People often get confused about that’s and thats because the two forms look almost identical, and the missing apostrophe is easy to miss when typing quickly. This confusion matters in everyday writing, schoolwork, exams, text messages, emails, and professional communication because one small punctuation mark can change how polished and correct your English looks. In this article, you will learn what that’s means, why thats is usually wrong, how to use it correctly, and how to avoid common mistakes with confidence.
What Does “That’s” Mean?
That’s is a contraction. It is made by combining that is or that has into one shorter form.
Most of the time, that’s means:
- that is
- that has
Simple examples
- That’s a good idea. = That is a good idea.
- That’s been a long day. = That has been a long day.
In everyday English, contractions are very common because they sound natural and help sentences flow more smoothly.
What about “thats”?
Thats without an apostrophe is usually incorrect in standard English. It is often just a spelling mistake or typing error.
Quick comparison table
| Form | Correct? | Meaning | Example |
| that’s | Yes | that is / that has | That’s my book. |
| thats | No, in standard English | none | Thats my book. |
| that is | Yes | full form of that’s | That is my book. |
| that has | Yes | full form of that’s | That has happened before. |
So, if you want the correct form in normal English writing, use that’s with an apostrophe.
Correct Usage of “That’s”
The apostrophe in that’s is not decoration. It shows that one or more letters have been left out.
The two main uses are:
1. “That’s” = “That is”
This is the most common use.
Examples:
- That’s my favorite song.
- That’s exactly what I meant.
- That’s not true.
2. “That’s” = “That has”
This form appears before a past participle.
Examples:
- That’s already happened.
- That’s gone too far.
- That’s been a long time.
A helpful test
If you can replace that’s with that is or that has, the apostrophe form is correct.
| Sentence | Expanded form | Correct? |
| That’s nice. | That is nice. | Yes |
| That’s finished. | That has finished. | Yes, depending on meaning |
| Thats nice. | No expansion possible | No |
Real-life situations
Use that’s in:
- conversations
- emails
- essays
- social media posts
- exam writing, if contractions are allowed
Example in context
- I think that’s a smart decision.
- If the package arrives late, that’s going to be a problem.
- She said that’s all she needed.
When to avoid it
In very formal writing, some teachers, editors, or academic styles prefer the full form:
- That is important.
- That has been confirmed.
That does not mean that’s is wrong. It simply means the full form can sound more formal.
Spelling Differences: That’s vs Thats
The biggest difference is the apostrophe.
Why the apostrophe matters
The apostrophe in contractions shows that letters have been removed. In that’s, the missing letters are from that is or that has.
Without the apostrophe, thats looks like a regular word, but it is not standard English.
Side-by-side comparison table
| Correct spelling | Incorrect spelling | Why |
| that’s | thats | missing apostrophe |
| it’s | its | apostrophe needed for contraction |
| I’m | Im | apostrophe needed for contraction |
| don’t | dont | apostrophe needed for contraction |
This is one of the most common punctuation mistakes in English.
Why many people write “thats”
People often write thats because:
- they type quickly
- they do not notice the missing apostrophe
- autocorrect does not catch it
- they are unsure whether contractions need apostrophes
Important note
If you are writing in casual texting, some people may still understand thats, but it is not considered correct standard spelling.
Best habit
Train yourself to always look for missing apostrophes in contractions.
A simple proofreading question helps:
- “Can this be shortened from ‘that is’ or ‘that has’?”
- If yes, you probably need that’s.
Grammar Rules for “That’s”
Understanding the grammar behind that’s makes it easier to use correctly every time.
Rule 1: Use “that’s” for contractions
That’s is a shortened form of a full expression.
| Full form | Contraction |
| that is | that’s |
| that has | that’s |
Rule 2: Do not confuse it with “that”
That can also be a standalone word. It is not always part of a contraction.
Examples:
- I know that already.
- That is my bag.
Rule 3: Use the apostrophe only when letters are omitted
The apostrophe shows missing letters.
- that is → that’s
- that has → that’s
- that + anything else → usually not contracted in this form
Rule 4: Keep subject-verb agreement in mind
The word after that’s must still fit the sentence.
Correct:
- That’s a good answer.
- That’s been helpful.
Incorrect:
- Thats are good answer.
- That’s were helpful.
Grammar comparison table
| Sentence type | Correct form | Example |
| Contraction for “that is” | that’s | That’s nice. |
| Contraction for “that has” | that’s | That’s happened before. |
| Full formal form | that is / that has | That is nice. |
| Incorrect nonstandard form | thats | Thats nice. |
A useful rule for learners
If you are not sure, expand the contraction.
For example:
- That’s enough. → That is enough.
- That’s been solved. → That has been solved.
If the full sentence sounds right, the contraction is probably right too.
British vs American English: Is There a Difference?
For that’s and thats, there is no real British vs American spelling difference. The correct contraction is that’s in both varieties of English.
What changes?
Not the spelling of that’s itself, but the style of usage may vary a little.
- In both British and American English, that’s is standard.
- In both varieties, thats without an apostrophe is generally incorrect.
- Formal writing in both varieties may prefer the full form that is or that has.
