In everyday English, small things make a big difference. Take the phrase: “Thats or That’s – Which Is Correct?”- it highlights how one tiny mark, an apostrophe, can shift meaning entirely. I once spotted both that’s and thats while editing professional emails and casual texts, and it instantly pulled me into this common confusion. You see, that’s a contraction– it shortens that is or that has. For example, you’d say, “That’s a beautiful car,” or “That’s been my favorite song for years.” But thats, without the apostrophe, doesn’t even exist in standard grammar- it’s often just a mistake from typing too quickly or forgetting punctuation.
The key to using them correctly is to always check the sentence. Ask: “Do I mean that is or that has?” If yes, use that’s. I’ve seen seasoned writers slip up here, but knowing the correct usage helps you avoid errors. It’s about more than just being right– it’s about expressing real command over the language. If you want to elevate your grammar and sound like a native speaker, this rule matters. I’ve worked with many writers who had great ideas but missed the nuances. One misplaced apostrophe can dull the tone or make the writing feel sloppy.
Modern communication is built on clarity. Whether you’re replying to a client, crafting a marketing line, or writing novels, correctness and finesse show professionalism. When you use that’s right, your texts feel polished, your attention to detail shines, and your credibility grows. It’s such a simple thing, but that tiny apostrophe brings a rich-sounding quality to your work. And trust me, no grammarian wants to see a “thats” where it doesn’t belong. So always remember the secret: one little mark can take your writing from good to great and keep you far from the grammar doghouse.
Introduction: Why “Thats” vs. “That’s” Still Confuses Writers
Ever come across the sentence “Thats amazing” in a message or post and felt something was… off? You’re not alone. The confusion between “that’s” and “thats” is incredibly common, especially in digital communication, where speed often outruns precision.
At first glance, it might seem like a minor punctuation error. But that tiny apostrophe? It changes everything- from grammar and meaning to tone and clarity. In this guide, you’ll discover not only which is correct- “that’s” or “that’s”– but why it matters, when to use it, and how to avoid the mistake altogether.
Let’s clear this up once and for all.
Understanding the Grammar: “That’s” vs. “Thats”
Let’s start with a hard truth: “Thats” is not a real word in standard English.
Here’s why:
- “That’s” is a contraction.
- “Thats” is a misspelling– most likely a typo or a result of skipping punctuation.
What does “that’s” mean?
It’s a contraction of:
- That is
- That has
The apostrophe replaces the missing letters. Without it, the word is simply wrong.
“That’s the best coffee I’ve had today.” ✅
“Thats the best coffee I’ve had today.” ❌
Simple, right? But it gets deeper.
“That’s” as a Contraction of “That Is”
This is the most common usage of “that’s.”
Sentence Examples:
- That’s a good idea. (= That is a good idea.)
- That’s what I meant. (= That is what I meant.)
- That’s enough. (= That is enough.)
In all these cases, “that’s” replaces “that is”. The apostrophe is crucial- it signals the omission of the letter “i” in “is.”
Table: Full Form vs. Contraction
| Full Phrase | Contraction | Correct? | Example |
| That is | That’s | ✅ | That’s your seat. |
| That is | Thats | ❌ | Thats your seat. |
So if you can say “that is,” then “that’s” is your correct choice.
“That’s” Also Means “That Has” – Here’s How
It surprises many that “that’s” can also mean “that has.”
Here’s the key: it only works when “has” is used as a helping verb, not to show possession.
Examples:
- That’s been happening a lot lately. (= That has been happening…)
- That’s gone too far. (= That has gone too far.)
- That’s already started. (= That has already started.)
If you can rewrite it with “has” and it still makes sense, then “that’s” is correct.
But never say: “That’s a red car.” (That has a red car? ❌)
That would be “That has a red car,” which isn’t natural. Instead, use “That red car belongs to…”
Why “Thats” Is Considered a Mistake
“That’s” is a common mistake for one main reason: apostrophes get ignored in fast or casual writing.
