Learning That’s or Thats becomes easier when the grammar difference is clear, helping learners choose the correct form in everyday English writing. When I started teaching English, I saw mistakes with that’s and thats in emails, blog posts, captions, comments, and professional documents. The apostrophe is a small punctuation mark, but it can change a sentence and its meaning. The wrong form may feel right, especially when people read or write texts, social media messages, and other writing quickly. The real grammatical difference is simple: that’s is the correct and proper form, while thats is an incorrect spelling and common misspelling. My guide is to learn the rule, choose the right form, and check it during proofreading.
The word that’s is a contraction of that is or that has, with letters removed and the apostrophe showing what has been removed. This gives the form a recognized meaning in English. For example, “That’s a good point” means “That is a good point.” The same grammar rule explains why thats is not acceptable. When I type quickly, the apostrophe sometimes disappears, especially on phone keyboards, during fast composition, or while texting. This is a typing mistake, not a separate grammatical situation. Simple tricks can help you remember the difference: check when the word can be replaced by that is or that has. If it can, use that’s; without the apostrophe, thats is only a typo.
In everyday communication, context makes the distinction easier to understand. I often use short example lines to break down how the apostrophe changes a phrase, helping learners see why thats should not be used incorrectly. In casual speech, the difference may seem less obvious, but formal writing, an academic paper, written message, email, or professional post requires grammatically proper use. A writer should give attention to small details and avoid unnecessary errors, even when autocorrect fails or someone is omitting symbols while typing. These habits make writing clear and smoother for the language community. With steady Learning, these choices become more obvious, helping you express a confident style in any version of your writing.
Let’s dive in!
Quick Answer:
That’s is the correct standard form when you mean “that is” or “that has.” The form thats without an apostrophe is normally a spelling error in American English.
TL;DR:
- That’s means “that is” or “that has.”
- The apostrophe marks letters removed from the longer expression.
- Thats without an apostrophe isn’t standard American English.
- Apostrophes entered English printing during the 16th century.
- Modern texting often causes people to drop apostrophes accidentally.
- The substitution test makes the difference easy to remember.
What Does That’s Mean?
The word that’s has two standard meanings in American English. The surrounding words tell you which meaning applies.
This distinction matters because the same spelling can represent two different grammatical structures. Fortunately, the difference becomes simple once you expand the contraction.
That’s Meaning “That Is”
Most often, that’s means that is.
For example:
- “That’s my favorite movie.”
- “That’s a beautiful painting.”
- “That’s the problem.”
- “That’s exactly what I meant.”
Try replacing that’s with that is. If the sentence still makes sense, you’ve found the correct meaning.
That’s Meaning “That Has”
“That’s” can also mean that has, especially before a past participle.
Consider these examples:
- “That’s been difficult.”
- “That’s changed a lot.”
- “That’s happened before.”
- “That’s become a common habit.”
Here, “that’s” expands to “that has.”
Cambridge and Collins both identify that is and that has as the standard meanings of the contraction.
Why Does That’s Need an Apostrophe?
The apostrophe shows that letters have been omitted. In other words, it gives readers a visual clue that two words have been shortened.
For that’s, the apostrophe helps signal the missing material from that is or that has. Oxford describes this as one of the main functions of the apostrophe in English.
The Apostrophe as a Shortcut
Think of a contraction as a compact version of a longer phrase.
| Full expression | Contraction | Example |
| That is | That’s | That’s my seat. |
| That has | That’s | That’s changed recently. |
| It is | It’s | It’s cold today. |
| She is | She’s | She’s ready. |
| We are | We’re | We’re almost there. |
The apostrophe isn’t decorative. Instead, it tells the reader that something has been removed.
Why “Thats” Looks Different
When you write thats, the visual signal disappears.
The reader sees four letters that resemble a contraction but lack its punctuation marker. In standard American writing, that makes thats incorrect when you mean that’s.
What Does Thats Mean Without an Apostrophe?
In ordinary American English, thats without an apostrophe is generally not the correct form of the contraction.
So, if you write:
“Thats a great idea.”
the standard version is:
“That’s a great idea.”
Likewise:
“I think thats true.”
should be:
“I think that’s true.”
Is Thats Ever Used?
You may occasionally encounter thats in informal writing, usernames, stylized language, or nonstandard usage. Some historical or dialectal examples can also be found, but those uses don’t change the standard American rule.
For everyday American writing, use that’s when you mean that is or that has.
Standard Versus Nonstandard Usage
The distinction is especially useful for students and professional writers.
- That’s — standard contraction
- Thats — usually a spelling error
- That — separate word with different grammatical uses
- That is — full form of “that’s”
- That has — another full form of “that’s”
What Is the History of the Apostrophe?
Although that’s itself isn’t an ancient symbol, its punctuation has a long history.
The apostrophe entered English writing during the 16th century. Its early purpose was to show elision, meaning that one or more letters had been left out.
That history helps explain why the apostrophe appears in contractions today.
Ancient and Classical Roots
The word apostrophe ultimately traces back through Latin to Greek. Its older linguistic sense involved the idea of turning away or leaving something out.
