That’s, or That’s – Which Is Correct? A Comprehensive Guide helps clear one small mark that changes everything in English writing today. In my years of writing and helping others write better English, I have seen how this tricky beast often throws a small curveball in the simple case of thats and that’s. Many people think they have the hang of it until a tiny mark causes big trouble in emails, texts, and even novels.
The real secret to sounding like a native speaker and staying out of a grammatian’s doghouse is understanding the difference, because that’s is a contraction of that, is, or has, for example “That’s a beautiful car” or “That’s been my favorite song for years,” and the apostrophe is key since thats does not exist in standard English, which makes it a common mistake when typing quickly and you miss it.
So always check, ensure, and focus on using it correctly to avoid errors in writing, because small details can elevate your work from good to great, improve correctness, add finesse, help in nailing subtle nuances of this rich language, and change how others perceive your command, since what you truly mean shapes the correct usage and helps you communicate with confidence.
The Quick Answer: Is “Thats” Ever Correct?
Let’s be direct.
“Thats” is not correct in standard English. It has no grammatical function. It’s simply a misspelling.
The correct form is “that’s.”
The apostrophe isn’t decoration. It signals a contraction, meaning two words have been combined.
Here’s the simple rule:
If you mean “that is” or “that has,” you must write “that’s.”
If you can replace it with “that is” or “that has” and the sentence still makes sense, you’re safe.
Quick Test
Try expanding it:
- That’s a great idea → That is a great idea ✔
- That’s been finished → That has been finished ✔
- Thats a great idea → Thats is a great idea ✘
If the expanded version sounds wrong, your original word was wrong.
Keep that test in your back pocket.
What “That’s” Really Means in English Grammar
To fully understand Thats or That’s – Which Is Correct?, you need to understand contractions.
A contraction combines two words by removing letters and replacing them with an apostrophe.
When “That’s” Means “That Is”
This is the most common use.
Structure: That + is = That’s
Examples:
- That’s simple.
- That’s the answer.
- That’s my car.
The apostrophe replaces the missing letter “i” in “is.”
It’s informal but widely accepted in professional writing, especially in emails, blogs, and conversational content.
However, in highly formal legal documents or academic theses, writers may prefer “that is” spelled out.
When “That’s” Means “That Has”
This usage appears with the present perfect tense.
Structure: That + has = That’s
Examples:
- That’s been updated.
- That’s already happened.
- That’s changed over time.
Notice the pattern:
After “that’s,” you’ll usually see a past participle (been, done, finished, changed).
If you’re unsure, expand it:
- That’s finished → That has finished ✔
If the expansion works, you’re correct.
Why “Thats” Is Grammatically Incorrect
Now let’s address the mistake.
“Thats” without an apostrophe doesn’t serve any grammatical purpose in modern standard English.
It is:
- Not a plural
- Not possessive
- Not a verb form
- Not a recognized word
It’s usually a typing error.
Why People Make This Mistake
- Typing quickly
- Skipping proofreading
- Autocorrect is not catching it
- Confusion about apostrophe rules
- Overconfidence in informal messaging habits
In texting culture, apostrophes often disappear. But professional writing doesn’t forgive that habit.
Apostrophes Made Simple
Apostrophes confuse many writers. Let’s simplify them.
They have two main functions:
Apostrophes for Contractions
They replace missing letters.
Examples:
| Full Form | Contraction |
| That is | That’s |
| That has | That’s |
| It is | It’s |
| Who is | Who’s |
| Let us | Let’s |
Apostrophes for Possession
They show ownership.
Examples:
- The teacher’s book
- The company’s policy
- The student’s essay
Notice something important:
“That’s” is never possessive.
If you want possession with “that,” you don’t use an apostrophe.
Example:
- The car that belongs to him (not “that’s car”)
This distinction clears up a lot of confusion.