Why does it happen:
- Speed typing
- Text messaging habits
- Lack of proofreading
- Autocorrect errors
But in formal writing or professional communication, “thats” looks careless.
Even AI grammar checkers like Grammarly and Hemingway will flag it.
Quick Fix: Always ask:
“Can I expand this to ‘that is’ or ‘that has’?”
If yes, use “that’s”.
Common Examples of Misuse in Real Sentences
Here’s how people often get it wrong:
Incorrect Usage:
- Thats the one I wanted. ❌
- I don’t think thats true. ❌
- Thats what I was saying!
Corrected Version:
- That’s the one I wanted. ✅
- I don’t think that’s true. ✅
- That’s what I was saying! ✅
Even one small apostrophe can dramatically change how polished and intelligent your writing appears.
Visual Guide: “That’s” vs. “Thats” in Context
| Sentence | Correct Form | Explanation |
| Thats incredible! | ❌ | Missing apostrophe |
| That’s incredible! | ✅ | Correct contraction of “That is” |
| That’s been a problem. | ✅ | Contraction of “That has” |
| I know thats a lie. | ❌ | “That is” = “that’s” |
| I know that’s a lie. | ✅ | Fixed |
Memory tip: If it sounds like “that is” or “that has,” it’s “that’s.”
How Misunderstanding “That’s” Affects Clarity
Without apostrophes, sentences can turn awkward or confusing.
Take this:
“Thats not right.”
A reader might pause, wonder if it’s a name (Thats?), or just see it as sloppy.
The apostrophe in “that’s” acts like punctuation in music. Without it, you lose the rhythm and clarity.
Impact of Apostrophe Errors in Professional Communication
Small grammar errors have big consequences in the professional world.
Real-World Effects:
- Job Applications: Recruiters reject 59% of resumes with grammar mistakes.
- Emails: Poor grammar can undermine authority or credibility.
- Marketing Copy: Typos cost businesses millions in lost trust or conversions.
Quote:
“People judge your intelligence by how you write.”
– Harvard Business Review
Case Study:
A freelance writer once shared a story of losing a client after publishing a blog post with multiple instances of “thats.” The brand found it unprofessional. The fix? One apostrophe.
Exceptions That Look Like “Thats” But Aren’t Errors
Case Study: Honda That’s – A Legitimate Brand Name
This is one case where “Thats” is correct– sort of.
Honda, That’s a Japanese kei car model. It’s not a typo, it’s a brand name. No apostrophe needed, because it’s intentional.
Why It’s Allowed:
- Trademarked names don’t follow grammar rules.
- Brands often bend or break language conventions.
So if you see “Honda Thats” in official branding, it’s not a mistake.
But in your emails, resumes, or essays? “Thats” is still wrong.
Mini Grammar Toolbox: Other Commonly Confused Words
Want to tighten your grammar across the board? These pairs are often confused, like “that’s” and “thats”:
“Its” vs. “It’s”
- It’s = it is / it has
- Its = possessive (belonging to it)
“Your” vs. “You’re”
- You’re = you are
- Your = possessive
“There” vs. “Their” vs. “They’re”
- There = place
- Their = possessive
- They’re = they are
“Whose” vs. “Who’s”
- Who’s = who is / who has
- Whose = possessive
Each of these relies on apostrophes just like “that’s.” Spot the pattern?
Bonus Section: Why These Small Errors Stick
Blame your brain.
The Psychology of Apostrophe Mistakes:
- The brain often auto-corrects what it expects to see.
- You read “thats” as “that’s” without noticing the error.
- Typing fast reinforces bad habits (muscle memory).
How to Break the Cycle:
- Read slowly.
- Proofread backward (start from the last sentence).
- Use grammar tools, but don’t rely on them blindly.
How to Train Yourself to Always Use “That’s” Correctly
Simple Techniques:
- Substitution Test: Replace “that’s” with “that is.” Does it work?
