Many writers feel confused about thats or that’s, especially while writing emails, blogs, captions, or academic content. Although these two words look almost the same, they have completely different grammar rules. That’s why understanding the correct usage matters. In simple terms, that’s is a contraction of “that is” or “that has,” whereas thats without an apostrophe is usually considered incorrect in standard English.
Moreover, small punctuation mistakes can quickly change the meaning of a sentence and make your writing look unprofessional. Therefore, learning the difference between thats or that’s helps you improve grammar, avoid common errors, and write with more confidence. In this guide, you will discover easy explanations, real-life examples, grammar tips, and simple tricks to remember the correct form every time.
Thats
The word thats without an apostrophe is usually considered incorrect in modern English grammar. Most dictionaries and grammar experts do not accept it as a proper standalone word in formal writing. People often type “thats” by mistake when they actually mean that’s. This error commonly happens during fast typing, texting, or casual online chatting.
For example:
- Incorrect: Thats a beautiful painting.
- Correct: That’s a beautiful painting.
However, you may still see “thats” in informal social media posts, old texts, internet comments, or unedited writing. Even so, professional writing always prefers the correct form with an apostrophe.
Because of this, learning the difference between thats or that’s helps writers avoid embarrassing grammar mistakes.
That
The word that is one of the most commonly used words in English. It works in different ways depending on the sentence. Sometimes it acts as a pronoun, while other times it works as a determiner or conjunction.
Here are some examples:
- That is my favorite book.
- I know that she works hard.
- Take that notebook from the table.
In simple terms, that points to a specific thing, person, idea, or situation. Unlike that’s, the word that does not contain an apostrophe because it is not a contraction.
People often confuse that with that’s, especially while writing quickly. Therefore, understanding their roles in a sentence makes grammar much easier.
Thats or That’s: Quick Answer
The quick answer is simple: that’s is correct, while thats is usually incorrect in standard English.
The apostrophe in that’s replaces missing letters from:
- that is
- that has
Examples:
- That’s my car. → That is my car.
- That’s been amazing. → That has been amazing.
On the other hand, thats without the apostrophe does not follow standard grammar rules. Although people sometimes use it in casual typing, professional writing avoids it.
So, whenever you feel confused about thats or that’s, remember this easy rule:
If you can replace the word with “that is” or “that has,” use that’s.
The Origin of Thats or That’s
The confusion between thats or that’s comes from the evolution of English contractions and punctuation rules. Over time, English speakers shortened words to make speaking and writing faster. As a result, contractions like don’t, it’s, and that’s became common.
However, many people forget apostrophes while typing quickly on phones, social media, or chat apps. Because of this habit, incorrect forms like “thats” started appearing more often online.
Even though modern technology encourages fast communication, grammar rules still matter in professional and academic writing. Therefore, understanding the history behind these forms helps writers use them correctly.
Origin of “That’s”
The word that’s developed as a contraction of:
- that is
- that has
English speakers began using contractions centuries ago to make speech smoother and more natural. Apostrophes later became the standard way to show missing letters.
For example:
- That’s wonderful. → That is wonderful.
- That’s been difficult. → That has been difficult.
Today, that’s appears in everyday English, including books, articles, conversations, and business writing. It sounds natural, clear, and grammatically correct.
Because contractions make sentences shorter and friendlier, native speakers use that’s very often in spoken English.
Where “Thats” Came From
The form thats mostly came from typing habits and informal internet culture. Many people skip apostrophes because they type quickly on smartphones, social media apps, or messaging platforms.
For example, users often write:
- thats cool
- thats amazing
- thats funny
Although readers usually understand the meaning, the spelling remains grammatically incorrect in standard English.
In some cases, autocorrect settings or keyboard shortcuts also remove apostrophes accidentally. As online communication became faster, these mistakes spread widely across the internet.
Still, schools, grammar guides, and professional editors continue to recommend the proper form: that’s.
Why the Confusion Exists
The confusion between thats or that’s exists for several reasons. First, both words sound exactly the same when spoken aloud. Since pronunciation does not change, many learners struggle to notice the grammar difference.
Second, apostrophes often confuse English learners because they serve multiple purposes, including:
- Showing contractions
- Showing possession
Third, digital communication encourages speed instead of accuracy. People type quickly and ignore punctuation, especially in texts or comments.
Finally, many beginners do not realize that that’s is simply a shortened form of “that is” or “that has.” Once they learn this rule, the confusion becomes much easier to solve.
British English vs American English Spelling
Interestingly, both British English and American English use that’s in the same correct way. There is no major spelling difference between them for this word.
Examples in both styles:
- That’s a lovely idea.
- That’s my favorite color.
However, British and American English differ in many other spellings, such as:
| British English | American English |
| Colour | Color |
| Favourite | Favorite |
| Centre | Center |
| Theatre | Theater |
Even though spelling differences exist between these two English styles, the rule for that’s remains exactly the same.
British English
In British English, writers and speakers commonly use that’s in both formal and informal communication. British grammar rules strongly support the apostrophe because it correctly shows a contraction.
Examples:
- That’s brilliant.
- That’s exactly what I wanted.
British English also tends to keep traditional punctuation rules very carefully, especially in academic and professional writing.
Although informal texting in the UK may sometimes show “thats” without an apostrophe, official grammar still considers it incorrect. Therefore, British writers prefer that’s in newspapers, books, schools, and workplaces.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between thats or that’s becomes very easy once you learn the basic grammar rule. The correct form is usually that’s because it works as a contraction for “that is” or “that has.” On the other hand, thats without an apostrophe is generally considered incorrect in standard English writing.
Although many people skip apostrophes in casual texting or social media posts, proper punctuation still matters in professional, academic, and formal communication. Therefore, using that’s correctly can improve your grammar, make your writing clearer, and help you sound more confident.
Whenever you feel confused about thats or that’s, simply replace it with “that is” or “that has.” If the sentence still makes sense, then that’s is the correct choice.
FAQs
Is “thats” ever correct in English?
In standard English grammar, thats without an apostrophe is usually incorrect. The correct form is typically that’s.
What does “that’s” mean?
That’s is a contraction of:
- that is
- that has
For example:
- That’s my phone.
- That’s been difficult.
Why do people write “thats” without an apostrophe?
People often skip apostrophes while typing quickly on phones, social media, or messaging apps. However, formal writing still requires the correct form: that’s.
Is “that’s” used in both British and American English?
Yes, both British English and American English use that’s in the same way.
How can I remember the difference between thats or that’s?
Use this simple trick:
If you can replace the word with “that is” or “that has,” use that’s.
Is “that’s” formal or informal?
That’s works in both formal and informal English. However, some very formal academic writing may prefer the full form “that is.”
Can I use “that’s” in essays?
Yes, many essays allow contractions like that’s, especially in modern writing styles. Still, some academic institutions may prefer full forms such as “that is.”
What is the biggest mistake people make with that’s?
The most common mistake is forgetting the apostrophe and writing thats instead of that’s.