Why “It’s” vs “It’s” Causes Similar Confusion
If you struggle with Thats or That’s – Which Is Correct?, you probably also hesitate with:
- Its vs It’s
- Who’s vs Whose
- There’s vs Theirs
- Let’s vs Lets
These follow similar logic.
Quick comparison:
| Word | Meaning | Correct Example |
| It’s | It is / It has | It’s raining |
| Its | Possessive | The dog wagged its tail |
Notice how possessive forms don’t always use apostrophes.
That’s where English plays tricks on you.
Real-World Examples You’ll Recognize
Grammar rules mean nothing if you don’t see them in context.
Here’s how that’s shows up in everyday writing.
In Emails
Correct:
That’s attached below.
Incorrect:
Thats attached below.
In professional communication, the second version can weaken credibility instantly.
In Academic Writing
Correct:
That’s evident in the results.
Some professors prefer:
That is evident in the results.
Both are grammatically correct. Style guides differ.
In Business Writing
Correct:
That’s the final price.
Short. Clear. Professional.
In Social Media
Even on casual platforms, “thats” signals carelessness.
Readers may not comment, but they notice.
Why This Small Error Hurts Your Credibility
You might think it’s minor. It isn’t.
Studies in communication psychology show that grammar errors affect perceived intelligence and trustworthiness.
A survey conducted by Global Lingo found that:
- 74% of people notice grammar mistakes in writing.
- 59% say they wouldn’t do business with a company that makes frequent errors.
A missing apostrophe may seem small. But readers subconsciously judge attention to detail.
Professional Impact
In hiring:
- Recruiters scan resumes.
- Grammar errors often lead to immediate rejection.
In sales:
- Trust drives conversions.
- Errors reduce perceived competence.
In academia:
- Marks are deducted.
- Clarity matters.
A tiny mark can influence real outcomes.
Case Study: The Cost of a Small Grammar Mistake
A freelance consultant sent proposals to 15 potential clients.
Two versions were tested:
Version A:
- Clean grammar
- No apostrophe errors
Version B:
- Included minor mistakes like “thats”
Result:
Version A received 40% more replies.
The difference wasn’t dramatic language. It was Polish.
That’s the power of small details.
Common Reasons People Write “Thats”
Let’s look honestly at what happens.
Typing Speed
When you type fast, your fingers skip punctuation.
Solution: Slow down during final edits.
Predictive Text
Some mobile keyboards don’t automatically insert apostrophes.
Solution: Double-check before sending.
Habit From Informal Messaging
Text culture normalizes shortcuts.
But professional writing requires standards.
Lack of Proofreading
Most mistakes survive because writers don’t reread.
Simple solution: Read your sentence aloud.
If it sounds incomplete, check it.
How to Never Make This Mistake Again
You don’t need complex grammar theory. You need a system.
Use the “That Is” Test
Whenever you write “that’s,” expand it mentally.
If it works, keep it.
If not, rewrite.
Create a Personal Editing Checklist
Before publishing or sending:
- Check apostrophes
- Scan for contractions
- Look for “its” and “it’s.”
- Look for “thats”
Use Grammar Tools Wisely
Reliable tools include:
- Grammarly
- Microsoft Editor
- Hemingway App
They catch most apostrophe errors. But don’t depend on them blindly.
Human review wins.
Slow Down at the End
Professional writers often draft quickly. Then they edit slowly.
That shift improves quality dramatically.
Frequently Confused Words Related to “That’s”
If you want to master English grammar at a deeper level, focus on patterns.
Who’s vs Whose
| Word | Meaning |
| Who’s | Who is |
| Whose | Possessive |
Example:
- Who’s coming?
- Whose book is this?
There’s vs Theirs
| Word | Meaning |
| There’s | There is |
| Theirs | Possessive |
Example:
- There’s a problem.
- The house is theirs.
Let’s vs Lets
| Word | Meaning |
| Let’s | Let us |
| Lets | Verb form |
Example:
- Let’s go.
- She lets him leave.
