Many people get confused between “thats or that’s” while writing emails, social posts, or even formal documents. At first glance, both look similar, but only one is correct in standard English.
This small punctuation difference can change the meaning and make your writing look either polished or careless.
The confusion usually happens because of missing apostrophes. Writers often type fast and skip punctuation, which leads to mistakes like “thats” instead of “that’s.”
If you’ve ever searched for “thats or that’s meaning”, “is thats a word”, or “that’s grammar rules”, you’re not alone.
In this guide, you’ll learn the exact difference, correct grammar rules, real-life examples, and when to use each form properly. By the end, you’ll never mix them up again.
Quick Answer
“That’s” is correct. “Thats” is incorrect in standard English.
- That’s = That is / That has (contraction)
- Thats = Not a correct word ❌
Examples:
- That’s my book. ✔️ (That is my book)
- That’s been done already. ✔️ (That has been done)
- Thats my book. ❌
The Origin of Thats or That’s
The word “that’s” comes from combining:
- That + is
- That + has
This is called a contraction, where letters are removed and replaced with an apostrophe (’).
Historically, contractions became common in spoken and informal English to make speech faster and smoother. Over time, they became standard in writing too.
“Thats” without an apostrophe never developed as a correct form because English grammar requires contractions to include punctuation.
British English vs American English Spelling
Good news: there is no difference between British and American English for this keyword.
| Form | British English | American English | Correct |
|---|---|---|---|
| That’s | ✔️ | ✔️ | Yes |
| Thats | ❌ | ❌ | No |
Both regions follow the same apostrophe rule.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Always use “that’s” in all types of writing:
- ✅ Academic writing
- ✅ Emails
- ✅ Social media
- ✅ Business communication
Simple Rule:
If you mean “that is” or “that has” → use “that’s”
Avoid “thats” completely, unless it’s a typo.
Common Mistakes with Thats or That’s
❌ Mistake 1: Missing Apostrophe
- Thats a good idea. ❌
- That’s a good idea. ✔️
❌ Mistake 2: Confusing Possessive Form
Many people think “that’s possessive”, but this is wrong.
- That’s = contraction ✔️
- Its possessive form = “its” (no apostrophe)
❌ Mistake 3: Overthinking Grammar
Keep it simple:
- That’s = correct
- Thats = incorrect
Thats or That’s Meaning, Grammar & Full Form
That’s Meaning
“That’s” means:
- That is
- That has
Is’That’s Full Form
- That’s = That is
- That’s = That has
That’s Grammar
It is a contraction, not a possessive word.
Is “Thats” a Word?
No, “thats” is not a correct English word.
Thats or That’s Examples
Daily Use Examples:
- That’s amazing news.
- That’s what I wanted.
- That’s been finished already.
Wrong Examples:
- Thats amazing news. ❌
- Thats what I wanted. ❌
Thats or That’s in Everyday Examples
📧 Emails:
- That’s a great suggestion.
📰 News:
- That’s the latest update on the story.
📱 Social Media:
- That’s awesome!
🧑💼 Formal Writing:
- That’s not acceptable in professional communication.
Thats or That’s – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search trends show that:
- “that’s” is widely used globally
- “thats” appears mostly in typing errors
Countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia consistently use “that’s” as the correct form.
Comparison Table (Keyword Variations)
| Keyword Query | Meaning/Answer |
|---|---|
| thats or that’s meaning | That’s = that is / that has |
| thats or that’s grammar | That’s is a contraction |
| thats or that’s examples | That’s correct, thats incorrect |
| that’s possessive | No, it’s a contraction |
| that’s full form | That is / That has |
| is thats a word | No |
| that’s contraction | Yes |
FAQs
1. What is the difference between thats and that’s?
“That’s” is correct. “Thats” is incorrect.
2. Is “thats” ever correct?
No, it is always considered a mistake.
3. What does “that’s” stand for?
It stands for “that is” or “that has.”
4. Is “that’s” possessive?
No, it is a contraction, not possessive.
5. Can I use “that’s” in formal writing?
Yes, but in very formal writing, you may write “that is.”
6. Why do people write “thats”?
Mostly due to typing errors or missing apostrophes.
7. How can I remember the rule?
If you can expand it to “that is,” use “that’s.”
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “thats or that’s” is simple once you know the rule. The correct form, “that’s,” is a contraction of “that is” or “that has.”
On the other hand, “thats” is not a valid English word and should be avoided in all types of writing.
This small punctuation mark, the apostrophe, plays a big role in clarity and professionalism.
Whether you’re writing emails, academic papers, or social media posts, using “that’s” correctly ensures your message is clear and grammatically accurate.
If you ever feel unsure, just expand the word in your mind. If “that is” fits, then “that’s” is the right choice.
Keeping this simple trick in mind will help you avoid common mistakes and improve your writing instantly.
