Have you ever paused while writing because you weren’t sure whether to use Thats or That’s? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common grammar questions in English, especially for students, bloggers, business professionals, and anyone who writes online.
Understanding Thats vs That’s is easier than it looks. The difference comes down to one small punctuation mark the apostrophe but that tiny mark completely changes whether the word is correct. In modern standard English, that’s is a valid contraction, while thats is generally considered incorrect.
This guide explains the difference, shows real-world examples, highlights common mistakes, and shares practical tips that will help you write with confidence.
What Is the Difference Between Thats and That’s?
Featured Snippet Definition
That’s is the contraction of that is or that has and is correct in standard English. Thats (without an apostrophe) is generally not recognized as a correct English word and should almost always be written as that’s.
Quick Answer
| Word | Correct? | Meaning |
| That’s | ✅ Yes | Short form of that is or that has |
| Thats | ❌ No | Usually a spelling or punctuation mistake |
If you are writing formal or informal English, choose that’s unless you have a very specific reason related to non-standard text, usernames, or brand names.
Understanding “That’s”
Definition
That’s is a contraction.
It combines:
- That + is
- That + has
The apostrophe replaces the missing letter.
Examples:
- That’s my favorite movie.
- That’s the answer.
- That’s been happening for years.
- I think that’s correct.
- That’s exactly what I meant.
Each sentence could be expanded:
- That is my favorite movie.
- That is the answer.
- That has been happening for years.
Is “Thats” Ever Correct?
In standard English grammar, thats without an apostrophe is considered incorrect.
Most grammar checkers, spell-check tools, editors, and style guides flag it as an error because English contractions require an apostrophe.
However, you might occasionally see Thats used in situations such as:
- usernames
- website addresses
- business names
- hashtags
- file names
- coding variables
- social media handles
Examples:
- @ThatsGaming
- thatsguide.com
- thats_count (programming variable)
These are naming conventions rather than examples of correct grammar.
Why the Apostrophe Matters
The apostrophe shows that letters have been omitted.
For that’s, the omitted letter is i from is or part of has.
Without the apostrophe, readers may assume the word is simply misspelled.
Correct punctuation also improves:
- readability
- professionalism
- academic writing
- SEO content quality
- business communication
Even a small punctuation mistake can reduce trust in your writing.
Comparison Table
| Feature | That’s | Thats |
| Correct English | ✅ | ❌ |
| Uses an apostrophe | Yes | No |
| Means “that is” | Yes | No |
| Means “that has” | Yes | No |
| Accepted in formal writing | Yes | No |
| Found in dictionaries | Yes | No (as standard English) |
Why Learning the Difference Is Important
Many readers judge writing quality within seconds. Small grammar mistakes can make emails, blog posts, school assignments, and professional documents appear less polished.
Knowing when to use that’s correctly helps you:
- write more clearly
- improve credibility
- communicate ideas accurately
- avoid common proofreading errors
- perform better in school and workplace writing
- create more professional online content
Whether you’re writing a social media post or an academic essay, correct punctuation shows attention to detail.
How to Know When to Use “That’s”
A simple trick is to replace that’s with that is.
If the sentence still makes sense, that’s is correct.
Examples
Sentence:
That’s a beautiful painting.
Expanded:
That is a beautiful painting.
✔ Correct.
Sentence:
That’s been my experience.
Expanded:
That has been my experience.
✔ Correct.
If you cannot replace it with that is or that has, then that’s may not be the right choice, and you should rewrite the sentence.
Step-by-Step Guide to Avoid the Mistake
- Write your sentence normally.
- Check whether you used thats.
- Ask yourself if you mean that is or that has.
- If yes, add the apostrophe to make that’s.
- Read the sentence aloud.
- Run a final grammar check before publishing.
Following these steps can eliminate one of the most common punctuation mistakes in English writing.
Real-World Examples of “That’s” in Everyday Writing
Learning grammar becomes much easier when you see how it works in real situations. Here are examples from everyday communication.
Conversations
- That’s a great idea!
- That’s exactly what I was thinking.
- I think that’s enough for today.
- That’s not what I expected.
- That’s amazing news!
Business Emails
- That’s the final version of the report.
- That’s the information you requested.
- That’s why we recommend updating the software.
In Academic Writing
Although contractions are less common in formal academic papers, they’re acceptable in many assignments and informal educational writing.
Example:
That’s one of the main reasons climate change is a global concern.
