One tiny apostrophe can change a sentence from correct to incorrect. That’s exactly what happens when you confuse “thats” with “that’s.” The difference looks small, but it matters in clear English writing. So, which form should you use? The answer is easier than it first appears.
“That’s” is the correct contraction. It can mean “that is” or “that has,” depending on the sentence. You’ll find it everywhere, from quick text messages to emails, blog posts, and everyday conversations. The good news? You don’t need to memorize complicated grammar rules. A simple test can help you choose the right form every time. Let’s break down the difference with clear examples and easy tips.
The Short Answer: “Thats” vs “That’s”
If you’re wondering whether “thats” or “that’s” is correct, the answer is simple: “that’s” is the correct form in standard English writing. The word “thats” without an apostrophe is a common grammar mistake.
“That’s” is a contraction. It combines two words into one and uses an apostrophe, a punctuation mark that shows missing letters.
- That’s = that is
- That’s = that has
- Thats = incorrect when you mean either phrase
- That’s cool = That is cool.
- That’s mine = That is mine.
- That’s been done = That has been done.
Quick conversation:
Alex: Thats your phone, right?
Mia: Almost. The correct spelling is “That’s your phone.”
So, whenever you mean “that is” or “that has,” use “that’s.”
What Does “That’s” Mean?
“That’s” has two meanings in everyday English. Depending on the sentence, it can mean “that is” or “that has.”
This small contraction appears everywhere, from casual writing to emails and conversations. The surrounding words usually make its meaning obvious.
For example:
- That’s my car. → That is my car.
- That’s exactly what I needed. → That is exactly what I needed.
- That’s been sitting there. → That has been sitting there.
- That’s already been discussed. → That has already been discussed.
- That’s happened before. → That has happened before.
Think of “that’s” like a shortcut. It saves space without changing the basic meaning.
Conversation example:
Sam: That’s your new laptop?
Ryan: Yes. That’s exactly what I needed.
The apostrophe tells you that two words have joined together.
“That’s” as “That Is”
The most common use of “that’s” replaces “that is.” You’ll often see it when someone identifies something, describes a situation, or gives an opinion.
For example, these sentences all use “that’s” as a contraction of “that is.”
- That’s my car.
- That’s cool.
- That’s mine.
- That’s exactly what I needed.
- That’s why I called you.
- That’s a great idea.
You can use the expansion test to check your sentence. Simply replace “that’s” with “that is.” If the sentence still makes sense, you’ve found the correct usage.
Conversation example:
Lena: Is that your jacket?
Mark: Yes, that’s mine.
Here, “that’s mine” means “that is mine.”
In everyday conversational writing, this contraction sounds natural and friendly.
“That’s” as “That Has”
Less often, “that’s” means “that has.” This use usually appears with a past participle and connects to the present perfect tense.
Consider these examples:
- That’s been sitting there. → That has been sitting there.
- That’s already been discussed. → That has already been discussed.
- That’s happened before. → That has happened before.
- That’s changed a lot. → That has changed a lot.
- That’s become a problem. → That has become a problem.
The words that follow “that’s” often reveal which full form you need.
Conversation example:
Nora: Why is the door still open?
Eli: That’s been bothering me all morning.
Here, “that’s” means “that has.”
Try the expansion test. Replace “that’s” with “that has.” If the sentence sounds correct, you’ve found the intended meaning.
This distinction helps you avoid confusion when writing longer sentences.
How to Remember the Difference Between “Thats” and “That’s”
The easiest way to remember the difference is to watch for the apostrophe. When “that’s” means “that is” or “that has,” it needs the apostrophe.
Use this simple three-step check:
- Write “that’s.”
- Expand it to “that is” or “that has.”
- Check whether the sentence still makes sense.
For example:
That’s why I left.
→ That is why I left. ✓
That’s happened before.
→ That has happened before. ✓
But “thats” without the apostrophe doesn’t work as the standard contraction.
Conversation example:
Tom: Can I write “thats great”?
Sara: Use “that’s great.” The apostrophe matters.
Think of the apostrophe as a tiny road sign. It tells you that letters have been removed from the full form.
Once you learn this trick, spotting the correct spelling becomes almost automatic.
When to Use “That’s” in Your Writing
You can use “that’s” freely in everyday casual writing and conversational writing. It works naturally in text messages, emails, blog posts, and social media.
It also works well in many types of business communication and modern professional writing. However, some situations may favor the full form, especially when a formal style guide requires it.
Consider the context:
- Text messages: “That’s awesome!”
- Social media: “That’s exactly what I mean.”
- Blog posts: “That’s why this tip works.”
- Emails: “That’s a helpful suggestion.”
- Business communication: “That’s a reasonable solution.”
In academic writing, research papers, dissertations, and some formal writing, writers may prefer “that is.” The same applies to certain legal documents and official reports.
Conversation example:
Writer: Should I use “that’s” in my blog post?
Editor: Yes. It sounds natural and reader-friendly.
The key is simple: match your wording to your audience and the level of formality.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to thats vs. that’s, the rule is simple. Thats without an apostrophe is not the standard form when you mean “that is” or “that has.” The correct form is “that’s.” The apostrophe acts as a punctuation mark in this contraction. It shows that letters have been left out. So, don’t write thats cool when you mean “that is cool.” Write “that’s cool.” This small change makes your English clearer and correct.
Remember the easy expansion test whenever you feel unsure. Replace that’s with “that is” or “that has.” If the sentence still makes sense, that’s is the right choice. Avoid thats in standard English writing. Whether you’re writing emails, blog posts, social media captions, or text messages, that’s keeps your sentence polished. Once you learn this simple rule, thats becomes easy to spot and avoid.
FAQs
Is thats ever correct?
In standard English, thats is incorrect when you mean that is or that has. Always use that’s with an apostrophe for the correct contraction in English writing.
Can I use that’s in formal writing?
Yes, you can use that’s in many professional settings, but formal writing may prefer the full form that is.Always follow your style guide and the expectations of your audience.
What’s the difference between that’s and that is?
That’s is the contraction of that is or that has, while that is uses the full form. Both can express the same meaning when that’s means that is.
How do you use that’s in a sentence?
Use that’s when you can replace it with that is or that has without changing the meaning. For example, that’s my car means that is my car.
Is it that’s why or thats why?
The correct phrase is that’s why because that’s means that is in this expression. Writing thats why without the apostrophe creates a grammar mistake in standard English.
Harry Collins is a passionate content writer at OkyTechy who specializes in explaining word meanings, internet slang, abbreviations, and digital terminology. He focuses on creating clear, informative, and reader friendly articles that help audiences better understand modern language and online communication.