If you’ve ever paused mid-sentence wondering “that’s or thats?”, you’re definitely not alone. This tiny apostrophe causes big confusion. One version is correct in standard English. The other is a common mistake that slips into emails, chats, and even work reports.
Here’s the truth: this guide clears up the confusion once and for all in a simple, practical way you can actually use.
What Does “That’s” Mean in English?
Let’s start with the correct form: that’s.
That’s is a contraction in English. It combines two words:
- that is
- that has
So when you write “that’s”, you are shortening a longer phrase for smoother, more natural speech.
Examples in real life:
- That’s amazing news!
- That’s been completed already.
You’ll hear it constantly in conversation. However, in writing, especially professional writing, you still need to use it correctly.
A key grammar concept here is apostrophe in contractions. The apostrophe shows missing letters. Without it, meaning and correctness break down.
Is “Thats” a Word?
Short answer: no.
The form thats is considered a common spelling mistake in standard English. It appears often because of fast typing, autocorrect errors, or misunderstanding grammar rules.
This is where confusion starts:
- thats vs that’s
- that’s vs thats
- that’s or thats
Only one version is grammatically accepted in formal English: that’s.
The missing apostrophe changes everything. It is not decoration. It is required grammar.
Difference Between “Thats” and “That’s”
Let’s break it down clearly so you never mix them again.
| Form | Correct? | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| that’s | Yes | that is / that has | Correct English contraction |
| thats | No | No meaning in standard English | Typing or grammar error |
The difference between thats and that’s is not just punctuation. It is grammatical correctness.
When writing professionally, always check for this mistake. It often appears unnoticed in quick typing situations.
Apostrophe in Contractions: The Simple Rule
Understanding the apostrophe in contractions makes everything easier.
An apostrophe replaces missing letters.
Example:
- that is → that’s
- do not → don’t
- is not → isn’t
So the rule is simple:
If letters disappear, the apostrophe shows where they went.
Without it, words look broken or incorrect. That’s exactly what happens with thats.
English Contractions Made Simple
English contractions are shortened forms of words used to make speech and writing smoother.
They are very common in everyday communication:
- I’m (I am)
- you’re (you are)
- it’s (it is)
- that’s (that is)
Contractions are everywhere in modern English. However, they still follow strict punctuation rules.
Think of them like shortcuts on a map. They save time but only work if you follow the correct route.
Correct Spelling of “That’s”
The correct spelling of that’s always includes the apostrophe.
Here’s a quick memory trick:
If you can expand it to “that is” or “that has,” then you must use that’s.
Example test:
- That’s fine → That is fine ✔
- Thats fine → That is fine ✖ (does not work as written)
This is a simple replacement test method that helps you avoid mistakes instantly.
Grammar Confusion: Why “That’s vs Thats” Happens
The grammar confusion that’s vs thats comes from fast typing habits.
People often:
- Skip punctuation on mobile devices
- Rely on autocorrect
- Learn spoken English before written rules
In speech, you don’t hear the apostrophe. So your brain skips it.
However, written English is stricter. That small mark carries meaning and correctness.
Real-World Usage in Emails
Let’s look at business email writing examples where this mistake often appears.
❌ Incorrect Email:
Subject: Project Update
Hi Mark,
Thats great news about the deadline extension. I will adjust my schedule.
Thanks
John
✔ Correct Email:
Subject: Project Update
Hi Mark,
That’s great news about the deadline extension. I will adjust my schedule.
Thanks
John
This small correction instantly improves professional communication and credibility.
Academic Writing Example
In academic writing style, precision matters even more.
Incorrect:
Thats why the results changed significantly.
Correct:
That’s why the results changed significantly.
In essays or reports, small grammar errors can reduce clarity and marks. Clean writing builds trust in your argument.
Customer Support Example
In customer support language, tone matters a lot.
Example:
Hi Sarah,
That’s completely understandable. We will resolve this issue for you today.
Best regards
Support Team
Now imagine writing it as “Thats completely understandable.” It looks careless and unprofessional.
Common Grammar Mistakes with “That’s”
Here are frequent errors:
- Writing thats instead of that’s
- Confusing contraction rules
- Missing apostrophe due to typing speed
- Overlooking punctuation in emails
- Treating it like informal slang
These fall under grammar mistakes in English and often appear in everyday communication.
Informal vs Formal Writing Use
In informal vs formal English usage, contractions behave differently.
- Informal: That’s fine with me 👍
- Formal: That is acceptable in this context.
However, even in formal writing, that’s is still acceptable when tone allows it.
It depends on clarity and audience.
Mistake Patterns and Typing Errors
Many people make typing errors in English like:
- thats instead of that’s
- dont instead of don’t
- its instead of it’s
These are usually autocorrect mistakes or fast keyboard slips.
They also fall under common spelling mistakes in contractions.
Memory Tricks to Remember “That’s”
Here are simple ways to lock it in:
1. The Expansion Trick
If you can say “that is,” use that’s.
2. The Missing Letter Rule
The apostrophe shows missing letters.
3. The Sound Check
Say it out loud. You naturally say “that’s,” not “thats.”
This is part of a helpful grammar cheat sheet approach.
Quick Grammar Reference Table
| Concept | Simple Rule |
|---|---|
| contraction | short form of two words |
| apostrophe usage | replaces missing letters |
| that’s meaning | that is / that has |
| thats usage | incorrect spelling |
| informal writing | contractions allowed |
| formal writing | use carefully based on tone |
Special Case: “Honda That’s”
There is one exception you might see: Honda That’s.
This is a branding without apostrophe case. Some product names intentionally break grammar rules for branding style.
However, this does NOT apply to standard English writing.
So:
- In grammar: that’s = correct
- In branding: exceptions may exist like Honda That’s
Final Thoughts: Why This Small Word Matters
At first glance, that’s or thats looks like a tiny issue. However, it affects clarity, professionalism, and trust in writing.
When you use correct spelling of that’s, your writing feels polished and confident. When you write thats, it signals carelessness even if your message is strong.
Think of it like this:
One tiny apostrophe is the difference between polished English and a rough draft.
So next time you type it, pause for half a second. That small habit makes your English instantly stronger.
