Thats vs That’s: The Complete Guide to Understanding the Difference (Grammar, Usage & Examples)
The confusion between Thats vs Thats is one of the most common grammar mistakes in English writing. At first glance, the two look almost identical, but only one of them is actually correct in standard English. If you’ve ever paused while typing a message, email, or social media post wondering which form to use, you’re experiencing a very normal struggle with apostrophes and contractions ✍️.
The problem usually happens because “thats” feels natural when typing quickly, especially on mobile devices. However, in formal English, the correct form is always “that’s,” which is a contraction of “that is” or “that has.” This small apostrophe completely changes the correctness of the word and ensures clarity in communication. Without it, the word becomes a spelling error rather than a grammatical form.
Understanding Thats vs That’s is not just about memorizing spelling—it’s about improving writing accuracy, avoiding common mistakes, and sounding more professional in everyday communication. In this guide, we’ll break everything down in a simple, practical way so you’ll never confuse these two forms again.
Quick Answer: Thats vs That’s
The correct form is “that’s”, which is a contraction of “that is” or “that has.” It uses an apostrophe to replace missing letters.
“Thats” is not a correct standard English word. It is usually a spelling mistake caused by fast typing or forgetting the apostrophe.
👉 Example:
- Correct: That’s amazing!
- Incorrect: Thats amazing!
Understanding the Basics: Thats vs That’s
To fully understand thats vs that’s, we need to break down what each form represents.
What is “That’s”?
“That’s” is a contraction, meaning two words are shortened into one by removing letters and replacing them with an apostrophe.
It can mean:
- That is
- That has
👉 Examples:
- That’s my phone. → That is my phone.
- That’s been a long day. → That has been a long day.
What is “Thats”?
“Thats” is not a correct word in standard English grammar. It appears only in informal typing when:
- The apostrophe is missed
- Typing is rushed
- Autocorrect fails
👉 Example:
- ❌ Thats wrong spelling
- ✔ That’s correct spelling
Comparison Table: Thats vs That’s
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example Sentence | Correct/Incorrect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| That’s | Contraction | That is / That has | That’s interesting. | ✔ Correct |
| Thats | Misspelling | None (invalid form) | Thats interesting. | ❌ Incorrect |
Correct Meanings & Uses of “That’s”
1. “That’s” = That is
This is the most common use of that’s.
👉 Examples:
- That’s a great idea!
- That’s not what I meant.
Sentence breakdown:
- That is → That’s
- Used for expressing opinions, reactions, or identification
2. “That’s” = That has
This form is used in perfect tenses.
👉 Examples:
- That’s been completed already.
- That’s helped me a lot.
Sentence breakdown:
- That has → That’s
- Used in past-to-present connection actions
Test Tip 🧠
Try expanding the word:
- If “that is” or “that has” fits → use that’s
- If not → recheck your sentence structure
Case Study: Real-Life Usage Example
Email Scenario
❌ Incorrect:
Hi team, thats the report I mentioned yesterday.
✔ Correct:
Hi team, that’s the report I mentioned yesterday.
Why it matters:
In professional communication, missing an apostrophe may seem minor, but it can:
- Reduce clarity
- Look careless
- Affect credibility
A recruiter or client reading your message will naturally expect correct grammar, especially in written communication.
Grammar Rules Explanation
According to standard grammar references like Merriam-Webster and Oxford English Dictionary, contractions are formed by:
- Combining two words
- Removing letters
- Replacing them with an apostrophe
So:
- That is → That’s
- That has → That’s
👉 Key Rule:
If there is no apostrophe, the word is not a contraction and often becomes grammatically invalid.
Why “thats” is incorrect:
- English does not recognize “thats” as a standalone word
- It violates contraction formation rules
- It lacks grammatical structure
Common Mistakes
Why people confuse thats vs that’s
- Fast typing on mobile devices 📱
- Autocorrect errors
- Lack of grammar awareness
- Informal texting habits
Similar Grammar Confusions
| Incorrect | Correct | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| its | it’s | contraction vs possessive |
| your | you’re | possession vs contraction |
| their | they’re | ownership vs “they are” |
| dont | don’t | missing apostrophe |
| cant | can’t | missing apostrophe |
Quick Insight
Most errors happen because English contractions depend heavily on apostrophes, and they are easy to forget during fast communication.
Usage in Different Contexts
1. Everyday Conversation
- That’s cool!
- That’s fine with me.
2. Professional Writing
- That’s the final version of the document.
- That’s confirmed by the client.
3. Creative Writing
- That’s when everything changed.
- That’s how legends are made.
4. Social Media & Texting
- That’s insane 😲
- That’s hilarious 😂
Even in informal contexts, “that’s” remains correct, while “thats” is still considered a typo.
Why It Matters
Small grammar details like thats vs that’s matter more than people realize. They affect:
- Clarity of communication
- Professional image
- Writing credibility
- Reader trust
👉 As writer William Zinsser once emphasized:
“Clarity is the ultimate goal of writing.”
Even a small apostrophe contributes to that clarity.
Special Exception
There are no standard English exceptions where “thats” is grammatically correct.
However:
- Some usernames, brand names, or stylized text may intentionally use “thats” for aesthetic reasons.
- This is not grammatically valid, only stylistic branding.
Quick Recap Checklist
| Question | If Yes → Use |
|---|---|
| Do you mean “that is”? | that’s |
| Do you mean “that has”? | that’s |
| Is it formal writing? | that’s |
| Are you typing fast casually? | still that’s |
Practice Examples
- That’s my favorite book.
- That’s been resolved already.
- That’s exactly what I needed.
FAQs: Thats vs That’s
Is “thats” a real word?
No. “Thats” is not a recognized English word. It is a spelling error.
What does “that’s” stand for?
“That’s” is a contraction of “that is” or “that has.”
Why do people write “thats” instead of “that’s”?
Mostly due to fast typing, missing punctuation, or autocorrect issues.
Is it okay to use “thats” in texting?
While people may understand it, it is still incorrect. “That’s” is always preferred.
Can “that’s” be used in formal writing?
Yes. “That’s” is grammatically correct and widely used in formal and informal writing.
How can I remember the difference easily?
If you can expand it to “that is” or “that has,” then always use an apostrophe: that’s.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between thats vs that’s is a small but powerful step toward mastering English grammar. While “that’s” is a correct and widely used contraction of “that is” or “that has,” “thats” remains a common spelling mistake with no grammatical validity.
The key takeaway is simple: the apostrophe is not optional—it carries meaning. It transforms words, ensures clarity, and reflects writing accuracy. Whether you are writing an email, a social media post, or a professional document, using “that’s” correctly enhances your credibility and communication quality.
In the end, strong writing is built on small details done right. And this is one of those details that truly makes a difference.
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Hi, I’m Zyler Knox, an expert in names and unique nickname creation. I specialize in developing fresh, modern, and expressive nicknames that add personality to every name.
