Many English learners wonder whether they should write that’s or thats. Although they look almost identical, only one is correct in standard English. The difference comes down to the use of an apostrophe, which indicates a contraction.
If you’ve ever wondered whether to write that’s a good idea or thats a good idea, this guide explains the difference with simple definitions, grammar rules, examples, comparison tables, common mistakes, and memory tricks.
Quick Answer
That’s is the correct spelling. It is a contraction of that is or that has. Thats (without an apostrophe) is incorrect in standard English.
Why People Confuse It
People often confuse these spellings because:
- The apostrophe is easy to forget.
- Many words ending in -s don’t use an apostrophe.
- Fast typing often omits punctuation.
- Autocorrect doesn’t always catch the mistake.
- The two forms sound exactly the same.
Remember:
- That’s = That is / That has
- Thats = Incorrect
What Does “That’s” Mean?
That’s is a contraction of:
- That is
- That has
Examples of “That Is”
- That’s a beautiful house.
- That’s exactly what I meant.
- That’s my favorite movie.
- That’s a great question.
- That’s the correct answer.
Examples of “That Has”
- That’s been a wonderful experience.
- That’s already happened.
- That’s become very popular.
- That’s caused several problems.
- That’s made a big difference.
What Does “Thats” Mean?
Thats is not a standard English word.
It is simply a misspelling of “that’s.”
Incorrect Examples
- ❌ Thats my car.
- ❌ Thats a good idea.
- ❌ Thats been a long day.
- ❌ Thats amazing.
- ❌ Thats exactly right.
That’s vs. Thats Comparison
| Feature | That’s | Thats |
|---|---|---|
| Correct Spelling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Standard English | Yes | No |
| Meaning | That is / That has | Misspelling |
| Formal Writing | Yes | No |
| Example | That’s my book. | ❌ Thats my book. |
When to Use Each
Use that’s when:
- You mean that is.
- You mean that has.
- Writing emails, essays, or messages.
- Using standard English.
Never use thats in formal or informal writing.
Examples (10+)
- That’s a fantastic idea.
- That’s my backpack.
- That’s exactly what happened.
- That’s been an exciting year.
- That’s the restaurant I mentioned.
- That’s why I called.
- That’s impossible to ignore.
- That’s the best solution.
- That’s already finished.
- That’s all I wanted to say.
- That’s where we met.
- That’s what makes it special.
Common Mistakes
❌ Thats my phone.
✅ That’s my phone.
❌ Thats a wonderful day.
✅ That’s a wonderful day.
❌ Thats been difficult.
✅ That’s been difficult.
❌ Thats correct.
✅ That’s correct.
❌ Thats why I’m here.
✅ That’s why I’m here.
Memory Trick
Remember:
If you can replace the word with that is or that has, use that’s with an apostrophe.
Example:
- That’s amazing.
- That is amazing.
Since the sentence still makes sense, that’s is correct.
American vs. British English
There is no difference between American and British English.
Both varieties use:
- ✅ That’s
- ❌ Thats
The spelling rule is exactly the same.
Similar Words
Other commonly confused contractions include:
- It’s vs. Its
- You’re vs. Your
- They’re vs. Their
- Who’s vs. Whose
- We’re vs. Were
- Can’t vs. Cant
- Doesn’t vs. Doesnt
- Isn’t vs. Isnt
Final Verdict
That’s is the correct contraction of that is or that has and should be used in all standard English writing. Thats is simply a spelling mistake caused by leaving out the apostrophe.
Whenever you’re unsure, expand the contraction. If that is or that has fits the sentence, that’s is the correct choice.
Remember This
That’s = That is / That has ✅
Thats = Incorrect ❌
Never forget the apostrophe in that’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “thats” a real word?
No. It is a misspelling of that’s.
Which is correct: “that’s” or “thats”?
That’s is the correct spelling.
What does “that’s” stand for?
It is a contraction of that is or that has.
Can I use “thats” in informal writing?
No. Even in casual writing, that’s is the correct form.
Is the rule the same in American and British English?
Yes. Both use that’s with an apostrophe.
How can I remember the correct spelling?
Replace it with that is or that has. If the sentence still works, use that’s.
Conclusion
Although that’s and thats look very similar, only that’s is correct in standard English. The apostrophe shows that two words—that and is or has—have been combined into a contraction. Leaving out the apostrophe creates a spelling error.
To avoid mistakes, always check whether you can expand that’s to that is or that has. If you can, the apostrophe belongs there. This simple habit will make your writing clearer, more accurate, and more professional.
