Have you ever wondered whether “that’s” or “thats” is the correct spelling? You’re not alone. Many people leave out the apostrophe when writing quickly, especially in texts and casual messages. However, “that’s” is the standard form when you mean “that is” or “that has.” The form “thats” is generally incorrect when you intend to use this contraction.
Understanding the difference between that’s vs thats becomes easy once you know what the apostrophe represents. In this guide, we’ll explain the meaning, grammar, correct usage, and common mistakes with simple examples so you can confidently choose the right form in everyday and formal writing.
Quick Answer
- “That’s” is correct when it means “that is” or “that has.”
- “Thats” without an apostrophe is generally incorrect in standard English.
- The apostrophe shows that letters have been removed from the original words.
- Use the replacement test: replace “that’s” with “that is” or “that has.”
- People may write “thats” in texting, but standard writing still uses “that’s.”
- “That” and “that’s” are different: “that” is a standalone word, while “that’s” is a contraction.
TL;DR
- That’s = That is → That’s a great idea.
- That’s = That has → That’s been difficult.
- Thats = generally incorrect when you mean “that’s.”
- The apostrophe matters because it marks the contraction.
- Texting may omit apostrophes, but that does not make “thats” standard grammar.
- Use “that’s” in normal English writing when you mean “that is” or “that has.”
- Remember the simple rule: If “that is” or “that has” fits, use “that’s.” ✅
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That’s or Thats: Which One Is Correct?
“That’s” is the correct form when you mean “that is” or “that has.” The apostrophe shows that the word combines two words into one contraction. For example, “That’s my car” means “That is my car.” In standard English, “thats” without an apostrophe is generally incorrect when you want to write this contraction.
| Form | Correct? ✅ | Meaning |
| That’s | ✅ Yes | That is / That has |
| Thats | ❌ Usually no | Usually a missing apostrophe |
So, if you are asking “thats or that’s?”, choose “that’s” when the sentence needs the contraction. This simple rule works in most everyday writing.
What Does “That’s” Mean?
The word “that’s” has two common meanings. It can mean “that is” or “that has.” You can usually understand the meaning by looking at the words that follow it. For example, “That’s a beautiful house” means “That is a beautiful house,” while “That’s been a hard week” means “That has been a hard week.”
Knowing these two meanings makes that’s grammar much easier. Instead of memorizing many rules, try expanding “that’s” into “that is” or “that has.” If one of those full forms makes sense, you have probably used “that’s” correctly.
That’s = That Is
Use “that’s” to mean “that is” when you describe something, identify something, or give information about it. For example, “That’s my sister,” means “That is my sister.” You can also say, “That’s a great idea,” or “That’s the problem.” 🔎 This use appears very often in everyday English, conversations, emails, and casual writing. A simple way to check your sentence is to replace “that’s” with “that is.” If the sentence still sounds correct, you can use the contraction confidently.
That’s = That Has
“That’s” can also mean “that has”, especially before a past participle. For example, “That’s been difficult” means “That has been difficult.” You can also write, “That’s changed a lot,” meaning “That has changed a lot.” 📝 The context tells you which meaning the contraction carries. When “that’s” comes before words such as “been,” “changed,” “happened,” or “started,” it often represents “that has.” This second meaning is important because many learners know only the “that is” use.
Why Does “That’s” Have an Apostrophe?
The apostrophe in “that’s” has an important job. It shows that letters have been removed when two words form a contraction. In this case, “that is” becomes “that’s,” and “that has” also becomes “that’s.” The apostrophe marks the shortened form.
For example:
- That is → That’s
- That has → That’s
Without the apostrophe, “thats” does not show the standard contraction. This explains why “that’s” and “thats” are not normally interchangeable. The apostrophe is sall, but it changes the written form and helps readers understand the grammar. 📖
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When Should You Use “That’s”?
Use “that’s” whenever you want to shorten “that is” or “that has.” You will often see it in everyday statements such as “That’s good,” “That’s my phone,” and “That’s why I called.” 💬 It can make your writing sound natural and conversational.
You can also use “that’s” in common expressions:
- That’s why I came here.
- That’s what I wanted.
- That’s how it works.
- That’s because I was busy.
- That’s not what I meant.
- That’s been a long day.
These patterns make that’s usage easy to recognize in real sentences.
Is “Thats” Ever Correct?
In standard English, “thats” is generally incorrect when you intend it as the contraction of “that is” or “that has.” For example, “Thats a nice idea” should normally be written as “That’s a nice idea.” ✅ The missing apostrophe makes “thats” a spelling error in ordinary writing.
There is, however, a rare and specialized use of “thats” when someone talks about several instances of the word “that.” For example, a language discussion might refer to “several thats in the sentence.” This use is uncommon, so English learners should not treat it as a normal alternative to “that’s.” For everyday writing, remember: that’s is the form you need. 👍
That vs That’s: What’s the Difference?
“That” and “that’s” have different jobs. “That” can work as a pronoun, determiner, or conjunction depending on the sentence. For example, “That book is mine” uses “that” to point to a specific book. 📚 “That’s”, on the other hand, is a contraction of “that is” or “that has.”
Understanding this difference can prevent common that’s grammar mistakes.
