If you’ve ever paused before typing thats or that’s, you’re not alone. One tiny apostrophe can change whether your writing looks polished or careless. Whether you’re sending an email, writing an essay, posting on social media, or preparing a business document, knowing the correct form helps you communicate clearly and confidently.
The Quick Answer: Is “That’s” Ever Correct?
The short answer is no. In standard English, “thats” is not a correct word. The correct form is “that’s,” which includes an apostrophe.
An apostrophe isn’t optional here. It shows that letters have been omitted from a longer phrase. Without it, the word becomes a spelling error in formal and standard written English.
Here’s the simplest rule to remember:
| Word | Correct? | Meaning |
| That’s | ✅ Yes | Contraction of that is, or that has |
| Thats | ❌ No | Incorrect spelling in standard English |
If you’re writing for school, work, a website, or even a professional social media profile, always choose that.
A Quick Test You Can Use
An easy way to check your sentence is to replace that’s with that is.
If the sentence still makes sense, you’ve used it correctly.
Examples
- That’s my favorite restaurant.
- That is my favorite restaurant. ✅
Another example:
- That’s exactly what I wanted.
- That is exactly what I wanted. ✅
Now try this:
- That’s exactly what I wanted.
Since that isn’t a recognized English word, the sentence is incorrect before you even test it.
When “That’s” Means “That Is”
Most of the time, that’s is simply a contraction of that is.
Consider these examples:
- That’s the answer I was looking for.
- That’s why grammar matters.
- That’s an interesting idea.
- That’s the fastest route home.
In each sentence, replacing that’s with that is keeps the meaning unchanged.
| Original Sentence | Expanded Form |
| That’s helpful. | That is helpful. |
| That’s my laptop. | That is my laptop. |
| That’s a great example. | That is a great example. |
This is the most common use you’ll encounter in everyday English.
When “That’s” Means “That Has”
Less commonly, that’s can also mean that has.
You’ll usually see this before a past participle.
For example:
- That’s been a busy week.
- That’s happened before.
- That’s become much easier over time.
Expanded versions:
- That has been a busy week.
- That has happened before.
- That has become much easier over time.
Notice that replacing that’s with that is wouldn’t make sense in these examples. That’s your clue that the contraction stands for that has instead.
How Context Reveals the Meaning
English relies heavily on context. Although that’s can represent two different phrases, readers almost never become confused because the rest of the sentence provides the answer.
For example:
That’s my phone.
Here, that is fits naturally.
Now compare it with:
That’s already been fixed.
In this case, that has is the only logical expansion.
Understanding this small distinction helps you read and write more confidently without stopping to analyze every sentence.
Why the Apostrophe Matters
Many people think the apostrophe is just punctuation, but it carries meaning.
In contractions, the apostrophe shows that letters have been removed.
For that’s, the missing letter is “i” from is or the letters omitted when shortening has into the contraction.
Without the apostrophe, the contraction no longer exists. That’s why thats is treated as a spelling mistake rather than an alternative form.
Common Examples You’ll See Every Day
Correct:
- That’s exactly right.
- That’s what I meant.
- That’s enough for today.
- That’s where we met.
- That’s all you need to know.
Incorrect:
- Thats exactly right.
- Thats what I meant.
- Thats enough for today.
Although many people accidentally type the incorrect version in text messages or online comments, it shouldn’t appear in polished writing.
A Simple Memory Trick
One practical habit can prevent this mistake almost every time.
Whenever you type that’s, pause for a second and mentally replace it with that is.
This quick check takes only a moment, yet it can eliminate one of the most common punctuation mistakes in English.
Quick Reference Table
| Question | Answer |
| Is thats a correct English word? | No |
| Is that’s correct? | Yes |
| What does that’s mean? | That is or that has |
| Is thats acceptable in formal writing? | No |
| Should you always use the apostrophe? | Yes, when writing that’s as a contraction |
Learning this single grammar rule makes your writing clearer, more professional, and easier to understand. Once you recognize that that’s is simply a contraction for that is or that has, choosing the correct form becomes almost automatic. In the next section, you’ll see exactly why “thats” is grammatically incorrect, how apostrophes work, and why this small punctuation mark plays such an important role in standard English.
Why “Thats” Is Incorrect: Understanding the Grammar Rule Behind the Apostrophe
Many English mistakes happen because a word looks understandable even when it breaks a grammar rule. Thats is a perfect example. Most readers can guess what someone means when they see it, but standard English still considers it incorrect because it removes a punctuation mark that carries meaning.
