Thats or That’s: Which Is Correct?

Thats or That’s explains a common English spelling difference, showing when the apostrophe matters and why “thats” is incorrect in writing today.

The real English word “that’s” is a contraction of that is or that has, while the apostrophe indicates the letters removed. This underlying grammar rule makes the apostrophe matters clear in everyday English and writing. “Thats” has no recognized meaning as a standard English form, so it is an incorrect spelling rather than an alternative correct form. A useful trick is to expand the contraction and check whether that is or that has fits the sentence. If it does, choose “that’s” and use it correctly. In my experience teaching English, this simple check helps learners remember the spelling difference without overthinking the grammar. There is no situation where “thats” is an acceptable replacement when the contraction needed is that’s.

When I first started teaching English, I noticed that Few grammar mistakes become especially tricky when people type quickly. The apostrophe disappears easily on phone keyboards during fast composition or fast typing, while autocorrect and omitting symbols can create a small mistake. You can find this wrong form in emails, blog posts, posts, captions, comments, professional documents, texts, and social media, where it may feel right simply because people read it every day. During tutoring sessions, I use simple example lines to break down the grammatical difference, showing an instance where a phrase may cover different words depending on context.

his approach can improve communication and help a writer maintain proper spelling in an academic paper, written message, or texting reply. Formal writing needs proper attention, even when casual speech is informal. My own habit is to make a quick proofreading check to avoid unnecessary errors and keep the English language clear and smoother. The wrong version may make a sentence looks careless, while correct English writing helps you express a confident and professional style. The guide is straightforward: Remember how the tiny apostrophe changes the meaning and choose the correct form when the contraction is needed. This good point becomes more obvious through steady Learning, even during busy times.

What Is the Correct Spelling: Thats or That’s?

The correct standard spelling is that’s when you mean “that is” or “that has.”

The apostrophe isn’t decorative. It shows that letters have been removed from the original words to create a contraction.

For example:

• That is my favorite restaurant. → That’s my favorite restaurant.
• That has been a difficult experience. → That’s been a difficult experience.
• That is exactly what I wanted. → That’s exactly what I wanted.

By contrast, “thats” without an apostrophe isn’t the standard spelling of this contraction.

Thats vs. That’s at a Glance

Form	Standard English?	Meaning	Example
that’s	Yes	That is / That has	That’s my phone.
thats	No, as the contraction	Usually an omitted apostrophe	Thats my phone.
that	Yes	Demonstrative pronoun, determiner, conjunction, etc.	I know that answer.

So, if you’re choosing between thats or that’s in ordinary writing, choose that’s when you intend the contraction.

That’s Meaning and Definition

That’s is a contraction formed from that and either is or has.

This gives the word two main meanings:

1. That is
2. That has

The surrounding words tell you which meaning applies.

That’s = That Is

Consider this sentence:

That’s a beautiful painting.

You can expand it to:

That is a beautiful painting.

Because “that is” fits naturally, that’s means that is here.

Other examples include:

• That’s my seat. → That is my seat.
• That’s a strange idea. → That is a strange idea.
• That’s the problem. → That is the problem.
• That’s exactly right. → That is exactly right.

That’s = That Has

Now look at this example:

That’s been a long day.

Here, that’s means that has:

That has been a long day.

You’ll often see this construction when that’s comes before a past participle.

For example:

• That’s happened before. → That has happened before.
• That’s changed everything. → That has changed everything.
• That’s been my experience. → That has been my experience.
• That’s never happened to me. → That has never happened to me.

The spelling stays the same. The grammar around it reveals the meaning.

Why Does That’s Need an Apostrophe?

The apostrophe in that’s indicates that part of the original expression has been removed.

Take that is:

that is → that’s

The apostrophe represents the omitted letters from is.

The same principle applies to that has:

that has → that’s

English uses contractions constantly. They make speech and writing more compact.

Here are some familiar examples:

Full form	Contraction
I am	I’m
You are	You’re
He is	He’s
She is	She’s
It is	It’s
We are	We’re
They are	They’re
That is	That’s
That has	That’s

Without the apostrophe, thats doesn’t show the contraction in standard written English.

The Apostrophe Has a Job

Think of the apostrophe as a small sign saying, “Some letters are missing here.”

For example:

• do not → don’t
• cannot → can’t
• I am → I’m
• that is → that’s

That’s why writing thats removes an important part of the spelling.

Is “Thats” a Word?

In ordinary modern English, thats isn’t the standard spelling for that’s.

You may still see thats online. People often omit apostrophes in text messages, comments, social media posts, gaming chats, or fast informal typing. That usage doesn’t make it the standard grammatical form.