- Double-Read: Pause at every “thats” and ask: is the apostrophe missing?
- Voice Typing: Tools like Google Docs dictate contractions correctly.
- Flashcards or apps: Duolingo, Grammarly, and Quillbot help reinforce grammar.
Recommended Tools:
| Tool | What It Does | Cost |
| Grammarly | Real-time grammar suggestions | Free/Premium |
| Hemingway Editor | Flags passive voice, errors | Free |
| LanguageTool | Checks apostrophe and structure | Free |
Quick Reference Table: “That’s” vs. “Thats” At a Glance
| Scenario | Use “That’s”? | Use “Thats”? |
| Contraction of “That is” | ✅ | ❌ |
| Contraction of “That has” | ✅ | ❌ |
| Possessive (Incorrect) | ❌ | ❌ |
| Proper noun or brand name | ❌ (unless stylized) | ✅ (e.g., Honda That’s) |
Conclusion
Mastering small details like the difference between “that’s” and “thats” might seem trivial, but it speaks volumes about your attention to language- and your credibility as a writer, communicator, or professional.
In formal and informal settings alike, grammar isn’t just about correctness- it’s about clarity, precision, and trust. Using “that’s” correctly shows that you understand the role of contractions and how they shape meaning. Skipping the apostrophe turns a valid contraction into a grammar mistake that may go unnoticed by you, but not by your reader.
Whether you’re writing an academic paper, business email, blog post, or even a social media caption, these subtle grammar rules shape the tone of your message. “That’s” isn’t just a contraction- it’s a signal of polished, thoughtful writing. And while casual errors like “thats” may slide in a text message, they don’t belong in your professional or public communication.
By applying the lessons from this guide, you won’t just fix one common error- you’ll start noticing how precision improves your writing everywhere. So next time you pause at “thats,” trust your instincts. Add the apostrophe.
It’s the smallest mark on the keyboard, but it might be the biggest difference in how your writing is received.
FAQs:
What is the difference between Thats and That’s?
“That’s” is a contraction of “that is” or “that has.” “Thats” without an apostrophe is generally incorrect in modern English. The apostrophe replaces missing letters, making “that’s” the only standard and grammatically correct form in almost all contexts.
Is it ever correct to write Thats without an apostrophe?
In standard English, “thats” is not considered correct. It may appear in informal texting or stylistic writing, but it should be avoided in professional, academic, and formal communication where proper grammar matters.
What does That’s stand for?
“That’s” is a shortened form of “that is” or “that has.” For example, “That’s a great idea” means “That is a great idea,” and “That’s been done before” means “That has been done before.”
Why is the apostrophe important in That’s?
The apostrophe shows that letters are missing in a contraction. In “that’s,” it replaces the “i” in “is” or the “ha” in “has,” helping readers understand the intended meaning clearly and quickly.
Can Thats be used in casual writing?
While you might see “thats” in casual messages or online chats, it is still technically incorrect. Even in informal writing, using “that’s” is better because it maintains clarity and proper grammar.
How can I remember to use That’s correctly?
A simple trick is to expand the word in your sentence. If “that is” or “that has” makes sense, then “that’s” is correct. If it doesn’t, you may need a different word or structure.
Is That’s considered formal or informal?
“That’s” is acceptable in both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal documents, some writers prefer using the full forms “that is” or “that has” instead of contractions.
Are there similar mistakes like Thats or That’s?
Yes, common examples include “its or it’s,” “your or you’re,” and “their, there, or they’re.” These mistakes usually involve apostrophes or homophones and can change the meaning of a sentence.
Does using Thats instead of That’s affect SEO or readability?
Yes, incorrect grammar like “thats” can reduce readability and credibility. Search engines and readers both prefer clear, correct language, so using “that’s” properly can improve user experience and trust.
How can I avoid grammar mistakes like this?
Proofreading your work, using grammar tools, and practicing regularly can help. Reading your sentences out loud also makes it easier to catch errors like missing apostrophes or incorrect word usage.
