“Thats” or “That’s” – Which One Is Correct?

“Thats or That’s is a question even seasoned writers get wrong – one apostrophe can lead to major confusion. At first glance, they look similar, but knowing the correct form shapes your whole sentence. This tiny issue is among the most common grammar errors, especially in email, social media, or business writing. The difference? “That’s” is a contraction of “that is” or “that has,” while “thats” is typically an incorrect form – a mistake when punctuation is missed. Once I followed the rules of usage, I stopped doubting myself. Clarity in communication truly matters, especially with a diverse audience.

I always urge students to brush up on their understanding of grammar, particularly spelling, contraction, and expression. A comprehensive mindset will help you differentiate between correct and incorrect usage. To master this dilemma, know what’s right and why it works. Whether you’re crafting a blog post or editing content, the facts you learn will ensure you never confuse them again.

Why This Tiny Apostrophe Makes a Big Difference

At first, the difference between “that’s” and “thats” might seem trivial. But using one over the other can make or break how professional – or clear – your writing sounds.

“Grammar is the difference between knowing your stuff and knowing you’re stuff.”  –  Anonymous (and probably frustrated English teacher)

In writing, apostrophes act like tiny signals that reveal meaning, tone, and intent. One little mark – when placed wrong – can confuse your reader, damage your credibility, or just make you look careless.

So let’s settle the debate once and for all: which is correct – “that’s” or “thats”?

“That’s” vs “Thats”: The Core Difference

Let’s be clear from the start:

Form	Type	Meaning	Correct Usage?
That’s	Contraction	“That is” or “That has”	✅ Yes
Thats	(No apostrophe)	Not a word in standard grammar	❌ No

Why “That’s” Is Correct

“That’s” is a contraction, meaning it combines two words:

• “That is” → That’s
• “That has” → That’s

These are standard, grammatically correct uses in both spoken and written English.

Why “Thats” Is Incorrect

Without an apostrophe, “thats” doesn’t represent any valid contraction or possessive in modern English grammar. It’s a common typo or misunderstanding. Unless it’s part of a proper noun or title, like a product name (which we’ll discuss later), “thats” is simply incorrect.

How “That’s” Works as a Contraction

Let’s dive into the two meanings behind “that’s.”

“That’s” = “That Is”

This is the most common use of the contraction.

Examples:

• “That’s my favorite movie.” → That is my favorite movie.
• “That’s the reason I called.” → That is the reason I called.

This version of “that’s” is used to make statements, observations, or clarify something specific.

Common Contexts:

• Everyday conversation
• Emails
• Descriptive writing
• Instructions or feedback

Pro Tip: If you can replace “that’s” with “that is” and the sentence still makes sense, then this is the correct use.

“That’s” = “That Has”

Here, “that’s” is short for “that has,” but only when “has” is used as an auxiliary verb to form the present perfect tense.

Examples:

• “That’s been a great experience.” → That has been a great experience.
• “That’s happened before.” → That has happened before.

Note that when “has” means to possess, like “That has a red cover,” you should not use “that’s.”

Correct:

“That’s gone too far.” (That has gone too far.)

Incorrect:

“That’s a nice camera.” (That has a nice camera. → Wrong use)

Why “Thats” Is (Almost Always) Wrong

The error usually comes from forgetting the apostrophe or confusing possession with contraction. People may assume “thats” is the possessive form of “that,” like “John’s car” or “Sarah’s notebook.” But in English, “that” does not form a possessive with ‘s’.

There’s no such thing as “thats book” to mean “the book of that.” English just doesn’t work that way.

Incorrect Usage	Why It’s Wrong	Correct Version
Thats amazing.	No contraction	That’s amazing.
I like thats idea.	Misused possessive	I like that idea.

Real-World Examples Using “That’s”

Let’s look at how “that’s” appears in everyday writing and speech.

Text Message:

• “That’s hilarious 😂” → That is hilarious.

Email:

• “That’s all I need from you this week.” → That is all I need…

Social Media:

• “That’s how you win at life.” → That is how you win…

In Business Writing:

• “That’s been accounted for in the Q2 budget.” → That has been accounted for…

Academic Context:

• “That’s been a central theme in recent studies.” → That has been…

These aren’t just casual uses. “That’s” shows up in all levels of communication – from casual to formal – when used correctly.

Common Mistakes with “That’s” and Why They Happen

Even native speakers mix up “that’s” and “thats.” Here’s why:

1. Typing Speed

Autocorrect doesn’t always catch missed apostrophes, especially in fast-paced texting or writing.