In Blog Posts
Bloggers often use contractions because they create a natural, conversational tone.
Example:
That’s one of the easiest ways to improve your writing.
Common Mistakes People Make
Even native English speakers occasionally misuse that’s. Here are the most common errors and how to avoid them.
Forgetting the Apostrophe
❌ Thats my phone.
✅ That’s my phone.
The missing apostrophe turns a correct contraction into a spelling error.
Typing Too Quickly
Many grammar mistakes happen because people type fast on phones or keyboards.
Example:
❌ Thats fine.
✅ That’s fine.
A quick proofreading pass usually catches this mistake.
Ignoring Spell Check Warnings
Modern writing tools such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Grammarly, and browser spell checkers usually underline thats because it isn’t standard English.
Instead of ignoring the warning, correct it before publishing.
Confusing Contractions with Possessives
Some writers avoid apostrophes because they think they always show possession.
Remember:
- John’s book → Possession
- That’s good. → Contraction
They follow different grammar rules.
Copying Incorrect Social Media Writing
Social media posts often skip punctuation for speed.
For example:
thats awesome
Although common online, this isn’t correct standard English.
If you’re writing for school, work, or a website, always use proper punctuation.
Expert Tips for Remembering the Difference
Professional editors use simple tricks to avoid this mistake.
Expand the Contraction
Replace that with that is.
If the sentence still makes sense, you’re correct.
Example:
That’s interesting.
↓
That is interesting.
Perfect.
Read the Sentence Out Loud
Reading aloud makes grammar errors much easier to notice.
Your brain naturally hears missing punctuation and awkward wording.
Proofread Slowly
Instead of reading for meaning, read one sentence at a time.
You’ll notice punctuation mistakes much faster.
Use Grammar Tools
Helpful writing assistants include:
- Grammarly
- Microsoft Editor
- Google Docs Grammar Checker
- Hemingway Editor
- LanguageTool
These tools don’t replace learning grammar, but they help catch simple mistakes.
Best Practices for Using “That’s”
Follow these habits to improve your writing quality.
Always
- Use the apostrophe.
- Proofread before publishing.
- Expand the contraction if you’re unsure.
- Keep punctuation consistent.
- Follow your style guide.
Avoid
- Writing thats in formal documents.
- Copying incorrect grammar from social media.
- Ignoring spell-check suggestions.
- Assuming contractions never belong in professional writing.
Real example
As an editor, I regularly see writers type ‘thats’ instead of ‘that’s’ because mobile keyboards and fast typing often omit the apostrophe. During proofreading, this is one of the easiest mistakes to fix.
Pros and Cons of Using Contractions
| Pros | Cons |
| Makes writing conversational | Less suitable for highly formal academic papers |
| Easier to read | Some style guides discourage frequent contractions |
| Sounds natural | Can seem too casual in legal documents |
| Improves flow | Not appropriate in every writing context |
Overall, that’s is perfectly acceptable in most blogs, emails, websites, and everyday communication.
Myths vs Facts
| Myth | Fact |
| “Thats” is an acceptable spelling. | Incorrect. Standard English requires that’s. |
| Apostrophes are optional. | Apostrophes are required in contractions. |
| Contractions are always informal. | Many professional writers use them appropriately. |
| Grammar doesn’t matter online. | Clear grammar builds trust and credibility. |
| Why Do People Type “Thats” Instead of “That’s”?Cover:Mobile autocorrectFast typingMissing apostrophe keyVoice typingSocial media habitsYe unique information hai.Better tablesIncorrectCorrectReasonThats my carThat’s my carThat isThats been funThat’s been funThat hasThats correctThat’s correctContraction | Many readers immediately notice common grammar errors. |
Latest Grammar Trends in Digital Writing (2026)
Digital communication has changed how people write, but grammar standards remain important.
Current trends include:
- More conversational website content.
- Increased use of contractions for readability.
- AI-assisted proofreading tools.
- Greater emphasis on user-friendly writing.
- Search engines rewarding clear, readable content.
Google’s focus on helpful content encourages writers to create articles that sound natural while remaining grammatically correct.
Good grammar also improves accessibility, making content easier for both readers and search engines to understand.
How Good Grammar Helps SEO
Many people assume grammar has no effect on search rankings. While Google doesn’t rank pages simply because they use apostrophes correctly, good grammar contributes to several factors that influence SEO.
