If you’ve ever typed “thats” and hesitated before hitting publish, you’re not alone. This tiny apostrophe mistake is one of the most common grammar errors in English writing—especially in blogs, emails, captions, and social media posts.
So let’s settle it clearly and confidently.
Quick answer:
✅ That’s is correct
❌ Thats is incorrect in standard English
What Is the Difference Between “That’s” and “Thats”?
The difference is small but critical: the apostrophe.
That’s
- A contraction
- Short for that is or that has
- Grammatically correct
Thats
- ❌ Not a real English word
- Missing the apostrophe
- Always a spelling mistake (outside rare brand names)
Quick comparison table
| Word | Type | Meaning | Correct |
| That’s | Contraction | That is / That has | ✅ Yes |
| Thats | Misspelling | None | ❌ No |
Rule to remember:
If letters are missing, English grammar requires an apostrophe.
Read More BTS Meaning in Text ?
The Two Correct Meanings of “That’s”
1. “That’s” = “That Is”
This is the most common and widely used form.
Examples:
- That’s a great idea.
- That’s what I was thinking.
- That’s the problem we need to solve.
Quick test:
Replace that’s with that is.
If the sentence still works, your grammar is correct.
✔ That’s interesting → That is interesting
2. “That’s” = “That Has”
This usage is slightly less obvious but equally correct.
Examples:
- That’s been a long day.
- That’s already happened.
- That’s taken care of.
Test it:
Replace that’s with that has.
✔ That’s been difficult → That has been difficult
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, that’s is officially defined as a contraction of that is or that has, confirming its correct usage in modern English.
👉 Reference:https://dictionary.cambridge.org
Why “Thats” Is Grammatically Incorrect
Here’s the simple truth:
“Thats” is not a word in standard English.
English contractions must include apostrophes:
- it’s → it is
- who’s → who is
- what’s → what is
- that’s → that is / that has
Without the apostrophe, the word loses meaning.
Incorrect:
- ❌ Thats my laptop
- ❌ Thats amazing
Correct:
- ✅ That’s my laptop
- ✅ That’s amazing
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary lists that’s as a valid contraction but does not recognize thats as a word.
Why This Mistake Happens So Often
People usually write thats because of:
- Fast typing or texting
- Autocorrect misses
- Confusion with similar words like its / it’s or your / you’re
Common apostrophe mistakes
| Wrong | Correct |
| thats | that’s |
| its’ | its |
| youre | you’re |
| whos | who’s |
Quick fix:
Before publishing, expand the contraction in your head.
Read More Sent as a Text Message Meaning ?
How to Use “That’s” Naturally in Sentences
Everyday conversation
- That’s cool!
- That’s so true.
- That’s exactly right.
Professional writing
- That’s a strong proposal.
- That’s something we should review.
- That’s the best option available.
Creative writing
- “That’s it,” she whispered.
- He paused. “That’s the moment everything changed.”
If it sounds natural when spoken, it’s usually correct in writing.
Why Correct Grammar Matters More Than You Think
1. Clear communication
A missing apostrophe can make writing look careless.
- ❌ Thats my opinion
- ✅ That’s my opinion
2. Professional credibility
Grammar mistakes reduce trust—especially in:
- Blogs
- Business emails
- Marketing copy
Is There Ever an Exception?
You may see That’s used in proper nouns, such as the Honda That’s (a compact car model in Japan).
This is a brand name, not a grammar rule.
Even then, notice it still uses the apostrophe.
Outside of proper nouns or branding, “thats” remains incorrect.
Quick Grammar Checklist for “That’s”
Ask yourself:
✔ Can I replace it with that is?
✔ Can I replace it with that has?
If yes → use that’s
If no → rewrite the sentence
Examples:
- That’s my favorite song. → That is ✔
- That’s been stressful. → That has ✔
- I like thats color. → ❌ Rewrite: I like that color.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between “that’s” and “thats”?
“That’s” is a contraction of that is or that has.
“Thats” is not a valid English word and is always a spelling mistake.
Is “thats” ever correct in English?
No. It is never grammatically correct in standard English.
How do I know when to use “that’s”?
If you can replace it with that is or that has, then “that’s” is correct.
Why do people confuse “that’s” and “thats”?
Mostly due to fast typing, missing apostrophes, or misunderstanding contractions.
Conclusion: Remember This One Rule
If you ever hesitate between that’s and thats, remember:
It’s always “that’s.” “Thats” doesn’t exist in correct English.
That single apostrophe signals clarity, professionalism, and confidence in your writing—whether you’re blogging, emailing, or posting online.
And now that’s proper grammar done right.