The apostrophe in that’s is not decoration. It tells the reader that the word is a shortened form of another phrase. Without it, the connection between the original words disappears.
The Missing Apostrophe in “Thats”
An apostrophe often shows that letters have been removed from a word or phrase. These shortened forms are called contractions.
For example:
| Full Phrase | Contraction | Missing Letters |
| I am | I’m | “a” |
| Do not | Don’t | “o” |
| It is | It’s | “i” |
| That is | That’s | “i” |
When you write thats, you remove the apostrophe that tells readers a contraction exists.
Compare these:
- That’s a beautiful painting. ✅
- Thats a beautiful painting. ❌
The first sentence clearly means:
- That is a beautiful painting.
The second sentence removes the signal that connects the shortened word to its original form.
Why English Uses Apostrophes in Contractions
English contains thousands of contractions because they make communication faster and more natural.
People rarely speak using the complete forms all the time.
For example:
Formal:
That is something you should remember.
Natural conversation:
That’s something you should remember.
Both sentences have the same meaning, but the second version sounds more like everyday speech.
Apostrophes allow writers to capture this natural rhythm while keeping the grammar correct.
Contractions vs. Possessives: A Common Source of Confusion
One reason people struggle with that’s is that apostrophes have more than one job.
They can show:
- A contraction
- Ownership or possession
These two uses follow different rules.
Apostrophes for Contractions
A contraction combines two words into one shorter word.
Examples:
| Full Words | Correct Contraction |
| That is | That’s |
| It is | It’s |
| Who is | Who’s |
| They are | They’re |
The apostrophe replaces missing letters.
Apostrophes for Possession
Apostrophes can also show that something belongs to someone or something.
Examples:
- Sarah’s book = the book belongs to Sarah
- The dog’s collar = the collar belongs to the dog
- The company’s policy = the policy belongs to the company
However, that’s is not possessive.
This is where many learners get confused because words like its and it’s work differently.
Compare:
- That’s the correct answer.
Meaning: That is the correct answer. - The dog wagged its tail.
Meaning: the tail belongs to the dog.
The apostrophe changes the purpose of the word.
Why “Thats” Looks Correct to Many People
The human brain often focuses on meaning before spelling. When someone reads thats, they usually understand the intended message immediately.
This happens because our brains recognize patterns rather than analyzing every individual letter.
For example:
I cn raed tihs snetnce eevn wtih msisng lteters.
Many people can understand this because the overall pattern remains familiar.
However, recognizing a word does not mean the spelling is correct.
The same idea applies to thats. It may look familiar, but standard grammar still requires the apostrophe.
The Role of Standard English Rules
Language changes over time, but some rules exist to maintain consistency.
Standard English helps people from different backgrounds understand each other. When everyone follows the same spelling conventions, communication becomes smoother.
For professional and academic writing, small details matter because they influence how readers judge accuracy.
A missing apostrophe may not change the meaning of a sentence, but repeated grammar mistakes can affect how trustworthy the writing feels.
Examples of “Thats” Mistakes and Corrections
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
| Thats a good point. | That’s a good point. | “That is” a good point |
| I think thats true. | I think that’s true. | “That is” true |
| Thats been difficult. | That’s been difficult. | “That has” been difficult |
| Thats why I called. | That’s why I called. | “That is” why |
Seeing the pattern repeatedly helps build a natural grammar habit.
A Simple Rule to Remember
Whenever you are unsure between thats and that’s, ask yourself:
“Am I shortening the words that is or that has?”
If the answer is yes, use:
That’s
If you are trying to show ownership, rewrite the sentence because that’s does not show possession.
A quick check before publishing an email, assignment, or article can prevent this tiny error from distracting your readers.
Why This Small Mistake Matters in Writing
A single missing apostrophe may seem insignificant, especially in casual conversations. However, writing represents attention to detail.
Readers often form opinions quickly. A well-written message feels reliable, while repeated errors can make the writer appear careless.
This does not mean one typo defines someone’s ability. Everyone makes mistakes. The goal is simply to understand the rule so you can avoid repeating the same error.
Once you understand why thats is incorrect, the solution becomes straightforward: whenever you mean that is or that has, write that’s with the apostrophe.
Why People Make the Mistake of Writing “Thats” Instead of “That’s”
Even though thats is grammatically incorrect, many people still type it regularly. The mistake usually does not happen because someone does not understand English. More often, it happens because of speed, technology, habits, and the way people communicate online.
