That’s vs Thats: The Real Difference You Need to Know

We’ve all been there, typing away, only to pause and wonder: “Is it ‘that’s’ or ‘thats’?” It seems like a small detail, but the difference is important. A missing apostrophe may seem trivial, but it can change how your writing is perceived. Whether you’re sending a quick text or crafting a formal document, getting this right is more crucial than you think.

In this article, we’ll dive into why “that’s” is correct and why “thats” isn’t. By the end, you’ll not only understand the difference but also be able to spot and correct this common mistake effortlessly. So, let’s get started!

What Does ‘That’s’ Really Mean?

Before we dive into the mistake of “thats,” let’s first understand what “that’s” is and how it’s used. “That’s” is a contraction of two words: “that is” or “that has”. A contraction is when two words are combined by leaving out certain letters, usually replacing them with an apostrophe.

For example:

• “That’s” = “That is.”
  • “That’s the best idea I’ve heard all day.”
  • Here, “that’s” is a shortened form of “that is.”
• “That’s” = “That has.”
  • “That’s been an amazing experience.”
  • In this case, “that’s” stands for “that has.”

As you can see, “that’s” is used in casual speech and formal writing alike. It’s an incredibly versatile and useful word to shorten phrases and keep sentences flowing smoothly.

‘Thats’ – Why It’s Wrong and What Makes It a Mistake

Now that we know what “that’s” means, let’s talk about the real issue: “thats.” This is not just a typo or a small error—it’s a common mistake in English that many people make, especially when typing quickly or on mobile devices.

“Thats” is not a word in the English language. It’s simply a misspelling of “that’s” without the necessary apostrophe. The apostrophe is what makes the contraction correct. Without it, the word loses its meaning and is grammatically incorrect.

Here’s an example to help clarify:

• Incorrect: “Thats a beautiful dress.”
• Correct: “That’s a beautiful dress.”

Without the apostrophe, “thats” doesn’t convey that we’re using a contraction. It makes the sentence appear incomplete or unprofessional. So, remember this: when you see “thats,” it’s always wrong.

The Key Difference Between ‘That’s’ and ‘Thats’

So, why is the apostrophe so important? Here’s the short answer: It indicates possession or contraction. Without it, your sentence can become unclear or grammatically off. This is the fundamental difference between “that’s” and “thats.”

“That’s” – A Contraction

As we’ve already mentioned, “that’s” is a contraction of “that is” or “that has.” Contractions help language flow more naturally, making conversations sound more like real speech. For example:

• “That’s what I’m talking about.”
• “That’s been a great week.”

“Thats” – A Nonexistent Word

On the other hand, “thats” is simply not recognized as a legitimate word in English. It lacks the apostrophe that would make it a contraction, rendering it incorrect. In professional writing, using “thats” would make your work look unpolished, and in more casual writing, it might confuse your reader.

Why the Apostrophe Matters in Contractions

In English, the apostrophe plays an important role in contractions. It indicates that some letters have been removed. This allows words to become shorter, making sentences flow more easily without losing meaning.

For example:

• “I am” becomes “I’m.”
• “Do not” becomes “don’t.”
• “That is” becomes “that’s.”

Without the apostrophe, it would be hard to distinguish between the words and their full forms. This makes apostrophes vital in keeping sentences clear and understandable.

In the case of “that’s,” the apostrophe represents the missing letter “i” from “that is.” If the apostrophe isn’t there, you don’t have the proper contraction, and the sentence becomes incorrect.

Examples of ‘That’s’ in Everyday Use

Now that we understand what “that’s” means and why the apostrophe matters, let’s explore how we can use “that’s” correctly in different contexts. You’ll see how easily it fits into both conversational speech and written communication.

In Conversations

In everyday conversation, contractions like “that’s” are frequently used to keep speech natural and fluid. Here are a few examples:

• “That’s a great idea, let’s do it.”
• “That’s exactly what I was thinking.”

In Writing

“That’s” is just as important in writing, whether it’s formal or informal. You might use it in emails, essays, or even text messages. Here’s how it fits:

• “That’s the report I was looking for.”
• “That’s the last piece of the puzzle.”

As you can see, “that’s” works seamlessly in both written and spoken language, helping to simplify complex sentences and making communication more efficient.

What Happens When ‘Thats’ Appears in Your Writing

When you use “thats” instead of “that’s,” it doesn’t just sound wrong—it affects how others perceive your writing. It can undermine your credibility and make you appear less professional.

For example, imagine you’re sending a job application. Using “thats” instead of “that’s” can create a negative impression, suggesting that you didn’t take the time to proofread or check your grammar. It’s a small mistake, but it can have a bigger impact than you might think.

Common Places You’ll See This Mistake:

• Text messages: People often make this error when typing quickly.
• Social media posts: It’s easy to overlook the apostrophe when posting something casually.
• Essays or reports: This mistake can slip by unnoticed, especially if you’re focused on bigger issues like structure or content.

But no matter where it appears, it’s essential to correct this error for clarity and accuracy.

How to Avoid the ‘Thats’ Mistake

So how can you avoid making this mistake? Here are a few tips that will help:

1. Remember the Apostrophe

Whenever you want to use the contraction for “that is” or “that has,” make sure to include the apostrophe. If you find yourself unsure, ask, “Would ‘that is’ or ‘that has’ make sense here?” If it does, you’ll need “that’s”.

2. Proofread Carefully

Proofreading your writing can help you catch small errors, including misspellings like “thats.” When you read through your work, pay special attention to contractions. This is especially important for formal writing where clarity is essential.

3. Use Grammar Check Tools

There are many grammar-checking tools available, like Grammarly or ProWritingAid, that can catch mistakes in real-time. These tools will flag “thats” as an error, helping you make corrections on the spot.

Conclusion: Mastering the Use of ‘That’s’ and Avoiding ‘Thats’

In summary, using “that’s” correctly is a small but significant detail in improving your writing. The apostrophe helps clarify your message and ensures grammatical accuracy. On the other hand, “thats” without the apostrophe is simply a mistake—one that can impact how your writing is received.

Remember, whenever you use “that’s,” it’s shorthand for “that is” or “that has”. If you catch yourself typing “thats,” simply pause and add the apostrophe to make the word correct.

By mastering this simple rule, you’ll ensure your writing stays polished, professional, and easily understood.

FAQs: ‘That’s’ vs. ‘Thats’

1. Is ‘thats’ ever correct in any context?

No, ‘thats’ is never grammatically correct in English. It is always a mistake. The correct contraction is “that’s”, which stands for “that is” or “that has.”

2. When should I use ‘that’s’?

Use “that’s” when you are shortening “that is” or “that has.” Examples:

• “That’s a beautiful sunset.” (That is)
• “That’s been an exciting journey.” (That has)

3. Can ‘that’s’ be used in formal writing?

Yes, but use it carefully. In professional or academic writing, contractions like “that’s” may be considered too casual. In these cases, it’s better to write out the full phrase: “that is” or “that has.”

4. How can I remember to avoid ‘thats’?

A simple trick: Whenever you write ‘thats,’ try expanding it into “that is” or “that has.” If it doesn’t make sense, you likely need to revise it. Also, proofreading and grammar tools can catch this mistake.

5. Are there other contractions similar to ‘that’s’?

Yes! English has many contractions formed with apostrophes, such as:

• “It’s” (It is / It has)
• “What’s” (What is / What has)
• “There’s” (There is / There has)