Comparison table
| Variety | Correct contraction | Incorrect form |
| British English | that’s | thats |
| American English | that’s | thats |
| Formal English | that is / that has | thats |
Style note
Some editors or teachers may ask for fewer contractions in formal writing, especially in:
- academic essays
- legal writing
- official reports
- formal business documents
Example:
- Informal: That’s a serious issue.
- Formal: That is a serious issue.
So the difference is about formality, not geography.
Pronunciation of “That’s”
The pronunciation of that’s is simple and very close to the full phrase that is in fast speech.
Pronunciation
that’s is usually pronounced like:
- /ðæts/
It sounds like one short word.
Spoken English example
- “That’s great!”
- “That’s not what I said.”
- “That’s been solved.”
Why pronunciation matters
Many learners hear native speakers say that’s so quickly that they think it is one separate word. In speech, contractions are very natural.
Pronunciation tip
Try saying:
- that is → then shorten it to that’s
- that has → then shorten it to that’s
The contraction helps speech sound smoother and more natural.
Important reminder
Even though it sounds like one word, the apostrophe is still needed in writing.
Sentence Examples: Correct and Incorrect Uses
Examples are one of the best ways to remember the difference between that’s and thats.
Correct examples with “that’s”
- That’s a great question.
- I think that’s the best option.
- That’s been on my mind all day.
- That’s why I called you.
- If that’s true, we need to act quickly.
Incorrect examples with “thats”
- Thats a great question.
- I think thats the best option.
- Thats been on my mind all day.
- Thats why I called you.
- If thats true, we need to act quickly.
Corrected versions
- That’s a great question.
- I think that’s the best option.
- That’s been on my mind all day.
- That’s why I called you.
- If that’s true, we need to act quickly.
More examples in daily life
Conversation
- “That’s okay.”
- “That’s interesting.”
- “That’s not fair.”
School writing
- The teacher said that’s an important rule.
- That’s the reason the answer is correct.
Professional communication
- That’s the deadline we agreed on.
- That’s a helpful update for the team.
Comparison table
| Correct sentence | Incorrect sentence |
| That’s my phone. | Thats my phone. |
| That’s been repaired. | Thats been repaired. |
| That’s not a problem. | Thats not a problem. |
| That’s exactly right. | Thats exactly right. |
Seeing the side-by-side version helps the apostrophe stand out.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
Many students know the meaning of that’s but still make small spelling or grammar errors.
Mistake 1: Leaving out the apostrophe
Wrong:
- Thats my idea.
Correct:
- That’s my idea.
This is the most common mistake.
Mistake 2: Using “that’s” when “that is” sounds too formal or unclear
Sometimes writers overuse contractions in formal writing.
Less formal:
- That’s the reason we agreed.
More formal:
- That is the reason we agreed.
Mistake 3: Confusing “that’s” with “its” or “it’s”
These words are easy to mix up because they also involve apostrophes.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| that’s | that is / that has | That’s fine. |
| it’s | it is / it has | It’s raining. |
| its | belonging to it | The dog lost its collar. |
Mistake 4: Adding an extra apostrophe
Wrong:
- that’s’s
- that’’s
Correct:
- that’s
Mistake 5: Thinking “thats” is acceptable because people use it online
Even if you see it in text messages or casual posts, thats is still not standard correct spelling.
Mistake 6: Forgetting that “that’s” can mean two different things
It can mean:
- that is
- that has
Examples:
- That’s a nice jacket. = That is a nice jacket.
- That’s already happened. = That has already happened.
Mistake 7: Overcorrecting
Some learners avoid contractions entirely, even in informal writing.
That is not wrong, but it can sound stiff in conversation.
Compare:
- That is fine.
- That’s fine.
Both are correct; the second sounds more natural in speaking.
FAQs About That’s or Thats
Is “thats” a real word?
No, thats is not standard English. The correct form is that’s.
What does “that’s” mean?
It means that is or that has, depending on the sentence.
Is “that’s” formal or informal?
It is common in everyday and conversational English. In formal writing, the full forms that is and that has may be preferred.
Can I use “that’s” in exams?
Yes, if contractions are allowed and the context is informal or neutral. For formal essays, teachers may prefer full forms.
Is there a difference between British and American English?
Not for this word. Both use that’s. The form thats is incorrect in both.
Why do people write “thats”?
Usually because they forget the apostrophe, type quickly, or do not notice the missing punctuation.
How can I remember the correct spelling?
Think of this rule:
- that is → that’s
- that has → that’s
If letters are missing, the apostrophe must stay.
Is “that’s” always short for “that is”?
No. It can also be short for that has.
Conclusion
The correct standard spelling is that’s, with an apostrophe. The form thats is usually wrong because it leaves out the punctuation needed to show the contraction. In most everyday writing, that’s is the natural and correct choice when you mean that is or that has. In more formal writing, you can also use the full forms that is and that has if you want a more رسمی or polished style.
A simple way to remember it is this:
- that’s = correct contraction
- thats = incorrect spelling
- that is / that has = full forms
If you remember the apostrophe, you will avoid one of the most common English spelling mistakes. That small mark makes your writing look cleaner, smarter, and more professional every time.