2. Apostrophe Confusion

People confuse possessives and contractions. It’s the same issue that causes mistakes like:

• Its vs It’s
• Whose vs Who’s

3. Speech-to-Text Software

When using dictation tools, apostrophes don’t always get transcribed properly. “That’s” may be interpreted as “thats.”

4. ESL Struggles

English language learners often find apostrophe rules confusing or inconsistent.

Apostrophes in Grammar: How They Really Work

To clear the air, here’s a simple cheat sheet:

Word	Contraction For	Possessive?	Example
That’s	That is / That has	❌	“That’s okay.”
It’s	It is / It has	❌	“It’s raining.”
Its	–	✅	“Its color is blue.”
Who’s	Who is / Who has	❌	“Who’s ready?”
Whose	–	✅	“Whose phone is this?”

Rule of Thumb: If you’re replacing “is” or “has,” use a contraction with an apostrophe. If you’re showing ownership, use the possessive form.

Why Grammar Matters More Than Ever

In a fast-paced digital world, proper grammar isn’t just about looking smart – it’s about being clear, credible, and trusted.

Professional Impact

Grammar errors, especially something as small as a missing apostrophe, can:

• Undermine your authority
• Confuse your message
• Harm your brand’s professionalism

Imagine an ad saying: “Thats our best offer yet!”  –  You instantly question the quality of the business.

Academic Integrity

Incorrect grammar can:

• Lower your grades
• Weaken your argument
• Damage your academic reputation

Online Visibility (SEO)

Search engines like Google prefer well-written, grammatically correct content. That’s a ranking factor. Poor grammar may reduce dwell time, click-through rates, and trust.

Honda That’s – When “Thats” Is Actually Correct

Believe it or not, there is one situation where “Thats” without an apostrophe is correct – as a brand name.

Honda That’s

• A compact Japanese kei car produced by Honda.
• Released in 2002, discontinued in 2007.
• The name is stylized as “Honda That’s”, a unique branding choice.
• In this case, “Thats” is not meant to follow grammar rules. It’s a proper noun.

Other Exceptions (Brand or Titles):

• “Thats Not My Name” – Song by The Ting Tings
• “ThatsThem.com” – A people search site

These are intentional branding decisions. Outside of names, though, “thats” still isn’t valid grammar.

Quick Reference Table: “That’s” vs “Thats”

Usage Scenario	Correct Form	Why
“That is amazing.”	That’s	Contraction of “that is”
“That has already been done.”	That’s	Contraction of “that has”
“Thats a cool idea.”	❌	Missing apostrophe
“Honda Thats is a kei car.”	✅	Proper noun

Tips to Avoid the “Thats” Mistake

• ✅ Always reread your sentence: Can you replace “that’s” with “that is” or “that has”? If yes, it’s correct.
• ✅ Use spellcheck or Grammarly – These tools often flag “thats” as incorrect.
• ✅ Don’t rely on autocorrect – Manually check your apostrophes.
• ✅ Practice contractions in writing – Make them second nature.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to mastering English grammar, it’s often the smallest marks that carry the biggest weight – like the apostrophe in “that’s.” It might seem insignificant, but this tiny punctuation plays a crucial role in sentence clarity, tone, and professionalism. On the other hand, “thats” is simply a mistake – unless it’s part of a brand name like “Honda That’s.”

So, remember: if you’re ever in doubt, just say the sentence aloud. If “that is” or “that has” fits, you need the apostrophe. If not, leave it out – or rethink your sentence. It’s that simple. And yes… that’s the truth.

FAQs

What does “that’s” stand for?

“That’s” is a contraction that combines either “that is” or “that has.” It’s commonly used in both casual and formal writing to make sentences more conversational and concise. The apostrophe replaces the missing letters from the second word.

Is “thats” ever grammatically correct?

No, “thats” is not correct in standard English grammar. It’s often a spelling mistake or typo. The only time “Thats” is acceptable is when used in proper nouns or brand names like “Honda That’s,” where standard grammar rules do not apply.

How do I know when to use “that’s”?

Try replacing “that’s” with “that is” or “that has.” If your sentence still makes sense, then it’s the correct usage. For example, “That’s my pen” = “That is my pen.” If “that has” fits the sentence grammatically, it’s also acceptable.

Can “that’s” be used in formal writing?

Yes, “that’s” can be used in formal writing, depending on the tone and context. In academic or professional writing, it’s better to use full forms (“that is” or “that has”) unless you want a conversational tone. In blogs, speeches, or dialogue, “that’s” is perfectly appropriate.

What’s the best way to avoid this mistake?

The easiest method is to proofread your work and read sentences aloud. Ask yourself if “that is” or “that has” would fit. Using grammar tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Editor can also help flag these common apostrophe errors in real time.