English grammar can feel like a maze, especially when a tiny punctuation mark changes meaning.
One of the most common confusions is the difference between “That’s” and “Thats.” They look almost identical, but only one is correct in standard English — and the other appears mainly by mistake.
This guide breaks it down clearly, with real examples, case studies, memory tricks, and professional writing tips. The goal? Make sure you never hesitate again when choosing between Thats or That’s.
Quick Answer: “That’s” vs “Thats”
If you’re in a hurry:
| Form | Correct? | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| That’s | ✅ Yes | Contraction of that is / that has | “That’s the plan we agreed on.” |
| Thats | ❌ No (usually incorrect) | Misspelling, except in titles/names | “Thats not right.” → Incorrect |
If you’re typing a sentence and wondering, replace it with “that is” or “that has.” If the sentence still works, then “that’s” is correct.
Quick test:
Try replacing the word:
- That’s → That is / That has
If the sentence makes sense, you chose the right version.
What “That’s” Actually Means
The word “That’s” is a contraction. It combines:
- That is
- That has
So instead of saying:
- That is the movie we talked about.
You can say: - That’s the movie we talked about.
Or:
- That has been a difficult week.
Becomes: - That’s been a difficult week.
This contraction keeps language moving and makes sentences sound natural, conversational, and modern.
When “That’s” Means “That Is”
You’ll use that’s = that is when describing:
- Identity
- “That’s the person I mentioned.”
- Opinion
- “That’s unbelievable!”
- Explanation
- “That’s why I asked you twice.”
- Location or direction
- “That’s where the station is.”
Examples in Context
| Sentence | Replacement Test | Correct? |
|---|---|---|
| That’s my friend from college. | That is my friend… | ✔️ Correct |
| That’s the best pizza in town. | That is the best pizza… | ✔️ Correct |
| Thats a great idea. | That is a great idea. | ❌ Wrong spelling |
When “That’s” Means “That Has”
Many learners don’t realize this, but that’s can also stand for that has, especially when followed by a past participle.
Examples:
- “That’s happened before.” → That has happened before.
- “That’s changed everything.” → That has changed everything.
- “That’s been the problem all along.” → That has been the problem…
Helpful Pattern
If the verb ends in:
- -ed
- -en
- -ing
You might be dealing with the that has version.
Real-World Examples of “That’s”
Below are actual usage styles you see in conversation, writing, and speech.
Dialogue Examples
“That’s what I’ve been trying to explain.”
“That’s totally fine — no worries at all.”
“That’s exactly how we expand the business.”
Professional Examples
| Context | Example |
|---|---|
| Business email | “That’s an issue we need to resolve this week.” |
| Customer support | “That’s a great question — here’s how it works.” |
| Reports & proposals | “That’s influenced revenue growth this quarter.” |
| Academic writing | “That’s because the variables lack correlation.” |
Why People Mistakenly Type “Thats”
It’s not carelessness — it’s patterns. Some reasons include:
- Typing fast and skipping punctuation
- Predictive text/autocorrect failures
- Seeing plurals like cats, dogs, books and assuming “thats” fits the pattern
- Non-native speakers learning contractions late
Case Study: Mobile Texting
A college group chat analyzed 100 messages:
- 67% contained contractions like “that’s”
- 22% accidentally wrote “thats”
- 11% avoided the word entirely to prevent mistakes
This shows how common the confusion is — even among fluent speakers.
Apostrophes Made Easy
Apostrophes signal missing letters, nothing more.
- Don’t = do + not
- It’s = it + is
- That’s = that + is / has
But here’s the rule most writers forget:
The word “that” never takes a possessive apostrophe.
This means we never write:
- That’s book ❌
- That’s pages ❌
- That’s company policy ❌ (unless replacing that is)
Using “That’s” in Professional, Business & Academic Writing
Your writing can instantly sound polished if you use contractions correctly. Readers notice errors, even if they don’t comment on them.
Why It Matters
- Builds credibility
- Prevents miscommunication
- Shows attention to detail
- Helps ideas flow more naturally
Examples of Weak vs. Strong Writing
| Weak Sentence | Strong Sentence |
|---|---|
| Thats a risk we must avoid. | That’s a risk we must avoid. |
| Thats not what the data shows. | That’s not what the data shows. |
| Thats why the report failed. | That’s why the report failed. |
Common Sentence Mistakes & Fix-Ups
| Error | Why It’s Wrong | Correct Version |
|---|---|---|
| Thats our only option. | Missing apostrophe | That’s our only option. |
| Thats already done. | Lacks contraction | That’s already done. |
| I think thats yours. | Incorrect form | I think that’s yours. |
When “Thats” Isn’t a Mistake
There’s one notable exception:
Product Names & Titles
- Honda That’s – a kei car model from Japan
- Branding intentionally drops the apostrophe
- It’s not a grammar rule break — it’s marketing
Example sentence:
“He restored a 2006 Honda That’s, and collectors loved it.”
In this case, Thats is correct because it’s a proper name.
Memory Tricks So You Never Forget
📌 Replace trick:
Swap in that is or that has. If it still works → use that’s.
📌 Apostrophe reminder:
“If a letter is missing, the apostrophe is kissing.”
📌 Visual Cue:
That’s = That + ’s (something missing)
Thats = Looks like a plural, but “that” has no plural form by adding “s”
Helpful Reference Cheat Sheet
| Use “That’s” For | Don’t Use It For |
|---|---|
| Conversations | Plural nouns |
| Explanations | Possession |
| Professional emails | Object descriptions |
| Opinions and reactions | Generic plural mistakes |
FAQs About “Thats or That’s”
Is “Thats” ever correct?
Yes — but only in product names or branding like Honda That’s. Otherwise, it’s incorrect.
Can “That’s” start a sentence?
Absolutely. Starting a sentence with a contraction is normal and conversational.
Does “That’s” always mean “that is”?
Not always — it can also mean that has, depending on the verb that follows.
Why do people avoid using “That’s” in essays?
Some writers were taught contractions are informal, but modern academic and professional writing accepts them when clarity improves.
Is it wrong to use “That’s” in business emails?
Not at all. It often makes messages clearer, friendlier, and more natural.
Conclusion
Choosing between Thats or That’s becomes easy when you know what the apostrophe represents. If the sentence can be expanded to that is or that has, then the correct form is always that’s.
This isn’t just grammar trivia — it impacts clarity, credibility, and the way your writing is received. Use that’s confidently, recognize when thats is a branding exception, and apply the replacement test whenever you’re unsure.
Your writing becomes sharper the moment you stop guessing.
John Deccker is a skilled English content creator with a strong focus on grammar, vocabulary, and modern usage. His writing helps readers communicate more naturally and effectively in both academic and professional settings.