Many English learners get confused between that’s and thats because the only difference is an apostrophe. Since apostrophes are easy to overlook, it’s common to wonder if both forms are correct. However, only one is accepted in standard English.
Understanding the difference between that’s vs thats will help you avoid a common grammar mistake. If you’re writing emails, essays, text messages, or social media posts, using the correct form will make your writing look more polished and professional.
Quick Answer
That’s is the correct spelling because it is a contraction of that is or that has. Thats without an apostrophe is incorrect in standard English.
Why People Confuse It
The confusion happens because apostrophes are often omitted in casual typing, text messages, or online chats.
Some people also assume that contractions do not require punctuation. However, in standard English, the apostrophe is necessary to show that letters have been omitted.
That’s
That’s is the correct form.
Meaning
That’s can mean:
- That is
- That has
Examples
- That’s my favourite book. (That is my favourite book.)
- That’s a great idea.
- That’s exactly what I meant.
- That’s the restaurant we visited.
- That’s been a wonderful experience. (That has been a wonderful experience.)
Thats
Thats is not a correct English word.
It is usually a typing mistake or an omitted apostrophe.
Always replace thats with that’s in standard writing.
Comparison Table
| Feature | That’s | Thats |
|---|---|---|
| Correct standard English | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Contraction of “that is” | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Contraction of “that has” | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Suitable for formal writing | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Found in dictionaries | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
When to Use Each
Use that’s when you mean:
- That is
- That has
Never use thats in standard English writing.
Examples
- That’s my car.
- That’s a beautiful painting.
- That’s what I wanted to hear.
- That’s the correct answer.
- That’s been an exciting journey.
- That’s our new teacher.
- That’s why I called you.
- That’s all for today.
- That’s the best solution.
- That’s exactly right.
- That’s where we met.
- That’s not what I expected.
Common Mistakes
Many learners make these errors.
- Writing thats without an apostrophe.
- Forgetting that that’s is a contraction.
- Confusing that’s with its, another commonly misunderstood contraction.
Correct:
- That’s amazing!
Incorrect:
- Thats amazing!
Memory Trick
Remember this simple rule:
If you can replace the word with that is or that has, use an apostrophe.
That’s = That is
That’s = That has
American vs British English
There is no difference between American and British English.
Both varieties use that’s with an apostrophe.
Thats is incorrect in both.
Similar Words
You may also confuse these contractions:
- It’s vs Its
- You’re vs Your
- They’re vs Their
- Who’s vs Whose
- There’s vs Theirs
- Here’s vs Heres
- What’s vs Whats
- He’s vs His
- She’s vs Shes
- We’re vs Were
Final Verdict
The answer is simple.
That’s is the correct spelling because it is a contraction of that is or that has.
Thats is a spelling mistake and should never be used in standard English. Whenever you mean that is or that has, always include the apostrophe.
Remember This
That’s = Correct ✅
Thats = Incorrect ❌
No apostrophe means the word is misspelled.
FAQs
Which is correct, that’s or thats?
That’s is the correct spelling. Thats is incorrect.
What does that’s mean?
It is a contraction of that is or that has.
Is thats a real word?
No. Thats is not a standard English word.
Why does that’s need an apostrophe?
The apostrophe shows that letters have been omitted from that is or that has.
Can I use thats in text messages?
People sometimes type thats informally, but the correct spelling is still that’s.
Do British and American English spell that’s differently?
No. Both use that’s with an apostrophe.
How can I remember the correct spelling?
If you can say that is or that has, write that’s with an apostrophe.
Conclusion
The difference between that’s vs thats is straightforward. That’s is the only correct spelling in standard English because it is a contraction of that is or that has. The apostrophe is essential and should not be omitted.
Although you may occasionally see thats in informal messages or typing mistakes, it is not accepted in proper English. By remembering to include the apostrophe, you’ll write more accurately and confidently.
Remember This
That’s = That is or That has ✅
Thats = Spelling mistake ❌
When in doubt, expand the contraction. If that is fits, that’s is the correct choice.
Nancy Lisa is a passionate writer and contributor at DrameyHut, focused on uncovering the deeper meanings behind dreams. She creates engaging and insightful content that helps readers interpret their dreams and understand their subconscious thoughts. Her work inspires self-reflection, clarity, and a stronger connection to inner emotions.