However, the punctuation mark itself belongs to a much later stage of writing.
There wasn’t an apostrophe sitting in ancient Greek manuscripts exactly as Americans use it today. Instead, the modern mark developed through later European writing and printing traditions.
The Apostrophe Enters English
By the 16th century, English printers used the apostrophe to show omitted letters. Early printed English contained forms such as ’tis, ’twas, and o’er.
Over time, writers began using the mark in more standardized ways.
A 2024 study in English Language & Linguistics describes the apostrophe as entering English by the mid-16th century. It also explains that its functions changed considerably before modern conventions became established.
How Did Contractions Develop in English?
Contractions developed because spoken language naturally favors efficiency. People often shorten familiar phrases when the meaning remains clear.
English eventually represented many of these shortened forms in writing.
From Speech to Writing
People can say “that is” quickly without feeling they’ve spoken two separate words. Over time, writing developed ways to represent similar shortcuts.
That’s why modern English contains forms such as:
- “I’m” for “I am”
- “You’re” for “you are”
- “It’s” for “it is”
- “We’re” for “we are”
- “That’s” for “that is”
The apostrophe gives these forms a consistent visual marker.
Why English Uses So Many Contractions
American English uses contractions freely in everyday communication. They often make writing sound more natural and conversational.
However, context still matters.
A formal report might use that is for emphasis or clarity. Meanwhile, a personal email might naturally use that’s.
What Does That’s Mean in American English?
In the United States, that’s is an extremely ordinary part of everyday communication. It doesn’t carry a special symbolic meaning by itself.
Instead, it often signals natural, conversational language.
Everyday American Examples
You’ll hear and read phrases such as:
- “That’s great.”
- “That’s enough.”
- “That’s what I thought.”
- “That’s not what happened.”
- “That’s why I called.”
- “That’s been my experience.”
These expressions occur across age groups and social settings.
Formal and Informal Settings
American writers can use contractions in many situations. Still, some writers prefer the full form in especially formal or carefully controlled prose.
| Context | Common choice | Example |
| Casual conversation | That’s | “That’s awesome.” |
| Text messages | That’s | “That’s what I meant.” |
| School writing | That’s or that is | Depends on the assignment. |
| Professional writing | Both | Style and tone determine the choice. |
| Formal emphasis | That is | “That is the central issue.” |
The key point is that that’s isn’t inherently informal or incorrect. It’s a standard English contraction.
What Does That’s Symbolize in Modern Communication?
Because this topic concerns language rather than a physical symbol, that’s doesn’t have a fixed symbolic meaning like a heart, color, or religious emblem.
Still, the apostrophe can carry a small visual message: something has been shortened.
That makes the punctuation itself interesting from a symbolism perspective.
The Symbolism of Omission
An apostrophe visually represents something missing.
In that’s, the mark tells the reader that the longer expression has been compressed. The reader mentally restores the omitted letters or words.
A 2024 linguistic study describes the apostrophe as a sign that can represent an incomplete written form that readers mentally complete.
Brevity and Familiarity
Contractions can also make language feel quicker and more natural.
For many American readers, “That’s” feels more conversational than “That is.” Therefore, the contraction can subtly signal relaxed communication.
Read More: Newfound vs. New-Found: Which Spelling Should You Use? for 2026
What Is the Emotional Effect of That’s?
The word itself doesn’t create a fixed emotion. However, contractions can influence the tone of a sentence.
That difference becomes noticeable when you compare the same message in two forms.
Conversational Tone
“That’s wonderful.”
This version sounds relaxed and natural.
More Deliberate Tone
“That is wonderful.”
The expanded version may sound more deliberate. In some situations, it can also add emphasis.
For example:
“That is exactly what I’m saying.”
The full form can make the statement feel firmer.
Tone Depends on Context
The difference isn’t absolute.
A speaker can sound warm, angry, sarcastic, excited, or serious while using that’s. The surrounding words, punctuation, and situation matter much more than the contraction itself.
Why Do People Write Thats Instead of That’s?
The missing apostrophe usually reflects typing habits rather than a new meaning.
Modern digital communication happens quickly. As a result, small punctuation marks are easy to overlook.
Common Reasons
- Fast typing on phones
- Forgotten punctuation
- Autocorrect behavior
- Casual texting habits
- Grammar uncertainty
- Copying nonstandard online writing
The problem becomes more noticeable because apostrophes are small. A writer may reread an entire sentence without noticing one missing mark.
Social Media Changes Expectations
Social media also encourages speed.
People often type short comments without carefully editing them. Consequently, forms like thats may appear online even though standard writing uses that’s.
However, frequent online usage doesn’t automatically make a spelling form standard.
Is That’s Correct in Formal Writing?
Yes. That’s is a standard English contraction and can be grammatically correct in formal writing.
Still, some formal styles prefer expanded forms for a more traditional tone.
When That’s Works Well
You can normally use that’s when the contraction fits your intended tone.
For example:
“That’s the main reason for the change.”
There’s nothing grammatically wrong with this sentence.
When That Is May Be Better
Sometimes writers deliberately expand the contraction.
