Introduction
English can be tricky—especially when punctuation changes the meaning of a word. One of the most common examples of this confusion is that’s vs thats. Many people see both forms used online and assume they mean the same thing. Others aren’t sure whether the apostrophe is optional, informal, or just a stylistic choice.
The confusion usually comes from fast typing, casual writing, and autocorrect habits. Because both versions look almost identical, readers often overlook the small but important difference between them.
Although they look/sound similar, they serve completely different purposes.
In this guide, we’ll clearly explain what that’s and thats mean, how they’re used, where mistakes happen, and how to always choose the correct form with confidence. ✍️
What Is “That’s”?
Meaning and Definition
That’s is a contraction. It is a shortened form of:
- that is
- that has
The apostrophe (’) replaces a missing letter, which is a standard rule in English grammar.
In simple terms:
- That’s = that is / that has
How It’s Used
You use that’s when you want to:
- Speak naturally and conversationally
- Combine words to sound fluent
- Replace that is or that has
It is extremely common in:
- Spoken English
- Informal writing
- Blogs, articles, emails, and conversations
Where It’s Used (Grammar Context)
That’s is correct in:
- American English
- British English
- Formal and informal writing (depending on tone)
Examples in Sentences
- “That’s my favorite movie.” (that is)
- “That’s been a long day.” (that has)
- “I think that’s the right answer.”
Each sentence clearly replaces that is or that has.
Short Usage Note
Contractions like that’s make writing sound more natural and human, which is why they are widely used in modern English.
What Is “Thats”?
Meaning and Definition
Thats (without an apostrophe) is not a correct word in standard English.
In simple terms:
- Thats = grammatically incorrect
It has no meaning, no grammatical role, and no proper usage in formal or informal writing.
Why People Use It
People often write thats because:
- They type quickly
- They forget the apostrophe
- Autocorrect doesn’t catch it
- They assume punctuation doesn’t matter
However, in correct English grammar, thats is always wrong.
Where “Thats” Appears
You might see thats:
- In social media comments
- In text messages
- In unedited content
But its appearance does not make it correct.
Incorrect Examples
❌ “Thats amazing.”
❌ “Thats the problem.”
❌ “Thats what I meant.”
All of these should use that’s instead.
Key Differences Between That’s and Thats
Quick Bullet-Point Differences
- That’s is grammatically correct
- Thats is grammatically incorrect
- That’s includes an apostrophe
- Thats is missing required punctuation
- That’s replaces that is or that has
- Thats has no meaning at all
Comparison Table (Mandatory)
| Feature | That’s | Thats |
|---|---|---|
| Correct English | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Apostrophe | Yes | No |
| Meaning | That is / That has | None |
| Grammar Role | Contraction | Invalid |
| Used in Writing | Formal & informal | Typo only |
| Accepted in English | ✔️ | ❌ |
Real-Life Conversation Examples
Dialogue 1
A: “That’s a great idea!”
B: “Yes, it really is.”
🎯 Lesson: “That’s” correctly replaces that is.
Dialogue 2
A: “Is ‘thats’ okay here?”
B: “No, you need the apostrophe.”
🎯 Lesson: Apostrophes are required in contractions.
Dialogue 3
A: “Why did my editor change ‘thats’?”
B: “Because it’s grammatically incorrect.”
🎯 Lesson: Editors always fix “thats” to “that’s”.
Dialogue 4
A: “That’s been confusing.”
B: “English contractions can be tricky.”
🎯 Lesson: “That’s” can mean that has.
Dialogue 5
A: “People write ‘thats’ everywhere online.”
B: “Yes, but that doesn’t make it correct.”
🎯 Lesson: Common mistakes are still mistakes.
When to Use That’s vs Thats
Use “That’s” When:
- You mean that is
- You mean that has
- You’re writing naturally
- You want grammatically correct English
- You’re publishing professional or SEO content
Memory Trick:
👉 If you can say “that is,” use “that’s.”
Never Use “Thats” When:
- Writing articles
- Posting professionally
- Sending emails
- Doing academic or SEO writing
Simple Rule:
👉 No apostrophe = wrong
US vs UK Usage
There is no difference between US and UK English here.
- That’s is correct everywhere
- Thats is incorrect everywhere
Fun Facts or History
1. Apostrophes Show Missing Letters
The apostrophe in that’s replaces the missing “i” in that is.
2. “Thats” Is One of the Most Common Typos
It frequently appears in unedited online content but is never accepted in professional writing.
Conclusion
The difference between that’s vs thats is simple but important. That’s is a correct contraction that replaces that is or that has, while thats is just a spelling mistake with no grammatical value. A single apostrophe makes all the difference between correct and incorrect English. Once you remember this rule, you’ll never hesitate again when writing. Next time someone uses these two words, you’ll know exactly what they mean! 😊
