If you’ve ever wondered whether to write that’s or thats, you’re not alone. Apostrophes are one of the most common sources of confusion in English, especially in contractions. Many people accidentally leave out the apostrophe when typing quickly, texting,or posting on social media.
The simple answer is that that’s is the correct spelling in standard English. It is a contraction of that is or that has. Thats, without an apostrophe, is not a standard English word and is considered a spelling error in formal writing. Learning this rule will help you write more accurately and professionally.
Quick Answer
Use that’s with an apostrophe.
- ✅ That’s = Contraction of that is or that has.
- ❌ Thats = Incorrect spelling in standard English.
Examples:
- ✅ That’s a great idea.
- ✅ That’s been helpful.
- ❌ Thats a great idea.
Why People Confuse It
People often confuse that’s and thats because:
- They type quickly and forget the apostrophe.
- Many phones and keyboards don’t automatically insert apostrophes.
- Spoken English doesn’t reveal punctuation.
- Other common words ending in -s, such as its, can make the rule seem inconsistent.
The apostrophe is essential because that’s is a contraction.
That’s
That’s is a contraction.
Meaning
It can stand for:
- That is
- That has
Examples
That is
- That’s my favorite restaurant.
- That’s exactly what I meant.
- That’s an interesting question.
- That’s the book I was looking for.
- That’s your seat.
That has
- That’s been a wonderful experience.
- That’s already happened before.
- That’s never occurred to me.
If you can replace that’s with that is or that has, the contraction is correct.
Thats
Thats without an apostrophe is not a standard English word.
It is usually the result of:
- A typing mistake.
- Informal texting.
- An overlooked punctuation error.
In formal writing, essays, emails, reports, and professional communication, always use that’s instead.
That’s vs. Thats Comparison Table
| Feature | That’s | Thats |
|---|---|---|
| Standard English | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Uses an apostrophe | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Means “that is” or “that has” | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Appropriate for formal writing | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Common typing mistake | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
When to Use Each
Use that’s when you mean:
- That is
- That has
Examples:
- That’s a beautiful painting.
- That’s been our plan from the beginning.
- That’s why I called.
Never use thats in standard English writing.
If you’re writing informally in a text message, people may understand thats, but it is still considered a spelling error.
Examples (10+)
- That’s my car.
- That’s exactly what I needed.
- That’s the answer.
- That’s been an exciting journey.
- That’s all for today.
- That’s why we’re leaving early.
- That’s a clever solution.
- That’s what everyone expected.
- That’s the restaurant I recommended.
- That’s already been discussed.
- That’s one of my favorite songs.
- That’s impossible to ignore.
Common Mistakes
❌ Thats a good idea.
✅ That’s a good idea.
❌ Thats been a long week.
✅ That’s been a long week.
❌ Forgetting the apostrophe in formal writing.
✅ Always write that’s.
Memory Trick
Remember this simple test:
Expand the contraction.
If you can say:
- That is
- That has
then write:
That’s
If the apostrophe is missing, it’s almost certainly incorrect.
Think:
Apostrophe = Missing letters.
American vs British English
There is no difference between American and British English.
Both varieties use:
- ✅ That’s
Both consider:
- ❌ Thats
to be incorrect in standard writing.
Similar Words
If you’re learning commonly confused words and punctuation rules, you may also enjoy these guides:
- Its vs It’s
- You’re vs Your
- They’re vs Their vs There
- Message vs Messege
- Greatful vs Grateful
- Bright vs Brite
- Moment vs Momment
Final Verdict
The rule is simple: that’s is the correct spelling because it is a contraction of that is or that has. The apostrophe replaces the missing letter(s), making it an essential part of the word.
Thats, without an apostrophe, is not accepted in standard English. Whether you’re writing an email, essay, report or social media post, using that’s will make your writing clearer, more accurate and more professional.
FAQs
Which is correct: “that’s” or “thats”?
That’s is the correct spelling.
Why does “that’s” need an apostrophe?
The apostrophe shows that letters have been omitted from that is or that has.
Is “thats” ever correct?
No. Thats is not considered correct in standard English.
Can “that’s” mean both “that is” and “that has”?
Yes. The meaning depends on the context.
- That’s amazing. = That is amazing.
- That’s been helpful. = That has been helpful.
Is “that’s” appropriate in formal writing?
Yes. Contractions are acceptable in many forms of writing, though some highly formal or academic styles may prefer the full forms that is or that has.
Do American and British English spell “that’s” differently?
No. Both use that’s with an apostrophe.
Conclusion
Although the difference between that’s and thats is only one apostrophe, it has a significant impact on correctness. That’s is the standard contraction for that is or that has, while thats is simply a spelling mistake in standard English.
Whenever you’re unsure, expand the contraction. If that is or that has fits naturally, that’s is the correct choice. Following this simple rule will help you avoid one of the most common punctuation mistakes in English.
Remember This
✅ That’s = That is / That has
❌ Thats = Incorrect spelling
Think: If letters are missing, the apostrophe must be there.
