If you’ve ever typed “thats” and wondered whether it looks right — it doesn’t. This is one of the most common punctuation slip-ups in everyday writing, and it’s completely understandable. Fast typing, phone keyboards, and autocorrect all play a role. But knowing the correct form takes just a few seconds to learn, and it can make a real difference in how professional your writing looks.
This guide answers the question once and for all: “thats” or “that’s” — which is correct, what does it mean, and how do you use it properly?
The Short Answer: “Thats” vs “That’s”
“Thats” is not a word. It does not exist in any standard English dictionary and has no grammatically valid use in normal writing.
“That’s” — with an apostrophe — is always correct. It is a contraction, meaning it combines two words into one shorter form. The apostrophe marks the spot where letters have been removed.
Here’s the simplest breakdown:
| Form | Correct? | Meaning |
| that’s | ✅ Yes | Contraction of “that is” or “that has” |
| thats | ❌ No | Not a recognized English word — always a typo |
What Does “That’s” Mean?
“That’s” is a contraction — a grammatical shortcut that joins two words by dropping one or more letters and replacing them with an apostrophe. In the case of “that’s,” the apostrophe takes the place of the missing letters from the second word.
“That’s” has two distinct meanings depending on how it is used in a sentence:
- “That’s” as a contraction of “that is”
- “That’s” as a contraction of “that has”
Both are grammatically correct. Context tells you which meaning applies.
“That’s” as “That Is”
This is by far the most common use. When “that’s” replaces “that is,” it typically introduces a description, observation, or identification.
Examples:
- That’s a great question. → That is a great question.
- That’s the building I told you about. → That is the building I told you about.
- That’s not what I meant. → That is not what I meant.
- That’s your responsibility now. → That is your responsibility now.
This form works naturally in both casual and professional writing. It keeps your tone conversational without sacrificing correctness.
Quick check: If you can swap “that’s” for “that is” and the sentence still makes sense, you’re using it correctly.
“That’s” as “That Has”
Less commonly recognized, but equally valid: “that’s” can also stand in for “that has.” This version usually appears before a past participle — words like been, gone, happened, changed, or caused.
Examples:
- That’s been my favorite restaurant for years. → That has been my favorite restaurant for years.
- That’s caused a lot of confusion. → That has caused a lot of confusion.
- That’s changed everything. → That has changed everything.
- That’s never happened before. → That has never happened before.
The pattern is easy to spot: if the word after “that’s” is a past participle (typically ending in -ed, -en, or an irregular form), then “that’s” likely means “that has.”
How to Remember the Difference Between “Thats” and “That’s”
Here are three simple, reliable methods that work every time:
1. The Substitution Test
Replace “that’s” with “that is” or “that has” and read the sentence aloud. If it sounds natural and makes sense, the apostrophe belongs there. If the sentence falls apart completely, rethink your sentence structure — but the apostrophe still doesn’t disappear.
“Thats a nice coat.” → Try: “That is a nice coat.” ✅ Makes sense → Write: “That’s a nice coat.”
2. The Missing Letter Trick
Think of the apostrophe as a placeholder. In “that is” → “that’s,” the apostrophe replaces the letter “i”. In “that has” → “that’s,” it replaces the letters “ha.” If something is missing, the apostrophe marks where it went.
3. Say It Out Loud
No one naturally says “thats” as a single, standalone word in speech. If you’re pronouncing it “that-iz” or “that-az,” you need the apostrophe in writing too. Your ear is a reliable editor.
When to Use “That’s” in Your Writing
Understanding when to use “that’s” is just as important as knowing it needs an apostrophe.
Casual and Conversational Writing
“That’s” fits naturally in everyday communication — text messages, emails, blog posts, and social media. There’s no reason to avoid it here.
- That’s exactly what I was thinking.
- That’s a really helpful tip.
Business and Professional Writing
In most professional contexts — workplace emails, presentations, reports — contractions like “that’s” are widely accepted. They make writing feel clear and direct rather than stiff.
- That’s the main finding from this quarter’s data.
- That’s been approved by the management team.
Formal and Academic Writing
In highly formal writing — research papers, legal documents, academic essays — it is often better to write out “that is” or “that has” in full. Not because “that’s” is wrong, but because contractions can feel too casual for the register.
Prefer: “That is the primary conclusion of the study.” Over: “That’s the primary conclusion of the study.”
A Special Note on “Thats” as a Brand Name
There is one rare, legitimate exception. Honda produced a compact kei car called the Honda That’s, sold exclusively in Japan between 2002 and 2007. In this case, “Thats” without an apostrophe is a proper noun — a brand name — not a grammar choice. Brand names follow branding rules, not grammar rules. This exception does not make “thats” acceptable in standard English writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “thats” ever correct in English?
No. In standard English writing, “thats” is never correct. It is always a typo or error. The only exception is when it appears as part of a proper brand name, like Honda That’s.
Why do so many people write “thats” without an apostrophe?
Mostly because of fast typing and phone keyboards. Autocorrect sometimes strips the apostrophe, and many people simply don’t notice the missing punctuation mark.
How do I know if “that’s” means “that is” or “that has”?
Look at the word that follows it. If it’s a past participle (been, gone, changed, caused), “that’s” means “that has.” If it introduces a noun, adjective, or clause, it means “that is.”
Will spell-check catch “thats”?
Most grammar tools, including Grammarly and Microsoft Word, will flag “thats” as an error. Always proofread before sending or publishing.
Final Thoughts
The difference between “thats” and “that’s” comes down to one small but significant punctuation mark: the apostrophe. It’s not a stylistic choice — it’s a grammar rule. “Thats” is never correct in standard English. “That’s” — always with an apostrophe — is the only valid form when you mean “that is” or “that has.”
When you’re unsure, use the substitution test. Say the sentence out loud with “that is” or “that has” in place of “that’s.” If it holds up, you’ve got it right. Getting small things like this right builds trust with your readers, strengthens your writing, and signals that you pay attention to detail — whether you’re drafting a quick email or publishing a long-form article.
