Writing in English can be tricky, even for native speakers. Small details, like the difference between that’s and thats, often confuse people. You might see “thats” in social media posts, casual texts, or even blogs and wonder if it’s acceptable. The truth is, one is correct, and the other is not. This guide will help you master the difference once and for all.
Language rules can feel overwhelming, but understanding that’s vs thats is simpler than it seems. Whether you’re writing emails, school essays, or social media captions, using the correct form improves clarity and credibility. Incorrect usage can make your writing look careless, even if the meaning is obvious.
We’ll break down what “that’s” means, why “thats” is wrong, and give you practical examples you can apply immediately. You’ll also learn quick tips to avoid this mistake in everyday writing. By the end, you’ll be confident knowing exactly when to use each form.
This guide also touches on related errors like its vs it’s, shows real-world examples, and explains apostrophe rules in a straightforward way. With tables, bullet points, and easy-to-follow tips, you’ll understand English grammar more clearly.
Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual writer, this guide is designed for you. Forget the guesswork—by reading this, you’ll never mix up that’s and thats again.
Now, let’s dive in.
Quick Answer for Busy Readers
If you’re short on time, here’s the simple rule:
- ✅ That’s – correct
- ❌ Thats – incorrect
That’s is a contraction of “that is” or “that has”. It always needs an apostrophe.
Example:
- Correct: “That’s amazing news!” (That is amazing news)
- Incorrect: “Thats amazing news!”
If you just remember this, you’re already ahead of most writers who make this common error.
Why This Confusion Happens So Often
People make this mistake more than you think. Here’s why:
- Apostrophes are tricky – Many writers skip them because they feel unnecessary in casual writing.
- Spoken English hides the difference – “That’s” sounds identical to “thats” when spoken.
- Keyboard shortcuts and autocorrect errors – Phones often remove apostrophes automatically.
- Similar mistakes exist – Words like its vs it’s or your vs you’re create additional confusion.
Even professional writers sometimes trip up. But knowing the rules ensures your writing stays polished.
What Does “That’s” Mean?
Breakdown of the Word
That’s is a contraction, a shorter way to write two words:
- That is – used for present tense statements or descriptions
- That has – used for perfect tense in some sentences
The apostrophe shows missing letters:
- “That’s” = That is or That has
Examples in Real Sentences
That is:
- “That’s a beautiful painting.” → That is a beautiful painting
- “That’s my favorite song.” → That is my favorite song
That has:
- “That’s been happening for weeks.” → That has been happening for weeks
- “That’s gone missing again.” → That has gone missing again
Notice how the apostrophe replaces the missing letters? That’s the key to correct usage.
Why “Thats” Is Always Wrong
You might see thats online or in casual writing. Here’s why it’s wrong:
- No grammatical function – It doesn’t represent a word in English.
- Not a possessive – Unlike its, it can’t show ownership.
- Not a recognized variant – Style guides like AP, Chicago, and MLA reject it.
Even if autocorrect doesn’t flag it, using “thats” makes your writing look unprofessional.
That’s vs Thats: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Form | Correct? | Meaning | Example |
| That’s | ✅ Yes | That is / That has | “That’s amazing news!” |
| Thats | ❌ No | None | ❌ “Thats amazing news!” |
This table is a quick reference you can keep in mind while writing emails, posts, or essays.
Common Sentences Where People Make the Mistake
Many writers misuse “thats” in everyday contexts:
- Social media captions – e.g., “Thats lit!” instead of “That’s lit!”
- Text messages – informal shortcuts often skip apostrophes
- Blog headlines – can hurt credibility if used in published posts
- Emails – looks careless in professional communication
Even though readers might understand the meaning, correct punctuation shows authority and attention to detail.
How to Know Instantly Which One to Use (Simple Test)
Use this quick mental check every time:
- Replace it with “that is” – if it works, use that’s
- Replace it with “that has” – if it works, use that’s
- If neither works, rewrite your sentence
Example:
- Sentence: “Thats been confusing me lately.”
- Test: “That has been confusing me lately.” ✅ Correct → Use that’s
This trick works every time and prevents errors in writing.
Is There Ever a Case for “Thats”?
Historically, “thats” appeared in old or informal texts, but in modern English it’s never correct.
- Non-standard usage exists online, often as a shortcut.
- Most style guides explicitly reject it.
- Recommendation: Always use that’s instead of “thats.”
Avoid shortcuts—clarity matters more than speed.
That’s vs Its vs It’s (Quick Comparison)
These apostrophe mistakes often occur together. Here’s a mini-guide:
| Word | Correct? | Meaning | Example |
| That’s | ✅ Yes | That is / That has | “That’s my car.” |
| Its | ✅ Yes | Possessive | “The cat licked its paw.” |
| It’s | ✅ Yes | It is / It has | “It’s raining outside.” |
Remember: Apostrophes in contractions show missing letters, not possession.
Read More” “In the Street” or “On the Street”: Understanding the Difference Clearly and Confidently
Examples in Context (Natural, Everyday Use)
Casual Conversation:
- “That’s hilarious!” – spoken tone, friendly
- “That’s crazy, right?” – natural phrasing
Professional Writing:
- “That’s an important insight for the report.” – clear, concise
- “That’s been reviewed by the team.” – proper business English
Academic Tone:
- “That’s a significant finding in the study.” – maintains authority
Notice how that’s fits all registers, but “thats” would look sloppy everywhere.
Grammar Rules Behind Apostrophe Only What You Need)
Apostrophes serve two main purposes:
- Contractions – Replace missing letters (e.g., that’s, don’t, it’s)
- Possession – Show ownership (e.g., the dog’s collar, the students’ grades)
Important: That’s is never possessive. Confusing “that’s” with possession is a common rookie mistake.
Final Takeaway
- Always use “that’s” for contractions of that is or that has
- Never use “thats” in standard English
- Check quickly by replacing it with “that is” or “that has”
- Using the correct form boosts credibility, readability, and professionalism
A small apostrophe makes a big difference.
FAQs
Is “thats” ever correct without an apostrophe?
No, modern English doesn’t recognize “thats.” Always use that’s.
Can “that’s” mean “that was”?
No, “that’s” specifically means that is or that has. Use “that was” if referring to the past.
Is “that’s” informal?
Not at all. It works in formal and informal writing, as long as it replaces “that is” or “that has.”
Why do people keep writing “thats”?
Mostly due to texting shortcuts, social media trends, and confusion with contractions.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between that’s and thats is simpler than it seems, but it makes a huge difference in your writing. That’s is always correct when you mean “that is” or “that has”, while thats is never acceptable in standard English.
Using the correct form enhances clarity, professionalism, and credibility. Even casual texts or social media posts benefit from proper punctuation—it shows that you care about clear communication. A small apostrophe can change the perception of your writing, making it look polished rather than careless.
By remembering the simple test—replace with “that is” or “that has”—you’ll instantly know which form to use. Pair that with awareness of common mistakes like its vs it’s, and you’ll avoid one of the most frequent writing errors in English.