Modern writing happens quickly. People send messages while walking, working, or multitasking. A missing apostrophe can easily slip through when the brain focuses more on the message than the small details.
Understanding why this mistake happens makes it easier to prevent it.
Typing Speed and Automatic Writing Habits
One of the biggest reasons people write thats is simple: they type too quickly.
On a keyboard, adding an apostrophe requires an extra movement. On many phones, users need to switch keyboard options or press a smaller key. When someone writes dozens of messages every day, they may skip small punctuation marks without noticing.
For example:
- That’s what I thought. ✅
- Thats what I thought. ❌
The writer usually knows the correct spelling. The error happens because the fingers move faster than the proofreading process.
This is similar to typing:
- dont instead of don’t
- cant instead of can’t
- wont instead of won’t
The meaning remains clear, but the punctuation disappears.
Predictive Text and Autocorrect Problems
Technology has changed the way people write. Smartphones and computers now predict words, correct spelling, and complete sentences automatically.
While these tools are helpful, they are not perfect.
Sometimes:
- A keyboard learns incorrect habits.
- Autocorrect accepts informal spelling patterns.
- A user ignores suggestions because they are typing quickly.
- Different apps handle grammar differently.
For example, a messaging app may allow thats because users commonly type it. However, acceptance by a keyboard does not mean the word follows proper English grammar.
Grammar tools should support your writing, not replace your understanding.
A useful approach is:
- Type naturally.
- Review important messages.
- Check words with apostrophes.
- Correct mistakes before publishing.
Informal Messaging and Social Media Influence
Online communication has created a more relaxed writing environment.
People often remove punctuation in:
- Text messages
- Social media comments
- Online chats
- Gaming conversations
A sentence like:
thats amazing
may appear thousands of times online because casual platforms encourage speed over accuracy.
The problem begins when these informal habits move into formal situations.
A person who regularly types without apostrophes may accidentally carry that habit into:
- Job applications
- Professional emails
- School assignments
- Business documents
The difference between casual and professional writing matters.
A quick message to a friend and a message to a customer have different expectations.
Lack of Proofreading
Another common reason people write thats is skipping the final review.
Many writers focus on the bigger parts of communication:
- Is the information correct?
- Did I explain my idea?
- Did I include all important details?
Small grammar points often receive less attention.
However, proofreading catches simple mistakes before they reach the reader.
A short review can reveal:
- Missing apostrophes
- Repeated words
- Spelling mistakes
- Incorrect punctuation
For example:
Before proofreading:
I think thats the best option for our project.
After proofreading:
I think that’s the best option for our project.
The correction takes one second but improves the overall quality.
Mobile Keyboard Challenges
Phones create another layer of difficulty.
Small screens, fast thumbs, and automatic suggestions can make punctuation mistakes more common.
Many users also avoid apostrophes because they believe readers will understand the message anyway.
In casual communication, that may be true. However, consistent habits shape future writing.
If someone writes:
- thats
- dont
- cant
- youre
every day, their brain begins accepting those patterns as normal.
Building correct habits early makes professional writing much easier later.
The Difference Between Knowing and Applying Grammar Rules
Many people understand the rule behind that’s but still make the mistake.
Grammar knowledge and grammar practice are different skills.
Someone may know:
“That’s means that is or that has.”
Yet they may still type:
“Thats correct.”
because writing happens automatically.
This is similar to learning a sport. Knowing the rules does not guarantee perfect performance. Repetition creates better habits.
The goal is not to memorize grammar rules constantly. The goal is to make correct writing feel natural.
Real Examples of How the Mistake Happens
Example: Quick Text Message
Before:
thats exactly what I needed
After:
that’s exactly what I needed
The writer likely understood the sentence but skipped punctuation.
Example: Workplace Message
Before:
Thats the report I mentioned during the meeting.
After:
That’s the report I mentioned during the meeting.
In a professional environment, small corrections create a more polished impression.
Example: Blog Content
Before:
Thats why readers trust accurate information.
After:
That’s why readers trust accurate information.
Online content represents a brand. Correct grammar helps maintain credibility.
How to Build Better Writing Habits
Avoiding thats becomes easier when you create simple routines.
Try these habits:
| Habit | How It Helps |
| Slow down slightly while typing | Reduces accidental mistakes |
| Review important messages | Finds errors before sending |
| Learn common contractions | Makes correct spelling automatic |
| Read quality writing | Builds natural language patterns |
| Use grammar tools wisely | Provides extra support |
Small improvements create long-term results.
