When it comes to everyday writing, many people stumble over the small but mighty apostrophe. In my early days of teaching, I often spotted this common mistake in casual writing—especially in quick messages to a client. The phrase “that’s” may seem obvious, but missing its apostrophe use turns it into the wrong form. This leads to unclear messages and awkward phrasing. Thats or That’s – Which One Is Actually Correct is a question that highlights how even a small detail like punctuation can blur the meaning of your sentence. (147 characters)
I’ve seen how students grow in confidence when they learn the simple rule behind contractions and possessive forms. Understanding the structure of a sentence—especially in informal or written English—makes a big difference. A quick grammar check before sending an email or note can save you from making an embarrassing mistake. As someone who has guided learners through many such errors, I can say that mastering correct usage improves your entire writing style.
If you’re unsure, start with a basic proofreading routine. Focus on spelling, correction, and the context of your words. Knowing the grammar and rule for punctuation transforms your writing from clumsy to clear. My go-to writing tip? Never underestimate the power of precision. Whether you’re drafting a casual note or doing serious editing, maintaining clarity, control over language, and respect for punctuation makes you a better communicator.
The Real Difference Between “Thats” and “That’s”
The apostrophe might seem minor, but it makes a major difference in meaning and correctness.
| Term | Meaning | Usage Status | Example |
| That’s | Contraction of “that is” or “that has” | ✅ Correct | “That’s incredible!” |
| Thats | No valid use in English grammar (except proper nouns) | ❌ Incorrect | “Thats amazing” (Incorrect) |
Here’s the deal:
- “That’s” = “That is” or “That has”
- “Thats” = ❌ Not a real word in English grammar
If you’re leaving out the apostrophe, you’re making a common but avoidable mistake.
“That’s” as a Contraction: What It Really Means
When “That’s” Means “That Is”
This is the most common usage. You’ll see it in both spoken and written English.
Examples:
- “That’s my favorite movie.” → That is my favorite movie.
- “That’s how we do it.” → That is how we do it.
This usage is especially helpful for:
- Conversational writing
- Casual speech
- Friendly or informal content
Even in professional emails, using contractions like “that’s” makes your tone more natural and approachable.
“That’s the strategy we’ll use going forward.” — Sample from internal corporate communication.
When “That’s” Means “That Has”
Here, context is key. The contraction “that’s” can also represent “that has,” typically followed by a past participle.
Examples:
- “That’s been a long journey.” → That has been a long journey.
- “That’s already started.” → That has already started.
This usage is perfect when you’re using present perfect tense to describe experiences or completed actions.
Why “Thats” Without an Apostrophe Is (Almost Always) Wrong
Let’s be blunt: if you’re writing “thats” without an apostrophe and not talking about a Japanese minicar, it’s grammatically incorrect.
Why People Write “Thats” by Mistake
- Typing fast (autocorrect doesn’t always fix it)
- Not understanding contractions
- Assuming “thats” is a possessive like “John’s” (it’s not)
“Thats not fair!” — A common error in social media posts, student essays, and even emails.
Correct version: “That’s not fair!”
Here’s a simple rule:
Always use “That’s” when you mean “That is” or “That has.”
If you’re unsure, just expand the sentence mentally. If “that is” or “that has” fits, then use “that’s.”
Examples of “That’s” in Everyday Sentences
To make this even clearer, here are real-world sentences using “that’s” correctly.
| Scenario | Sentence Example | Expanded Form |
| Casual conversation | “That’s what I’m saying.” | That is what I’m saying. |
| School setting | “That’s due tomorrow.” | That is due tomorrow. |
| Professional email | “That’s already been approved by legal.” | That has already been approved. |
| Social media comment | “That’s fire!” | That is fire! (slang) |
These examples show how versatile and context-driven “that’s” can be in American English.
Common Misconceptions That Lead to the “Thats” Mistake
Let’s address some of the biggest misunderstandings:
Confusing Contractions with Possessives
Many learners assume “thats” is a possessive form, like “dog’s” or “Sarah’s.”
Why this is wrong: “That” is a demonstrative pronoun—not a noun—so it doesn’t take a possessive form with ’s.