Why Do People Write “Thats” in Text Messages?
Many people write “thats” without an apostrophe in text messages because they type quickly or use informal language. Some people also leave out apostrophes as a habit, especially when they communicate on phones or social media. 💬 The reader can usually understand the meaning from context, but this does not make “thats” the standard spelling.
In texting, people often shorten words, skip punctuation, or use casual forms. However, if you want to follow standard English, write “that’s.” ✍️ This distinction is useful: common in texting does not always mean grammatically standard.
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Is “That’s” Correct in Formal Writing?
Yes, “that’s” is grammatically correct in standard English. However, some writers prefer the full form “that is” in very formal or academic writing. This choice usually reflects style and tone, not a basic grammar rule. For example, “That is an important point” may sound more formal than “That’s an important point.”
In business emails and professional communication, you can normally use “that’s” when it fits the tone. In academic writing, your school or publication may have its own style rules. The important point is that “that’s” is not grammatically wrong simply because it is a contraction. ✅ Always follow the required writing style when one exists.
Common Mistakes With “That’s” and “Thats”
Writers often make small apostrophe mistakes when using this contraction. The most common error involves leaving out the apostrophe completely. Another mistake involves confusing “that” with “that’s.”
Here are some quick examples:
- ❌ Thats a good idea.
- ✅ That’s a good idea.
- ❌ I think thats correct.
- ✅ I think that’s correct.
- ❌ Thats been difficult.
- ✅ That’s been difficult.
- ❌ That’s book is new.
- ✅ That book is new.
Remember that “that’s” must mean “that is” or “that has.” If neither expansion works, you may need “that” instead. 💡
How to Remember That’s vs Thats
The easiest way to remember “that’s vs thats” is to use the replacement test. Whenever you write “that’s,” replace it with “that is” or “that has.” If the complete sentence still makes sense, your contraction is correct.
Try these examples:
- That’s my bag. → That is my bag.
- That’s been fun. → That has been fun.
- Thats my bag. → The intended meaning is “That is my bag,” so add the apostrophe.
This quick test works because “that’s” always represents one of those two common contractions. It gives you an easy way to check your writing without remembering complicated grammar terms.
That’s or Thats Examples
Examples make the difference between “that’s” and “thats” much easier to understand. In normal writing, use “that’s” when you mean “that is” or “that has.” The table below shows common mistakes and their correct forms. 🔎
| Incorrect ❌ | Correct ✅ | Meaning |
| Thats amazing | That’s amazing | That is amazing |
| I think thats right | I think that’s right | That is right |
| Thats my phone | That’s my phone | That is my phone |
| Thats been hard | That’s been hard | That has been hard |
| Thats why I left | That’s why I left | That is why I left |
These examples show why the apostrophe matters. Whenever you shorten “that is” or “that has,” keep the apostrophe in “that’s.” ✍️
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is “thats” a word?
“Thats” is not normally the standard spelling of the contraction “that’s.” In rare language discussions, writers may use “thats” to refer to multiple instances of the word “that,” but this usage is uncommon. For normal English writing, use “that’s” when you mean “that is” or “that has.”
Is “thats” grammatically correct?
Usually, no. If you mean “that is” or “that has,” you should write “that’s” with an apostrophe. The apostrophe shows that the expression is a contraction. In casual texting, people may leave it out, but standard grammar still prefers “that’s.”
Is “that’s” short for “that is”?
Yes. “That’s” commonly works as a contraction of “that is.” For example, “That’s my house” means “That is my house.” However, “that’s” can also represent “that has,” depending on the sentence. Context helps you identify the correct meaning.
Can “that’s” mean “that has”?
Yes. “That’s” can mean “that has” when the sentence calls for that meaning. For example, “That’s been a long day” means “That has been a long day.” This use often appears before a past participle such as “been,” “changed,” or “happened.”
Can I use “thats” in texting?
People may understand “thats” in casual text messages, and many people use it when they skip punctuation. However, “thats” is not the standard spelling of the contraction. If you want correct English, especially in school, work, or professional communication, use “that’s.”
Is “that’s” correct in formal writing?
Yes, “that’s” is grammatically correct, but some formal writing styles may prefer “that is” instead. The full form can sound more formal, while the contraction often sounds more natural and conversational. Always follow any specific style guide or instructions for your writing.
What is the difference between “that” and “that’s”?
“That” is a standalone English word with several grammatical uses, while “that’s” is a contraction meaning “that is” or “that has.” For example, “That book is mine” uses “that,” while “That’s my book” uses “that’s.”
Why do people leave out the apostrophe in “that’s”?
People may leave out the apostrophe because they type quickly, use informal language, or follow casual texting habits. The missing apostrophe usually does not stop readers from understanding the sentence. However, standard English still uses “that’s” when writing the contraction of “that is” or “that has.”
Conclusion
The difference between “that’s or thats” is simple once you understand the apostrophe. “That’s” is the standard contraction of “that is” or “that has,” while “thats” is generally incorrect when you intend to write that contraction.
When you are unsure, use the replacement test: change “that’s” to “that is” or “that has.” If the sentence works, keep the apostrophe. Although people often leave it out in casual texting, standard English still favors “that’s.”