For example, someone might type:

Thats really funny.

A standard edited version would be:

That’s really funny.

The missing apostrophe is usually a typing or proofreading issue rather than a different grammatical form.

Why Do People Write “Thats”?

Several situations can lead to the spelling thats:

• Fast typing
• Informal texting
• Autocorrect behavior
• Forgetting apostrophes
• Keyboard shortcuts
• Casual social media writing
• Habitual omission of punctuation

Digital communication often drops punctuation. People understand the intended meaning from context.

However, that doesn’t mean you should carry the same habit into school assignments, business emails, applications, reports, or other polished writing.

That’s vs. Thats: Key Difference

The central difference is simple: that’s contains the apostrophe required for the standard contraction.

Sentence	Standard?	Correction
Thats a good point.	No	That’s a good point.
I think thats enough.	No	I think that’s enough.
Thats what I meant.	No	That’s what I meant.
That’s a good point.	Yes	No correction needed.
That’s what I meant.	Yes	No correction needed.

A Quick Visual Rule

When you mean:

that is → that’s

or

that has → that’s

use the apostrophe.

If you aren’t using the contraction, you may need that rather than that’s.

For example:

I know that you’re busy.

You can’t replace that with that’s.

I know that’s you’re busy. ❌

The two forms perform different grammatical jobs.

When to Use “That’s”

The easiest way to use that’s correctly is to identify what you’re trying to say.

That’s = That Is

This is one of the most common uses.

Use that’s when that is would work naturally in the sentence.

For example:

That’s my new laptop.

Expanded:

That is my new laptop.

Another example:

That’s an interesting question.

Expanded:

That is an interesting question.

You can use this test whenever you’re uncertain.

More Examples

• That’s a great idea.
• That’s the restaurant we visited.
• That’s why I called.
• That’s not what I expected.
• That’s your package.
• That’s impossible.
• That’s the person I mentioned.

In every example, replacing that’s with that is preserves the basic meaning.

That’s = That Has

The second major use occurs when that has fits the sentence.

For example:

That’s been a difficult decision.

Expanded:

That has been a difficult decision.

Another example:

That’s changed since last year.

Expanded:

That has changed since last year.

This use often appears with words such as been, happened, changed, become, improved, started, and caused.

Examples include:

• That’s happened before.
• That’s become a major concern.
• That’s been discussed already.
• That’s changed considerably.
• That’s caused several problems.

The context tells you whether that’s means that is or that has.

How to Know Whether “That’s” Means “That Is” or “That Has”

Here’s a simple grammar test: expand the contraction.

Take the sentence:

That’s the answer.

Try both possibilities:

• That is the answer. ✓
• That has the answer. ✗

Therefore, that’s = that is.

Now try:

That’s been a problem.

Test both:

• That is been a problem. ✗
• That has been a problem. ✓

Therefore, that’s = that has.

The Replacement Test

Sentence	Expansion	Meaning
That’s my book.	That is my book.	That is
That’s the reason.	That is the reason.	That is
That’s been difficult.	That has been difficult.	That has
That’s happened before.	That has happened before.	That has
That’s a mistake.	That is a mistake.	That is
That’s changed recently.	That has changed recently.	That has

This test works because the apostrophe hides the difference between the two full forms.

That’s in Questions and Statements

You’ll find that’s throughout everyday English.

In statements, it can identify something, describe a situation, or explain a conclusion.

Examples:

That’s my brother.

That’s a useful tool.

That’s the main issue.

In questions, speakers often use it when confirming information.

That’s your car, right?

That’s the address you gave me?

The contraction also appears in conversational responses:

“I thought the meeting started at nine.”

“That’s right.”

Here, that’s means that is.

Why It Sounds Natural

Contractions mirror normal spoken English. Most speakers naturally say that’s rather than carefully pronouncing that is every time.

That’s why you’ll see the contraction frequently in:

• Conversations
• Interviews
• Personal emails
• Blog posts
• Text messages
• Online discussions
• Everyday explanations

Formal writing may sometimes favor the expanded form for emphasis or style. Still, that’s itself is a standard English contraction.

Read More: She Has or She Have: Which Is Correct?

Common Mistakes With That’s

The thats or that’s confusion usually comes from a handful of predictable mistakes.

Writing “Thats” Instead of “That’s”

This is the most obvious error.

Thats a beautiful house. ❌

That’s a beautiful house. ✓

The second sentence uses the standard contraction.

Assuming Every “That’s” Means “That Is”

Not every that’s expands to that is.

Compare:

That’s my favorite song.

Here, that’s = that is.

But:

That’s been my favorite song for years.

Here, that’s = that has.