Incorrect: “Thats color is nice.”
Correct: “That’s a nice color.”
Influence of Texting and Social Media
People drop punctuation in texts to save time.
Example:
Text: “thats cool”
Corrected: “That’s cool.”
But when that habit creeps into professional or academic writing, it hurts clarity and credibility.
Autocorrect Doesn’t Always Help
Sometimes your phone or computer won’t flag “thats” as an error. It’s not always treated as a misspelling, especially in apps like Instagram, Twitter, or Reddit.
Why Using “That’s” Correctly Actually Matters
Grammar Reflects Your Professionalism
Whether you’re a teacher writing instructions, a student submitting a paper, or a professional sending an email, correct grammar builds trust.
“Grammatical mistakes can erode the perception of competence—even if the content is solid.” — Harvard Business Review
Clarity and Precision in Communication
An apostrophe may seem tiny, but it keeps your message crystal clear.
Without the apostrophe:
“Thats going to be tough.” → Wait, what’s going to be tough?
With the apostrophe:
“That’s going to be tough.” → Clear and correct.
Special Case: Honda That’s – The One Time “Thats” Is Okay
Now for the exception that proves the rule.
Honda That’s is a real car model made by the Japanese automaker Honda. It was released in the early 2000s, designed as a compact kei car.
- Name: Honda That’s
- Category: Kei car (mini-vehicle in Japan)
- Years Produced: 2002–2006
- Market: Japan Domestic Market (JDM)
So if you’re saying “I drive a Honda That’s,” you’re not wrong—you’re just probably a JDM enthusiast.
Fun Fact: The name “That’s” was chosen for its quirky English vibe, common in Japanese branding.
How to Fix and Avoid the “Thats” Mistake
Let’s talk solutions.
Editing & Proofing Tips
- Read out loud: Does “that is” or “that has” fit? If yes, then use “that’s.”
- Use grammar tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor.
- Avoid over-reliance on autocorrect.
Quick Memory Trick
If you can’t say “that is” or “that has” in its place, don’t use “that’s.”
Example:
- “Thats great” → Can I say “That is great”? Yes → ✅ “That’s great”
For Teachers and Educators
Use sentence correction exercises in the classroom. Have students convert:
- “Thats wrong.” → “That’s wrong.”
- “Thats my opinion.” → “That’s my opinion.”
Table Summary: “That’s” vs. “Thats” at a Glance
| Usage Scenario | Expression | Correct? | Explanation |
| Conversational | That’s | ✅ | Contraction of “that is” |
| Past Perfect Tense | That’s | ✅ | Contraction of “that has” |
| Typo/Texting Habit | Thats | ❌ | Common mistake |
| Proper Noun | Honda That’s | ✅ | Brand name, not a grammatical form |
Conclusion
Getting the difference between “thats” and “that’s” right may seem like a small thing, but it plays a big role in how your message is understood. The apostrophe in “that’s” isn’t just a tiny mark—it stands in for words like “that is” or “that has.” Skipping it turns your sentence into something unclear or incorrect.
Whether you’re sending an email, writing a blog, or texting a friend, using the correct form shows you care about good grammar, clear communication, and professional writing style. Remember: slow down, proofread, and let accuracy build your confidence.
FAQs
What is the difference between “thats” and “that’s”?
“That’s” is a contraction of “that is” or “that has.” “Thats” without an apostrophe is incorrect in standard English and often a common mistake.
Is “thats” ever correct in any situation?
No, “thats” is not considered correct in proper writing. It may appear in informal settings or typos, but it doesn’t follow grammar rules.
How do I remember when to use “that’s”?
Try reading your sentence out loud. If “that is” or “that has” fits, use “that’s” with an apostrophe. Otherwise, you’re likely using the wrong form.
Can using “thats” instead of “that’s” change the meaning?
Yes. Leaving out the apostrophe creates a spelling error that may confuse your reader. It can change the meaning or clarity of your sentence.
Is this error important in casual writing like texts or social media?
Even in casual writing, clarity matters. While some people ignore grammar in texts, using correct punctuation like the apostrophe in “that’s” helps you form good habits.
