Thats or That’s: Complete Grammar Guide, Meaning, Rules & Usage ( Guide)
If you’ve ever been confused between Thats or That’s, you are not alone. This tiny difference—just one apostrophe—can completely change the correctness of your writing. Many English learners and even native speakers accidentally write “Thats” instead of “That’s,” especially in fast texting, social media posts, or casual writing.
The confusion happens because both forms look almost identical, but only “That’s” is grammatically correct in standard English. The apostrophe is not just a punctuation mark—it shows missing letters and turns two words into one.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything about Thats or That’s, including meaning, grammar rules, real-life examples, common mistakes, comparisons, and practical usage tips. By the end, you’ll clearly understand the correct usage and avoid this common writing mistake forever ✨
Quick Answer: Thats or That’s
“That’s” is correct. “Thats” is incorrect in standard English writing.
“That’s” is a contraction of “that is” or “that has.” The apostrophe replaces missing letters. “Thats” is commonly seen in informal typing or spelling errors, but it is not grammatically correct in formal English.
Understanding the Basics: Thats vs That’s
To understand the difference, we must first understand what the apostrophe does.
What is “That’s”?
“That’s” is a contraction, meaning two words are combined into one:
- That is → That’s
- That has → That’s
It is grammatically correct and widely used in both spoken and written English.
What is “Thats”?
“Thats” is incorrect in standard English because:
- It is missing an apostrophe
- It does not follow grammar rules
- It is often used due to typing mistakes or informal shortcuts
Comparison Table: Thats vs That’s
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example Sentence | Correct/Incorrect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| That’s | Contraction | That is / That has | That’s a great idea. | ✅ Correct |
| Thats | Misspelling | No valid grammar meaning | Thats a great idea. | ❌ Incorrect |
Also Read This: In the Street vs On the Street
Correct Meanings & Uses of “That’s”
1. “That’s” = “That is”
This is the most common use.
Example:
- That’s amazing!
→ That is amazing!
Sentence Breakdown:
- That’s = That is
- Amazing = adjective describing something
💡 Test Tip: Replace “that’s” with “that is.” If the sentence still makes sense, it is correct.
2. “That’s” = “That has”
Used in perfect tense sentences.
Example:
- That’s been a long day.
→ That has been a long day.
Sentence Breakdown:
- That’s = That has
- Been = past participle helping verb
💡 Test Tip: If you can replace “that’s” with “that has,” it is correct usage.
3. Informal Spoken English Usage
In speaking, people naturally shorten phrases:
- That’s cool 👍
- That’s fine
- That’s interesting
This makes conversation smoother and faster.
Case Study: Real-Life Usage Example
Imagine this workplace email:
❌ Incorrect:
Hi team, thats a great update on the project.
✅ Correct:
Hi team, that’s a great update on the project.
Why this matters:
In professional communication, small grammar mistakes can:
- Reduce credibility
- Make writing look careless
- Affect clarity
Now compare:
✔ Correct version sounds polished and professional
✔ Incorrect version feels informal and unprofessional
Grammar Rules Explanation 📘
According to standard English grammar rules (including references like Merriam-Webster Dictionary and other grammar authorities):
Rule 1: Apostrophe in Contractions
An apostrophe is used to show missing letters in a contraction.
- that is → that’s
- do not → don’t
- it is → it’s
So:
👉 “That’s” = correct contraction
👉 “Thats” = missing apostrophe = incorrect
Rule 2: No Apostrophe Means Plural or Possessive (Not Here!)
Many learners mistakenly think apostrophes are optional. However:
- Without apostrophe = incorrect form here
- Apostrophe is required for contraction meaning
Common Mistakes Section ⚠️
Why People Write “Thats” Instead of “That’s”
- Fast typing
- People skip punctuation while texting
- Autocorrect issues
- Some keyboards fail to auto-add apostrophes
- Lack of grammar knowledge
- Beginners may not understand contractions
Similar Grammar Confusions Table
| Incorrect | Correct | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| its | it’s | contraction vs possessive |
| your | you’re | possession vs contraction |
| dont | don’t | missing apostrophe |
| theyre | they’re | contraction missing |
Usage in Different Contexts 🌍
1. Everyday Conversation
- That’s funny 😂
- That’s okay
- That’s great news
2. Professional Writing
- That’s to confirm your meeting schedule.
- That’s an important update for the team.
3. Creative Writing
- That’s when everything changed forever.
- That’s how the story began.
4. Social Media/Texting
- That’s insane! 🔥
- That’s what I’m talking about!
Why It Matters (Important Section) ⭐
Correct grammar is more than just rules—it affects how people see your communication.
Key reasons it matters:
- Improves clarity
- Builds professionalism
- Enhances credibility
- Prevents misunderstandings
📌 Quote:
“Good grammar is the foundation of clear communication.”
In digital communication, small mistakes like “Thats” can make writing look unpolished, even if the message is strong.
Special Exception Section
There is no accepted standard English exception where “Thats” is correct.
However:
- It may appear in usernames, branding, or informal internet slang
- Example: “ThatsCrazy” (as a username or brand name style)
But in grammar rules:
❌ Still incorrect
✔ Only acceptable in informal naming contexts
Quick Recap Checklist ✅
| Question | If Yes → Use |
|---|---|
| Do you mean “that is”? | That’s |
| Do you mean “that has”? | That’s |
| Writing formal content? | That’s |
| Typing without apostrophe? | Avoid “Thats” |
Practice Examples:
- Thats amazing → ❌ → That’s amazing
- Thats been fun → ❌ → That’s been fun
- Thats not fair → ❌ → That’s not fair
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Is “Thats” ever correct in English?
No. “Thats” is always incorrect in standard English writing. The correct form is “That’s.”
2. Why do people write “Thats”?
Mostly due to fast typing, lack of punctuation, or autocorrect failure.
3. What does “That’s” mean?
It means “that is” or “that has,” depending on the sentence context.
4. Is “That’s” formal or informal?
It is acceptable in both formal and informal writing, though expanded forms are preferred in very formal documents.
5. Can I use “That’s” in academic writing?
Yes, but in highly formal academic writing, it is better to write “that is” or “that has.”
6. What is the easiest way to remember the difference?
Remember:
✔ Apostrophe = correct (“That’s”)
❌ No apostrophe = incorrect (“Thats”)
Conclusion (Final Summary) 📝
The confusion between Thats or That’s is extremely common, but the rule is simple: only “That’s” is correct in standard English. It is a contraction of “that is” or “that has,” and the apostrophe plays a crucial role in making the sentence grammatically correct.
On the other hand, “Thats” is simply a spelling mistake caused by missing punctuation or fast typing habits.
If you want your writing to look professional, clear, and grammatically accurate, always remember to include the apostrophe. Small details like this make a big difference in communication quality.
Mastering this tiny rule will instantly improve your English writing confidence—and help you avoid one of the most common mistakes in digital communication ✨
Hi, I’m Sarah Williams, a content writer who loves creating simple and clear educational articles. My goal is to help learners improve their grammar and writing confidence.