Knowing both meanings prevents incorrect expansion.

Using “That’s” Instead of “That”

Sometimes writers add an apostrophe where no contraction exists.

Incorrect:

I believe that’s he will arrive tomorrow.

Correct:

I believe that he will arrive tomorrow. ✓

Here, that introduces a clause. It doesn’t mean that is or that has.

Treating Texting Habits as Standard Spelling

Apostrophes often disappear in casual digital communication. That doesn’t make the omission appropriate everywhere.

A quick message such as:

thats fine

may be understood easily.

For a professional email, use:

That’s fine.

Small punctuation marks can make polished writing look noticeably cleaner.

That’s vs. That

These words look closely related because that’s contains that. Their grammatical functions differ, though.

That can serve several roles in English. It can act as a determiner, pronoun, conjunction, or relative pronoun depending on the sentence.

Consider:

I know that she called.

Here, that introduces a clause.

Now compare:

That’s the person who called.

Here, that’s means that is.

Side-by-Side Examples

That	That’s
I know that you’re ready.	That’s good news.
The book that I bought is new.	That’s the book I bought.
She said that she was tired.	That’s why she left.

A useful rule is to ask whether you can expand that’s to that is or that has.

If you can’t, you probably need that instead.

That’s vs. Its and It’s

Apostrophes create another common source of confusion.

That’s, its, and it’s look similar but serve different purposes.

Word	Meaning	Example
that’s	that is / that has	That’s my jacket.
it’s	it is / it has	It’s cold today.
its	possessive form of it	The dog wagged its tail.

Notice the pattern.

It’s uses an apostrophe because it contracts it is or it has.

Its doesn’t use an apostrophe when it shows possession.

With that’s, the apostrophe marks the contraction.

Compare These Sentences

That’s a large dog.

It’s a large dog.

The dog wagged its tail.

Each form has a different grammatical function.

The safest approach is to focus on meaning rather than the visual shape of the words.

That’s in Formal and Informal Writing

That’s is standard English, but your writing situation can influence whether you prefer the contraction.

In everyday communication, contractions usually sound natural and relaxed.

For example:

That’s exactly what I needed.

In a formal document, you might choose:

That is exactly what I needed.

Neither choice automatically makes the sentence grammatically correct or incorrect. The difference often comes down to tone, emphasis, and style requirements.

Where That’s Works Naturally

You can comfortably encounter that’s in:

• Personal emails
• Business emails
• Websites
• News-style writing
• Conversations
• Informal essays
• Marketing copy
• Online articles
• Social media posts

When the Full Form May Be Better

Some formal or highly deliberate writing may expand contractions.

For example:

That is the primary reason for the change.

Using the full form can create a slightly more formal or emphatic tone.

The key point remains unchanged: that’s is the standard spelling when you’re using the contraction.

That’s in American English vs. British English

The spelling that’s is standard in both American English and British English.

You don’t normally change the spelling to thats based on regional English.

The distinction is therefore not an American-versus-British spelling issue. It’s primarily a matter of using the apostrophe correctly.

For example:

American English:

That’s a good idea.

British English:

That’s a good idea.

Both use the same contraction.

Regional English varieties can differ in vocabulary, punctuation preferences, or stylistic conventions. However, the standard contraction that’s remains recognizable and widely used across major English varieties.

Examples of “That’s” in Sentences

Seeing the form in different contexts makes the pattern easier to recognize.

Examples of That’s = That Is

• That’s my favorite book.
• That’s a difficult question.
• That’s the answer.
• That’s exactly what happened.
• That’s your train.
• That’s not a problem.
• That’s an excellent opportunity.
• That’s the reason I stayed.
• That’s where we met.
• That’s what I wanted.

Examples of That’s = That Has

• That’s been a recurring problem.
• That’s happened several times.
• That’s changed dramatically.
• That’s become more common.
• That’s caused confusion.
• That’s never happened before.
• That’s already started.
• That’s improved since last month.
• That’s made a significant difference.
• That’s become easier with practice.

Incorrect vs. Correct Examples

Incorrect	Correct
Thats a great idea.	That’s a great idea.
I think thats enough.	I think that’s enough.
Thats been happening lately.	That’s been happening lately.
Thats the reason.	That’s the reason.
I know thats true.	I know that’s true.

A Quick Test: Replace “That’s” With “That Is” or “That Has”

When you’re unsure about thats or that’s, don’t rely on how the word looks. Run a quick replacement test.

Step One: Read the Sentence

That’s a strange result.

Step Two: Expand the Contraction

Try that is:

That is a strange result.

It works.

Step Three: Identify the Meaning

Therefore:

That’s = that is

Now try another:

That’s happened before.

