When writing emails, social posts, or academic papers, understanding That’s or Thats is essential for writers, students, and professionals to avoid confusion and grammar mistakes. Even native speakers sometimes pause or get wrong due to typed hurry or auto correct errors, but knowing the difference between that’s and thats makes clarity, correct usage, and effective communication possible.
In practical use, that’s contracts that are or that have, while thats shows ownership, like in “Thats my book.” Small trips, tiny details, and proper punctuation matter, as do contractions and apostrophe placement. People often forget the rules when typing fast, which is why checking context, sentence, and meaning is key. Using tools, keeping notes, and reviewing examples helps reduce mistakes and builds confidence.
To master these forms, follow a few simple tricks. Don’t hesitate to explore, read, or check texts, emails, and online captions. Pay attention to ownership, contractions, possessive forms, and grammar. Over time, writers, students, and professionals can improve skills, avoid confusion, and ensure they never get wrong again while learning, remembering, and using the rules consistently.
Why One Tiny Apostrophe Causes Big Confusion
We live in a fast-paced, text-heavy world. Messaging apps, social media posts, and emails push us to type quickly. That’s where apostrophes often get skipped. People write sentences like:
That’s amazing!
Thats amazing!
Even though the second sentence is understandable, it looks careless. Apostrophes aren’t just grammar decorations. They signal meaning. The mix-up between “that’s” and “thats” is one of the most common grammar errors online. Even experienced writers make this mistake because you can’t hear the apostrophe in spoken English. You have to know the rule.
Understanding the Apostrophe: The Root of the Mix-Up
The apostrophe has two main jobs in English. First, it shows possession, like in Sarah’s book. Second, it forms contractions, like don’t, it’s, and that’s.
In the case of “that’s,” the apostrophe signals a contraction. Think of it as a shortcut in writing.
| Form | Meaning | Example |
| that’s | that is | That’s incredible! |
| that’s | that has | That’s been a long day. |
| thats | none | Incorrect in standard English |
Without the apostrophe, “thats” doesn’t exist in standard English. It only appears in rare proper nouns or brand names.
What “That’s” Actually Means
That’s = That Is
This is the most common usage. Use “that’s” when combining “that” + “is.” Examples:
- That’s amazing.
- That’s the reason I came early.
Without the apostrophe, the sentence reads awkwardly:
- Thats amazing ❌
That’s = That Has
Less common but important. Use “that’s” when “that” + “has” makes sense. Examples:
- That’s been bothering me all week.
- That’s got nothing to do with us.
This form often appears in writing rather than casual speech.
Why “Thats” Without an Apostrophe Almost Always Fails
Typing “thats” may save time, but it almost always fails in standard writing.
- It breaks grammar rules. Contractions need apostrophes.
- It confuses readers. People pause and reread.
- It looks careless online, in emails, essays, or articles.
The rare exceptions are brand names or proper nouns, like Honda Thats. These are exceptions, not rules.
Shortcut Rules to Get It Right Every Time
Contractions Are Your Clue
Ask yourself: can you expand it to that is or that has? If yes, add an apostrophe. If no, don’t use “that’s.”
Quick Grammar Hack
Use this one-second check before sending or posting:
- Read the sentence silently.
- Expand “that’s” into “that is” or “that has.”
- If it works, keep the apostrophe.
- If it doesn’t, remove the word and rephrase.
Everyday Examples to Lock the Rule In
Seeing “that’s” and “thats” in real sentences helps you remember the rule. Compare:
| Sentence | Correct? | Explanation |
| That’s amazing! | ✅ | Contraction for “that is.” |
| Thats amazing! | ❌ | Missing apostrophe. |
| That’s been a long day. | ✅ | Contraction for “that has.” |
| Thats been a long day. | ❌ | Missing apostrophe. |
| I saw that’s car outside. | ❌ | Misused; should be “that is” not possessive. |
Practice rewriting sentences with and without apostrophes to lock in the rule.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced writers slip up. Watch for these pitfalls:
- Confusing “that’s” with “its” or “it’s”
- That’s the dog’s toy ✅
- Its the dog’s toy ❌
- Skipping apostrophes in informal writing
- Texting shortcuts like “thats” may seem okay, but they create bad habits.
- Overcorrecting
- Adding apostrophes where they don’t belong, like apple’s are red ❌
Tip: When in doubt, pause and ask: can this expand to that is or that has?
Why It Still Matters
You might think apostrophes don’t matter online. Wrong.
- Professionalism: Emails and posts with correct grammar build credibility.
- Clarity: A missing apostrophe can confuse readers.
- Content writing: Clear, correct text improves readability and engagement.
Even a simple mistake like “thats” instead of “that’s” can lower trust in your writing.
The Rare Exceptions
Some exceptions exist where “Thats” is acceptable:
- Brand names: Honda Thats or Thats Entertainment
- Proper nouns: Titles of books, songs, or products
Always check the source. In standard English, “thats” is almost never correct.
Visual Comparison: “That’s” vs. “Thats”
| Feature | That’s | Thats |
| Meaning | Contraction: that is / that has | None (nonstandard) |
| Correct Usage | ✅ | ❌ (except rare brand names) |
| Example | That’s my favorite book | I bought a Honda Thats |
| Common Mistakes | Using in place of “that is” | Thinking it’s standard English |
This table gives a quick reference before writing.
Keep It Simple: The One-Second Rule
Here’s a mental trick that works every time:
Before you type or send anything, ask: Can I replace “that’s” with “that is” or “that has”?
- Yes → Use “that’s.”
- No → Don’t use “thats.”
Mini Quiz
Pick the correct form:
- ______ been a long day.
- I think ______ incredible!
- I saw ______ dog outside.
Answers:
- That’s
- That’s
- That’s
Practicing like this strengthens memory and prevents habitual errors.
Bonus: Cheatsheet
| Rule | Correct | Incorrect |
| Contraction for that is | That’s | Thats |
| Contraction for that has | That’s | Thats |
| Proper noun / brand | Depends on brand | ❌ Standard English |
| Quick mental check | Expand to “that is” / “that has” | Skip the apostrophe |
Stick it near your desk or phone for instant reference.
Conclusion
Mastering That’s or Thats is essential for clear and professional writing. Understanding the difference, proper usage, and correct punctuation helps writers, students, and professionals avoid confusion and grammar mistakes. By checking the context, paying attention to ownership, and using simple tricks, you can ensure your writing is precise, confident, and easy to understand. Regular practice with examples, emails, and social media posts builds strong skills and prevents repeated errors.
FAQs
Q1. What is the main difference between That’s and Thats?
That’s is a contraction for that is or that has, while thats shows ownership or possessive form.
Q2. Can native speakers make mistakes with That’s or Thats?
Yes, even native speakers sometimes get wrong due to fast typing, auto correct, or ignoring punctuation rules.
Q3. How can I remember the correct usage?
Use simple tricks like checking context, thinking if it’s a contraction or ownership, and reviewing examples.
Q4. Does That’s always need an apostrophe?
Yes, that’s always uses an apostrophe to indicate a contraction, unlike thats, which does not.
Q5. Are there tools to avoid mistakes with That’s or Thats?
Yes, writing tools, grammar checkers, and reviewing texts, emails, and online captions can help prevent confusion and improve skills.