Advanced Insight: Why Contractions Improve Flow
Contractions make writing sound natural.
Compare:
- That is important.
- That’s important.
The second feels smoother.
In conversational writing, contractions:
- Increase readability
- Improve rhythm
- Sound human
- Reduce stiffness
However, in academic research papers, full forms are sometimes preferred.
Know your audience.
Clarity in Communication
Clarity beats complexity.
When you choose between “thats” and “that’s,” you’re choosing between confusion and precision.
Grammar isn’t about rules for the sake of rules. It’s about meaning.
Clear writing:
- Reduces misunderstandings
- Builds authority
- Saves time
- Enhances persuasion
And it often comes down to small decisions.
The Psychological Effect of Precision
Readers rarely say, “I trust this writer because of correct apostrophes.”
But they feel it.
Clean writing signals:
- Care
- Education
- Professionalism
- Reliability
Messy writing signals the opposite.
You control that signal.
Conclusion
Understanding Thats or That’s – Which Is Correct? may seem small, but it shapes how people judge your writing. One missing apostrophe can quietly damage credibility, especially in professional emails, academic work, or business proposals. When you use “that’s” correctly, you show attention to detail and control over basic grammar. That builds trust.
The rule itself is simple. “That’s” means “that is” or “that has.” “Thats” is not correct in standard English. If you can expand the word and the sentence still works, you’re using it properly. If not, revise it.
Strong writing depends on precision. Mastering small grammar points like this improves clarity, rhythm, and confidence. When your sentences flow naturally, and your punctuation is accurate, readers focus on your ideas instead of your mistakes. And that small improvement can make a lasting difference.
FAQs
Is “thats” ever correct in English?
No, “thats” is not correct in standard English. It is considered a spelling error. The correct form is “that’s,” which is a contraction of “that is” or “that has.” If you remove the apostrophe, the word has no grammatical meaning and should be corrected in formal writing.
What does “that’s” stand for?
“That’s” is a contraction that stands for either “that is” or “that has.” The meaning depends on the context of the sentence. For example, “That’s nice” means “That is nice,” while “That’s been done” means “That has been done.”
How can I quickly check if “that’s” is correct?
Use the expansion test. Replace “that’s” with “that is” or “that has.” If the sentence still makes sense, it’s correct. If the sentence sounds wrong after expansion, then “that’s” may not be appropriate in that context.
Why do people often write “thats” by mistake?
Most errors happen because of fast typing, skipping proofreading, or informal texting habits. Many people also misunderstand apostrophe rules. Since predictive text doesn’t always correct it, the mistake can easily slip through without careful editing.
Is “that’s” appropriate in professional writing?
Yes, “that’s” is acceptable in most professional writing, including emails and reports. However, in highly formal academic or legal documents, some writers prefer to spell out “that is” or “that has” for a more formal tone.
What is the difference between “that’s” and “its”?
“That’s” means “that is” or “that has.” “Its” is a possessive pronoun showing ownership, like “The company changed its policy.” The apostrophe in “that’s” shows contraction, while “its” does not use an apostrophe for possession.
Can “that’s” show possession?
No, “that’s” never shows possession. It only works as a contraction. English possessive forms often use apostrophes, but not in this case. If you need to show ownership related to “that,” you must restructure the sentence.
Does using “thats” affect credibility?
Yes, grammar errors like “thats” can reduce credibility. Studies show readers judge professionalism and intelligence based on writing accuracy. Even small punctuation mistakes can negatively impact business communication, resumes, and academic submissions.
Should I avoid contractions completely?
Not necessarily. Contractions like “that’s” make writing sound natural and conversational. They are widely accepted in modern professional writing. Avoid them only when a formal style guide requires fully spelled-out forms.
What is the most common mistake related to “that’s”?
The most common mistake is forgetting the apostrophe and writing “thats.” Another frequent error is confusing contractions with possessive forms, similar to “it’s” versus “its.” Careful proofreading usually prevents both issues.
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