For example:
“That is the only acceptable explanation.”
Here, that is receives stronger emphasis.
So the choice isn’t simply “correct versus incorrect.” Both can be correct, but they can create slightly different tones.
That’s vs. That: What’s the Difference?
Another common mistake involves confusing that’s with that.
The apostrophe changes the grammatical function.
That
That can work as a pronoun, determiner, conjunction, or relative word.
Examples include:
“That book belongs to me.”
“I know that you’re busy.”
That’s
That’s contains a verb.
It means either:
“That is”
or
“That has”
For example:
“That’s my book.”
means:
“That is my book.”
This distinction makes the substitution test especially useful.
That’s or Thats: The Easiest Rule to Remember
If you’re unsure, expand the word.
This simple test works in most everyday situations.
The “That Is” Test
Take:
“That’s interesting.”
Replace it:
“That is interesting.”
The sentence still works. Therefore, that’s is correct.
Now try:
“I think thats interesting.”
The intended sentence clearly means:
“I think that is interesting.”
So the correct spelling is that’s.
The “That Has” Test
Consider:
“That’s changed.”
Expand it:
“That has changed.”
It still works. Therefore, that’s is correct here too.
This two-second test is easier than memorizing complicated grammar rules.
Common Mistakes With That’s
The most common error is simply leaving out the apostrophe.
However, several other mistakes appear often enough to deserve attention.
Mistake: Writing Thats
Incorrect:
“Thats my car.”
Correct:
“That’s my car.”
Mistake: Using That’s for Possession
“That’s” does not mean “belonging to that.”
The apostrophe here marks a contraction, not ordinary possession.
For example:
“That’s the dog.”
means:
“That is the dog.”
It doesn’t mean something belongs to “that.”
Mistake: Confusing Its and It’s
This is another common apostrophe problem.
It’s means it is or it has.
Its normally shows possession.
For example:
“It’s raining.”
but:
“The dog wagged its tail.”
Learning this difference can make other contractions easier to understand.
Does Thats Have a Different Meaning Online?
Usually, no.
When you see thats in a text, comment, caption, or post, the writer almost always intends that’s.
In digital spaces, the missing apostrophe usually reflects informal typing rather than a deliberate change in meaning.
Casual Digital Usage
A person might write:
“Thats confused!”
Most readers understand the intended meaning immediately.
Nevertheless, understanding the message doesn’t make the spelling standard. For polished writing, the apostrophe should remain.
Usernames and Stylized Text
There can be unusual cases involving usernames, labels, titles, or intentionally stylized language.
In those situations, a creator may choose a form for visual or technical reasons. That doesn’t change the standard grammatical form used in ordinary sentences.
How Has the Meaning Shifted Over Time?
The meaning of that’s has remained fairly stable. What changed more dramatically was the punctuation system that makes the contraction visible.
The apostrophe itself has moved through several stages of use.
Earlier English
Early English printing used apostrophes for several kinds of omitted letters. Writers were not always consistent about where the mark appeared.
Later Standardization
By the 17th through 19th centuries, different apostrophe practices gradually became more standardized.
Researchers have found that the process was not perfectly orderly. Actual language use helped shape the rules over time.
Modern American English
Today, contractions such as that’s are familiar and widely accepted.
The form without the apostrophe, however, remains nonstandard when it represents the contraction.
Why the Apostrophe Still Matters
The apostrophe is tiny, but it can carry useful grammatical information.
Without it, readers lose a visual clue about what has been omitted.
It Shows Structure
Compare:
That’s true.
and:
Thats true.
The first version immediately signals a contraction. The second looks like a typing error.
It Helps Readers Read Naturally
Experienced readers process common contractions almost instantly.
The apostrophe tells them how the letters fit together. Therefore, correct punctuation can make a sentence easier to scan.
It Preserves Meaning
In some cases, punctuation can distinguish words with different functions.
That’s why apostrophe rules remain useful even in fast digital communication.
FAQs:
Is “that’s” correct English?
Yes. That’s is the correct form in standard English. It is a contraction of “that is” or “that has.”
Is “thats” a correct word?
No. Thats without an apostrophe is generally considered a misspelling in standard English.
What is the difference between “that’s” and “thats”?
That’s uses an apostrophe because letters have been removed from “that is” or “that has.” Thats does not follow this standard grammar rule.
Why do people write “thats”?
People often type quickly, especially on phones and social media. The apostrophe can be missed because of fast typing, autocorrect, or simple carelessness.
How can I remember to use “that’s”?
Try replacing “that’s” with “that is” or “that has.” If the sentence still makes sense, that’s is usually the correct choice.
Can “thats” be used in formal writing?
No. In formal writing, academic work, professional documents, and careful communication, use that’s when the contraction is intended.
Is “that’s” only short for “that is”?
No. That’s can mean either “that is” or “that has,” depending on the context and sentence.
Conclusion:
That’s is the standard and correct spelling, while thats is normally a spelling mistake. The apostrophe matters because it shows that letters have been removed from “that is” or “that has.” Once you remember this simple rule, choosing between that’s or thats becomes much easier in everyday, academic, and professional writing.
