Many people pause when typing thats or that’s. Should there be an apostrophe? Or not? This small mark causes big confusion.
You may search this keyword because:
- Your grammar checker flagged it.
- You’re writing an email or blog post.
- You want to avoid mistakes in exams.
- You want clear, professional writing.
The confusion is simple. One form is correct in standard English. The other is usually wrong.
This guide gives you a quick answer, clear rules, real examples, and expert advice. By the end, you’ll never mix them up again.
Thats or That’s – Quick Answer
Correct form: that’s
Wrong form (in standard English): thats
That’s is a contraction. It means:
- that is
- that has
Examples:
- That’s my car. (That is my car.)
- That’s been done already. (That has been done already.)
Thats without an apostrophe is not correct in modern standard English.
Simple rule:
If you mean that is or that has, use that’s.
The Origin of Thats or That’s
The word that comes from Old English. Over time, English speakers began shortening phrases in speech.
In Early Modern English, contractions became common. For example:
- do not → don’t
- cannot → can’t
- that is → that’s
The apostrophe shows missing letters. In that’s, the apostrophe replaces the letter i in is or part of has.
The spelling difference exists because English uses apostrophes to mark contractions. Without the apostrophe, the word loses its meaning.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no difference between British and American English for this word.
Both use:
- ✅ that’s
- ❌ thats
Unlike words such as color/colour, this spelling does not change.
Comparison Table
| Form | Meaning | British English | American English |
| that’s | that is / that has | Correct | Correct |
| thats | No meaning | Incorrect | Incorrect |
Both grammar systems follow the same rule.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
If your audience is in the US:
Use that’s.
If your audience is in the UK or Commonwealth:
Use that’s.
If your audience is global:
Use that’s.
There is no regional variation. Always include the apostrophe when using the contraction.
In very formal writing, you may write the full form instead:
- That is correct.
- That has been confirmed.
This sounds more formal.
Common Mistakes with Thats or That’s
Here are frequent errors:
1. Missing apostrophe
❌ Thats my book.
✅ That’s my book.
2. Confusing it with possessive
People think it works like John’s car.
But that’s is never possessive.
3. Using thats in formal writing
Spell-check may not always catch it. Always check manually.
4. Overusing contractions in formal work
In academic writing, write that is instead of that’s.
Thats or That’s in Everyday Examples
Emails
- That’s perfect. Thank you.
- That’s what we discussed yesterday.
News
- That’s the latest update from the team.
Social Media
- That’s amazing!
- That’s so funny 😂
Formal Writing
- That is the final result.
- That has been approved by management.
Use full forms in reports and research papers.
Thats or That’s – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows that many users type thats or that’s because they feel unsure about the apostrophe.
In countries like:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
The correct form that’s is far more common in books, news, and academic writing.
Search queries increase during school exam seasons. Students often check grammar rules before tests.
In digital writing, thats appears in casual typing. But it is still considered incorrect in standard English.
Comparison Table: Keyword Variations
| Variation | Correct? | Meaning | Usage Level |
| that’s | Yes | that is / that has | Standard English |
| thats | No | None | Informal error |
| that is | Yes | Full form | Formal writing |
| that has | Yes | Full form | Formal writing |
FAQs
1. Is thats ever correct?
No. It is considered incorrect in modern English.
2. What does that’s stand for?
It means that is or that has.
3. Is that’s possessive?
No. It is only a contraction.
4. Can I use that’s in academic writing?
It is better to use that is in formal academic work.
5. Why do people forget the apostrophe?
Fast typing and texting habits cause the mistake.
6. Is there a British spelling without an apostrophe?
No. Both British and American English use that’s.
7. How can I remember the rule?
If you can replace it with that is, use that’s.
Conclusion
The difference between thats or that’s is simple. Only one form is correct in standard English. Use that’s when you mean that is or that has.
The apostrophe shows missing letters. Without it, the word becomes incorrect.
There is no difference between British and American English. Both follow the same rule.
In formal writing, use the full form that is or that has. In casual writing, that’s is fine.
If you remember one thing, remember this test:
Replace it with that is. If the sentence still makes sense, write that’s.
Small grammar details build strong writing. Now you know the rule. That’s it.
Read More:
Cockroach or Beetle – What’s the Real Difference?
I’m Daniel Whitmore, a content writer who focuses on English grammar, spelling mistakes, and word usage. I write clear, simple, and helpful articles to make English easier for students, writers, and everyday readers.