A Simple Mental Shortcut
When you type thats, train yourself to ask:
“Does this mean that is or that has?”
If yes, add the apostrophe:
that’s
This tiny question works because it connects the spelling with the meaning.
Grammar becomes easier when you understand the reason behind the rule instead of memorizing it without context.
The mistake between thats or that’s is small, but it reveals an important lesson about English: tiny details often carry meaning. In the next section, we’ll look at real-world examples of that’s in emails, academic writing, business communication, and everyday online conversations.
Real-World Examples of “That’s” in Everyday Writing
The difference between thats or that’s becomes especially important when you move from casual conversations to professional communication. While many people understand the meaning of that’s even when it appears incorrectly as thats, written language depends on accuracy, consistency, and clarity.
A single apostrophe may seem small, but small details often shape how readers perceive your writing. The way you write an email, article, report, or social media post can influence whether people see your message as reliable and professional.
Using “That’s” Correctly in Emails
Emails are one of the most common places where grammar mistakes appear. People often write quickly because they want to respond immediately. However, workplace emails represent you and your organization.
Compare these examples:
Incorrect:
Thats the information I needed before moving forward.
Correct:
That’s the information I needed before moving forward.
The corrected version looks more polished because it follows standard English rules.
Professional emails often contain phrases like:
- That’s correct.
- That’s a great suggestion.
- That’s exactly what we discussed.
- That’s the document you requested.
In each case, that’s replaces that is.
Why Email Accuracy Matters
A single grammar mistake will not ruin an email. Everyone makes occasional errors. However, repeated mistakes can affect how readers judge attention to detail.
For example, imagine receiving two messages:
Email A:
Thats the updated proposal. Let me know if you have questions.
Email B:
That’s the updated proposal. Let me know if you have questions.
The information is identical, but Email B feels more carefully written.
Professional communication is not only about what you say. It is also about how clearly you present it.
“That’s” in Academic Writing
Students often wonder whether contractions like that’s belong in academic writing.
The answer depends on the style guide and the type of assignment.
Formal academic writing often prefers avoiding contractions. For example:
Instead of:
That’s an important factor in climate research.
A formal paper might use:
That is an important factor in climate research.
However, if a contraction is appropriate for the assignment, interview response, reflection paper, or less formal academic work, that’s is grammatically correct.
The important point is this:
If you use the contraction, spell it correctly.
Never replace it with thats.
Academic Examples
Incorrect:
Thats why researchers continue studying this topic.
Correct:
That’s why researchers continue studying this topic.
More formal alternative:
That is why researchers continue studying this topic.
Both corrected versions work. The choice depends on the writing style.
“That’s” in Business Writing
Business communication requires precision. Companies use written messages to communicate with customers, employees, partners, and investors.
A small grammar mistake may distract readers from the actual message.
Examples:
Incorrect:
Thats the strategy we should follow this year.
Correct:
That’s the strategy we should follow this year.
Business writing frequently uses phrases such as:
| Phrase | Meaning |
| That’s our goal | That is our goal |
| That’s the reason | That is the reason |
| That’s been successful | That has been successful |
| That’s what customers expect | That is what customers expect |
Using correct grammar helps businesses maintain a professional image.
“That’s” in Social Media Posts
Social media has changed writing habits. People often write quickly, use abbreviations, and skip punctuation.
A post like:
thats amazing!
is common online, but the correct version remains:
that’s amazing!
Even short posts represent your personal or professional identity.
For creators, business owners, and brands, grammar mistakes can affect audience perception.
A social media audience may notice:
- Incorrect spelling
- Missing punctuation
- Confusing word choices
- Poor sentence structure
Good writing does not require complicated vocabulary. It requires clear communication.
“That’s” in Website Content and Blog Writing
Online content depends heavily on trust. Readers decide quickly whether they believe a website is credible.
Imagine reading an article that explains grammar rules but repeatedly uses:
thats
instead of:
that’s
The mistake creates doubt because the topic itself requires language accuracy.
Blog writers should pay attention to small details because content quality affects:
- Reader trust
- Brand reputation
- Search engine quality signals
- User experience
Clear writing helps readers stay engaged.
Common Everyday Sentences With “That’s”
Here are examples you may hear or write every day:
| Sentence | Full Meaning |
| That’s my favorite movie. | That is my favorite movie. |
| That’s why I called you. | That is why I called you. |
| That’s been difficult. | That has been difficult. |
| That’s exactly what happened. | That is exactly what happened. |
| That’s all I wanted to say. | That is all I wanted to say. |
Recognizing these patterns makes the correct spelling automatic.
