Have you ever typed “thats” and wondered whether you needed an apostrophe? You are not alone. The confusion between thats or that’s is one of the most common punctuation mistakes in English. Students, bloggers, business professionals, and even native speakers often search for this question because the two forms look almost identical.
The issue is simple but important. Using the wrong version can make your writing appear careless, especially in emails, reports, job applications, and academic assignments. Many people forget the apostrophe when typing quickly on phones or computers. Others are unsure whether the apostrophe changes the meaning of the word.
The good news is that the rule is easy to learn. That’s is a contraction of “that is” or “that has.” The form thats without an apostrophe is generally considered incorrect in standard English.
This guide explains the difference between thats or that’s, where each form is used, common mistakes to avoid, real-life examples, usage trends, and professional writing advice. By the end, you will know exactly when to use that’s with confidence.
Thats or That’s – Quick Answer
Quick answer: That’s is the correct form in standard English. Thats without an apostrophe is usually incorrect.
Examples
- ✔️ That’s a beautiful sunset.
- ✔️ That’s been my experience.
- ✔️ That’s exactly what I meant.
- ❌ Thats a beautiful sunset.
- ❌ Thats my favorite book.
Remember this rule:
- That’s = That is
- That’s = That has
If you can replace the word with that is or that has, use that’s.
The Origin of Thats or That’s
The word that has been part of English for centuries. It comes from Old English and was used as a pronoun and determiner.
Later, English speakers began shortening common word combinations. These shortened forms became known as contractions.
The contraction that’s developed from:
- That is → That’s
- That has → That’s
Examples:
- That’s amazing. (That is amazing.)
- That’s been difficult. (That has been difficult.)
The form thats without an apostrophe did not become accepted in formal English. It often appears because of typing errors or informal online communication.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no difference between British and American English regarding this word.
Both varieties use that’s with an apostrophe.
Comparison Table
| Feature | British English | American English |
|---|---|---|
| Correct contraction | That’s | That’s |
| “Thats” accepted? | No | No |
| Formal writing | That’s | That’s |
| Academic writing | That’s (limited use) | That’s (limited use) |
| Casual communication | That’s | That’s |
Examples
British English
- That’s exactly what happened.
American English
- That’s the best solution.
The rule remains the same across English-speaking countries.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
The answer depends on standard grammar rules.
If You Write for a US Audience
Use that’s.
If You Write for a UK or Commonwealth Audience
Use that’s.
If You Write for a Global Audience
Use that’s.
Professional Advice
In formal documents, you may choose to avoid contractions entirely.
Examples:
- Formal: That is the final decision.
- Informal: That’s the final decision.
However, never use thats without an apostrophe in professional writing.
Common Mistakes with Thats or That’s
Many writers accidentally leave out the apostrophe.
| Incorrect Usage | Correct Usage |
|---|---|
| Thats my opinion. | That’s my opinion. |
| Thats been difficult. | That’s been difficult. |
| Thats a great idea. | That’s a great idea. |
| Thats what happened. | That’s what happened. |
| Thats all I know. | That’s all I know. |
Tips to Remember
- Apostrophes often signal contractions.
- Ask yourself: Can I replace it with that is or that has?
- If yes, use that’s.
- Proofread before sending important documents.
Thats or That’s in Everyday Examples
Emails
- That’s a good time for the meeting.
- That’s attached to this email.
News
- That’s the latest update from officials.
- That’s expected to change next week.
Social Media
- That’s hilarious!
- That’s exactly how I feel.
Formal Writing
- That is the recommended procedure.
- That’s sometimes acceptable in less formal reports.
Thats or That’s – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search trends show that thousands of people search this question each month.
Usage Trends
- That’s dominates books, newspapers, and websites.
- Searches for thats often come from grammar confusion.
- Mobile typing increases apostrophe errors.
- Educational websites frequently address this topic.
Popularity by Region
| Country/Region | Preferred Form |
|---|---|
| United States | That’s |
| United Kingdom | That’s |
| Canada | That’s |
| Australia | That’s |
| New Zealand | That’s |
| Global English Users | That’s |
The evidence clearly supports that’s as the correct standard form.
Comparison Table: Thats vs That’s
| Feature | Thats | That’s |
|---|---|---|
| Is it correct? | No | Yes |
| Dictionary acceptance | No | Yes |
| Formal writing | Incorrect | Acceptable |
| Casual writing | Avoid | Common |
| Academic writing | Incorrect | Limited use |
| Global recognition | Very low | Universal |
| Best choice | Never use | Use when appropriate |
FAQs
1. Is “thats” a real word?
No. Standard English does not recognize thats without an apostrophe.
2. Which is correct: thats or that’s?
That’s is the correct form.
3. What does that’s mean?
It is a contraction of that is or that has.
4. Can I use that’s in formal writing?
Yes, although some formal styles prefer the full forms that is or that has.
5. Why do people write thats?
Many people forget the apostrophe when typing quickly.
6. How can I remember the rule?
Replace the word with that is or that has. If it works, use that’s.
7. Is “thats” acceptable on social media?
It appears online, but it is still considered grammatically incorrect.
Conclusion
The difference between thats or that’s is simple once you understand the role of the apostrophe. That’s is the correct contraction of that is and that has, making it the standard choice in modern English. The form thats without an apostrophe is generally considered incorrect and should be avoided in both formal and informal writing.
Because apostrophes are easy to miss while typing, this mistake appears often in emails, social media posts, and text messages. However, taking a moment to proofread can improve the clarity and professionalism of your writing.
If you are writing a report, blog post, email, or assignment, remember this easy test: replace the word with that is or that has. If the sentence still makes sense, that’s is the right choice.
By following this simple rule, you can avoid a common grammar mistake and communicate with greater confidence. In almost every situation, that’s is the form you should use.