Better User Experience
Readers stay longer on pages that are easy to read.
Increased Trust
Professional writing builds confidence in your content.
Higher Engagement
Well-written articles are more likely to be shared and linked.
Improved Readability
Clear sentences help users quickly find answers, which can improve engagement metrics.
Better AI Understanding
Modern search systems analyze language quality. Proper grammar helps algorithms interpret your content more accurately.
Quick Answer: Should You Ever Write “Thats”?
No. In standard English, thats without an apostrophe is considered incorrect. If you mean that is or that has, always write that’s. The only common exceptions are usernames, hashtags, programming variables, brand names, or web addresses where punctuation cannot be used.
Practical Editing Checklist
Before publishing any piece of writing, ask yourself:
- Did I accidentally write thats instead of that’s?
- Does every contraction include the correct apostrophe?
- Can I replace that’s with that is or that has?
- Have I checked spelling and punctuation?
- Did I proofread the final version?
Spending just a few extra minutes reviewing your work can prevent simple grammar mistakes and make your writing look far more polished.
Internal Linking Suggestions
To strengthen your website’s SEO and help readers explore related topics, consider linking this article to:
A Complete Guide to Apostrophes in English Grammar
Common English Grammar Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Its vs It’s: What’s the Difference?
Your vs You’re Explained with Examples
Affect vs Effect: Easy Ways to Remember the Difference
These related articles create topical authority and improve the user experience by answering closely connected grammar questions.
External Authority Suggestions
For additional learning or fact-checking, readers can consult trusted educational resources such as:
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary
- Cambridge Dictionary
- Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries
- Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)
- Grammarly Learning Center
- British Council LearnEnglish
These organizations provide reliable explanations of English grammar, punctuation, and writing conventions.
Image SEO
Featured Image Idea
A clean infographic comparing Thats and That’s, showing the incorrect and correct forms side by side with example sentences and an explanation of the apostrophe.
Alt Text
Thats vs That’s grammar comparison showing correct apostrophe usage in English.
Image Title
Thats vs That’s Grammar Guide
Image Caption
Learn when to use that’s correctly and why thats is considered incorrect in standard English.
Key Takeaways
Before you finish, remember these essential points:
- That’s is the correct contraction of that is or that has.
- Thats without an apostrophe is generally a spelling mistake.
- The apostrophe is required because letters have been omitted.
- Use the expansion test (“that is”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is “thats” ever correct in English?
In standard English, thats is not considered a correct word. If you mean that is or that has, you should always write that’s with an apostrophe. The only common exceptions are usernames, domain names, hashtags, programming variables, or brand names where apostrophes cannot be used.
Why does “that’s” need an apostrophe?
The apostrophe in that’s shows that letters have been omitted. It is a contraction of either that is or that has. English grammar requires an apostrophe whenever letters are removed to form a contraction. Without it, the word is treated as a spelling mistake.
How can I remember the difference between “thats” and “that’s”?
A simple trick is to expand the contraction. Replace that’s with that is or that has. If the sentence still makes sense, that’s is correct. If it doesn’t, rewrite the sentence. This method works in almost every situation and is widely recommended by English teachers and editors.
Is it acceptable to use “that’s” in formal writing?
Yes, in many cases. Modern business writing, blogs, emails, and web content commonly use contractions like that’s because they sound natural and improve readability. However, some academic papers, legal documents, and highly formal publications may prefer writing the full forms that is or that has instead.
Why do I often see “thats” on social media?
Social media users frequently skip punctuation to save time or type more quickly. While thats is common in casual posts, it is still considered incorrect in standard English. For professional, academic, or published content, always use that’s.
Do grammar mistakes affect SEO?
Grammar alone is not a direct Google ranking factor, but it influences user experience. Articles with clear grammar and correct punctuation are easier to read, appear more trustworthy, and often keep visitors engaged longer.
Conclusion
Understanding Thats vs That’s is one of the easiest ways to improve your English writing. Although the difference is only a single apostrophe, it has a significant impact on correctness and professionalism. Remember that that’s is the accepted contraction of that is or that has, while thats is generally considered incorrect in standard English.
Whether you’re writing emails, blog posts, essays, reports, or social media content, using the correct form helps readers trust your writing and understand your message more easily. Make it a habit to proofread, apply the simple expansion test, and use grammar tools when needed. With consistent practice, this common mistake will quickly become a thing of the past.