A Practical Comparison: Casual vs Professional Writing
| Situation | Casual Version | Professional Version |
| Text message | that’s great | that’s great |
| Work email | thats great ❌ | that’s great ✅ |
| School assignment | thats important ❌ | that’s important ✅ |
| Social post | thats amazing ❌ | that’s amazing ✅ |
The platform may change, but the spelling rule stays the same.
Why Readers Notice Small Grammar Mistakes
People often underestimate the impact of small errors. A missing apostrophe does not usually stop someone from understanding your message, but it can interrupt the reading experience.
Think of grammar like a clean road. When everything works smoothly, readers focus on the destination—the idea you are sharing. Mistakes act like bumps that briefly distract them.
Good writing removes unnecessary obstacles.
A Simple Review Method Before Publishing
Before sending an important message, check common contraction mistakes.
Look for:
- thats → that’s
- dont → don’t
- cant → can’t
- wont → won’t
- its/it’s confusion
A 30-second review can improve the quality of your communication.
The correct use of that’s appears everywhere—from workplace emails to online conversations. Once you understand how this small contraction works, you can avoid a common grammar mistake and make your writing appear more accurate, professional, and trustworthy. The next section explains how a tiny error like thats can influence credibility and why attention to grammar matters in professional settings.
How Grammar Mistakes Like “Thats” Affect Your Credibility
Apostrophes may look small, but they play a big role in written communication. When someone reads thats instead of that’s, they usually understand the intended meaning. However, the mistake can still influence how they view the writer’s attention to detail.
Writing is not only about transferring information. It also communicates professionalism, care, and reliability. A well-written message creates confidence, while repeated grammar mistakes can make readers question the quality behind the words.
This is especially important in situations where your writing represents you, such as job applications, business communication, academic work, and online publishing.
The Professional Impact of Small Grammar Errors
In professional environments, people often make quick judgments based on written communication.
A customer reading a company email, a manager reviewing a report, or a recruiter reading an application may notice language mistakes even when they do not mention them.
A missing apostrophe does not automatically mean someone lacks knowledge. However, frequent errors can create a pattern that affects perception.
For example:
Message A:
Thats the solution we recommend for your account.
Message B:
That’s the solution we recommend for your account.
The difference is only one character, but Message B appears more polished.
Professional writing depends on many small details working together:
- Correct spelling
- Proper punctuation
- Clear sentence structure
- Accurate word choices
- Consistent formatting
These details create a stronger overall impression.
Why Accuracy Builds Reader Trust
Trust develops when readers feel that a writer pays attention.
Consider two websites that provide grammar advice. One website consistently uses correct forms like:
- that’s
- it’s
- you’re
- they’re
The other website frequently contains basic mistakes.
Even if both websites provide similar information, many readers will naturally trust the first one more.
This happens because accuracy acts as a signal.
Readers often think:
“If this writer checks small details, they probably checked the important ones too.”
Grammar is not the only measure of expertise, but it supports credibility.
Case Study: How a Small Grammar Mistake Can Change Perception
Imagine a company sending a marketing email to thousands of customers.
The message says:
Thats why our customers choose us every year.
The meaning is clear. Customers understand the sentence. However, some readers may notice the missing apostrophe.
Now imagine the same sentence corrected:
That’s why our customers choose us every year.
The corrected version feels smoother and more professional.
The company did not change its message. It only corrected a small grammar detail.
This example shows an important lesson:
Small mistakes rarely destroy communication, but polished writing strengthens it.
Grammar Mistakes in Job Applications
Job seekers often underestimate the importance of grammar.
A resume, cover letter, or professional email creates a first impression before an interview happens.
Recruiters may review hundreds of applications. Small details can influence which candidates appear more prepared.
Common mistakes include:
- Writing thats instead of that’s
- Confusing your and you’re
- Using incorrect punctuation
- Leaving spelling errors in important documents
A strong application shows that the writer can communicate carefully.
Grammar and Online Reputation
Today, many people build their reputation online through:
- Blogs
- Social media
- Newsletters
- Professional profiles
- Business websites
Online content stays visible. A small mistake can be seen by many people over time.
For content creators and businesses, language quality matters because readers associate the writing with the brand.
A professional website does not need complicated vocabulary. It needs:
| Writing Quality | Reader Response |
| Clear and accurate | Feels trustworthy |
| Simple and organized | Easy to understand |
| Frequent grammar errors | May feel less reliable |
Good communication creates a better user experience.