Replace it with that is:

That is happened before.

Try that has:

That has happened before.

Therefore:

That’s = that has

A Three-Question Checklist

Before submitting your writing, ask:

1. Am I trying to say “that is” or “that has”?
2. Does the expanded phrase fit the sentence?
3. Did I include the apostrophe in “that’s”?

If the answer to all three is yes, you’re probably using that’s correctly.

How to Remember “That’s” Is Correct

A simple memory trick can save you from repeated mistakes.

Remember:

That is → that’s
That has → that’s

The apostrophe signals the contraction.

You can also remember it by comparing that’s with familiar contractions such as it’s, he’s, and she’s.

For example:

• it is → it’s
• he is → he’s
• she is → she’s
• that is → that’s

The pattern is consistent.

A Simple Memory Image

Imagine the apostrophe as a tiny missing-letter marker.

THAT IS

becomes

THAT’S

The apostrophe sits where the contraction has compressed the original expression.

So when you’re writing “thats”, pause for a second and ask:

“Am I actually saying that is or that has?”

If yes, add the apostrophe.

A Practical Case Study: Editing “Thats” in Everyday Writing

Imagine someone writes this short email:

Hi Alex,
Thats the document I was looking for. Thats been very helpful.
Thanks!

Two corrections are needed.

Original

Thats the document I was looking for. Thats been very helpful.

Corrected

That’s the document I was looking for. That’s been very helpful.

The first that’s means that is:

That is the document I was looking for.

The second that’s means that has:

That has been very helpful.

This small example demonstrates why context matters. The same contraction can represent two different full expressions.

A Second Case Study: When “That” Is Correct

Consider this sentence:

I understand that you need more time.

It might be tempting to write:

I understand that’s you need more time. ❌

But that’s doesn’t belong there.

Why?

Because the intended meaning isn’t:

I understand that is you need more time.

Instead, that introduces the clause you need more time.

The correct sentence is:

I understand that you need more time.

This distinction helps prevent a common mistake: assuming that every occurrence of that should become that’s.

Why Apostrophes Matter in Standard Writing

An apostrophe can look tiny on the page. Its grammatical role isn’t tiny, though.

Compare:

That’s the problem.

with:

Thats the problem.

Most readers can understand both. Yet only the first follows standard contraction spelling.

Correct punctuation makes your writing easier to proofread and more polished. It also removes ambiguity in situations where contractions could otherwise be confused with ordinary words.

Apostrophes Commonly Mark Contractions

Here are some familiar examples:

• will not → won’t
• would not → wouldn’t
• they are → they’re
• we are → we’re
• you have → you’ve
• she is → she’s
• that is → that’s
• that has → that’s

Once you recognize the pattern, that’s becomes much easier to remember.

Is “Thats” Ever Appropriate?

For ordinary modern English writing, you should use that’s when you mean that is or that has.

If you encounter thats in an online post, message, comment, or informal conversation, it may simply reflect omitted punctuation.

There can be unusual contexts involving names, specialized terms, historical texts, or proper nouns where a sequence of letters happens to appear as thats. Those cases don’t change the ordinary grammar rule.

For everyday writing, the practical rule is straightforward:

Use “that’s” for the contraction.

FAQs

1. Is “thats” correct English?

No. “Thats” is generally considered an incorrect spelling in standard English writing. The correct form is “that’s” with an apostrophe.

2. What does “that’s” mean?

“That’s” is a contraction of “that is” or “that has.” The apostrophe shows that letters have been removed from the original words.

3. Why do people write “thats” instead of “that’s”?

People often type quickly, especially on phone keyboards or during texting and fast typing. The apostrophe disappears because of speed, habit, or autocorrect.

4. How can I remember the difference between “thats” and “that’s”?

Try a simple proofreading trick: replace “that’s” with “that is” or “that has.” If the sentence still makes sense, “that’s” is the correct form.

5. Should I use “that’s” in formal writing?

Yes. “That’s” is a standard English contraction and can be used in appropriate formal writing, although some situations may call for the full forms “that is” or “that has.”

Conclusion

Understanding Thats or That’s becomes easier once you remember that the apostrophe matters. “That’s” is the correct English word because it is a contraction of “that is” or “that has,” while “thats” is an incorrect spelling in standard writing. Whether you are writing emails, academic papers, social media posts, or everyday messages, checking the apostrophe can help you avoid a common grammar mistake.

A quick proofreading habit can make this spelling difference almost automatic. When you see “thats,” check whether “that is” or “that has” fits the sentence. If it does, choose “that’s.” This simple trick helps keep your writing clear, correct, and professional without making the rule difficult to remember.