them.
A polished article does not merely tell readers that “that’s” is correct. It uses the form consistently throughout the explanation.
That alignment between what you teach and how you write strengthens the credibility of the content.
A Quick Quiz
Fill in each blank with “that’s” or “thats.”
1. ______ a very interesting point.
2. I think ______ exactly what we need.
3. ______ been a difficult year for many businesses.
4. She said ______ the answer she was looking for.
5. ______ why punctuation matters in professional writing.
6. ______ happened before, so we should be prepared.
7. The correct form is ______, not “thats.”
Answer Key
1. That’s
The sentence means “That is a very interesting point.” Because “that’s” can be expanded to “that is,” the apostrophe is required.
2. That’s
The full sentence is “I think that is exactly what we need.” Therefore, “that’s” is the correct contraction.
3. That’s
Here, “that’s” means “that has.” The expanded version is “That has been a difficult year for many businesses.”
4. That’s
The intended meaning is “She said that is the answer she was looking for.” The contraction is therefore written, “that’s.”
5. That’s
The expanded version is “That is why punctuation matters in professional writing.” The apostrophe is required in the contracted version.
6. That’s
The sentence means “That has happened before.” Since “that’s” can represent “that has,” this form is correct.
7. That’s
The standard contraction is spelled “that’s,” with an apostrophe. “Thats” is not the standard form when you mean “that is” or “that has.”
Conclusion
The difference between “thats” and “that’s” is small in appearance but important in correct English. When you mean “that is” or “that has,” the standard form is “that’s,” with an apostrophe. The apostrophe shows that the expression is a contraction, meaning letters have been omitted from the original words. For example, “That’s a good idea” means “That is a good idea,” while “That’s happened before” means “That has happened before.” In standard English, “thats” without the apostrophe should not be used as a contraction.
The easiest way to avoid this mistake is to use the expansion test whenever you are uncertain. Replace “that’s” with “that is” or “that has.” If the sentence remains logical and grammatical, “that’s” is the correct choice. This simple habit works in emails, academic assignments, website content, social media posts, and everyday writing. Remember that “that’s” is a standard contraction, while “thats” is generally an incorrect spelling in standard English. One tiny apostrophe can make the difference between polished writing and an avoidable grammatical error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “thats” a correct word in English?
“Thats” is generally not correct in standard English when you intend to write the contraction of “that is” or “that has.” The standard form is “that’s,” with an apostrophe. The apostrophe indicates that letters have been omitted from the original expression. Although “thats” may appear in informal texts, usernames, social media posts, or writing where punctuation is deliberately omitted, it should not be used in polished or formal English.
What does “that’s” mean?
“That’s” can mean either “that is” or “that has.” The surrounding sentence determines which meaning applies. For example, “That’s a beautiful house” means “That is a beautiful house.” In contrast, “That’s happened before” means “That has happened before.” Because both phrases can be shortened to “that’s,” the apostrophe is essential for showing that the word is a contraction.
Is “that’s” short for “that is”?
Yes. One of the two main meanings of “that’s” is “that is.” This is the most common use of the contraction. For example, “That’s my phone” can be expanded to “That is my phone.” Similarly, “That’s interesting” means “That is interesting.” If you can replace “that’s” with “that is” without changing the meaning or grammar of the sentence, using the apostrophe form is correct.
Can “that’s” also mean “that has”?
Yes, “that’s” can also be a contraction of “that has.” This commonly occurs when “has” functions as an auxiliary verb before a past participle. For example, “That’s been difficult” means “That has been difficult,” and “That’s happened before” means “That has happened before.” The surrounding words usually make it clear whether “that’s” means “that is” or “that has.”
Why is the apostrophe necessary in “that’s”?
The apostrophe is necessary because “that’s” is a contraction. It combines “that” with “is” or “has,” while the apostrophe signals the shortened form. Without the apostrophe, “thats” does not properly represent either contraction in standard English. Therefore, when writing “that’s” to mean “that is” or “that has,” removing the apostrophe creates a punctuation and spelling error.
How can I remember whether to use “thats” or “that’s”?
Use the expansion test. Whenever you are unsure, replace “that’s” with “that is” or “that has.” If one of those expanded versions makes sense, “that’s” is the correct form. For example, “That’s a problem” becomes “That is a problem,” so the apostrophe belongs there. This method is quick, reliable, and useful when proofreading professional, academic, or everyday writing.
Is “thats” acceptable in texting?
You may see “thats” without an apostrophe in casual texting, especially when someone types quickly or intentionally leaves out punctuation. Readers can usually understand the intended meaning from context. However, this does not make “thats” the standard spelling. If you are writing an email, article, assignment, professional message, website page, or other polished content, use “that’s” when you mean “that is” or “that has.”
Is “that’s” too informal for professional writing?
No. “That’s” is grammatically correct and can be perfectly appropriate in professional writing. Whether you use the contraction depends on the tone and style of the document. A conversational business article might naturally say, “That’s why this approach works.” A highly formal report might prefer, “That is why this approach works.” Both are correct, but “thats” without the apostrophe is not the standard alternative.
What is the difference between “that’s” and “that is”?
Both forms can have the same basic meaning, but they differ in style and formality. “That’s” is the contracted form and often sounds more natural, conversational, and direct. “That is” is the complete form and may sound more formal or emphatic. For example, “That’s the problem” and “That is the problem” are both grammatically correct. The choice depends on the desired tone.
What is the easiest rule for “thats vs. that’s”?
The easiest rule is: use “that’s” when you mean “that is” or “that has.” If you see yourself writing “thats,” stop and perform the expansion test. Try “that is” first, then “that has.” If either version fits the sentence, use “that’s.” In standard English, this simple rule will resolve almost every ordinary “thats or that’s” question.