Why Grammar Accuracy Matters in Digital Content
Search engines focus heavily on helpful, high-quality content. While a single apostrophe mistake will not decide rankings, overall content quality matters.
Well-maintained content usually includes:
- Accurate information
- Clear explanations
- Natural language
- Good readability
- Proper grammar
For educational topics like Thats or That’s – Which Is Correct?, accuracy becomes even more important because readers expect reliable language guidance.
A grammar article with repeated spelling mistakes creates unnecessary doubt.
The Psychology Behind Small Details
Humans naturally notice patterns.
When readers see clean writing, they move through the content without interruption. When they encounter repeated errors, their attention shifts from the message to the mistake.
It is similar to watching a movie with constant background noise. The story may still make sense, but the distractions reduce the experience.
Good grammar removes those distractions.
How to Balance Perfection and Natural Communication
Some people become afraid of writing because they worry about making mistakes. The goal is not to create stress around every sentence.
Effective writing comes from balance.
A practical approach:
- Write your first draft naturally.
- Review important sections.
- Correct obvious mistakes.
- Keep your original voice.
Grammar supports communication. It should not prevent communication.
Quick Checklist Before You Send Written Content
Before sending an important message, ask:
| Question | Purpose |
| Did I use that’s correctly? | Checks contraction usage |
| Did I review apostrophes? | Finds common punctuation errors |
| Does the message sound clear? | Improves understanding |
| Would I feel comfortable sharing this publicly? | Checks professionalism |
This simple habit prevents many avoidable mistakes.
Key Lesson About “Thats” and “That’s”
The difference between thats or that’s is only one apostrophe, but that small mark carries meaning. It shows that the word is a contraction of that is or that has.
Using the correct form helps your writing look careful, clear, and professional.
The next part will focus on practical methods to permanently avoid writing thats, including editing habits, memory tricks, and simple grammar checks you can use every day.
How to Never Write “Thats” Again: Simple Ways to Remember the Correct Form
Knowing the rule behind thats or that’s is helpful, but turning that knowledge into a habit is what prevents future mistakes. Many people understand that that’s needs an apostrophe yet still type thats when they write quickly.
The solution is not memorizing complicated grammar terms. Instead, build a few simple checks into your writing routine.
A small pause before sending a message, publishing an article, or submitting an assignment can save you from repeating the same mistake.
Use the “That Is” Test
The easiest way to check that’s is to replace it with that is.
If the sentence still sounds correct, use that’s.
Examples:
Sentence:
That’s the book I wanted.
Test:
That is the book I wanted.
The sentence still works, so that’s is correct.
Another example:
That’s why people remember this rule.
Test:
That is why people remember this rule.
Again, the meaning remains clear.
However, remember that that’s can also mean that has.
Example:
That’s been a challenging year.
Test:
That has been a challenging year.
This also works.
The test helps because it connects the spelling with the meaning instead of treating grammar as a random rule.
Read Your Sentence Out Loud
Reading your writing aloud is one of the simplest editing techniques available.
When you speak a sentence, your brain processes the meaning differently. You may notice mistakes that your eyes ignored while reading silently.
For example:
Written quickly:
Thats the reason I started learning grammar.
Read aloud:
Thats the reason I started learning grammar.
Your brain may recognize that the sentence needs the natural pause created by that’s.
Reading aloud helps identify:
- Missing apostrophes
- Awkward wording
- Repeated phrases
- Unclear sentences
It works especially well for emails, articles, and longer documents.
Create a Personal Editing Checklist
A checklist makes proofreading faster because you know exactly what to look for.
Instead of reviewing every word randomly, focus on common mistakes.
A simple grammar checklist:
| Check | Example |
| Apostrophes | thats → that’s |
| Contractions | dont → don’t |
| Possessives | its vs. it’s |
| Subject words | your vs. you’re |
| Spelling | Common typing errors |
You can keep this checklist near your workspace or save it digitally.
Over time, checking these errors becomes automatic.
Use Grammar Tools Wisely
Grammar tools can help identify mistakes, but they should not replace learning.
Tools can catch:
- Missing apostrophes
- Spelling errors
- Sentence problems
- Punctuation issues
However, automated suggestions are not always perfect.
A grammar checker may understand that thats should become that’s, but it may not explain why.
Understanding the reason makes you better at writing in the future.
The best approach combines:
- Your own knowledge
- Careful proofreading
- Helpful technology
Slow Down at the End of Writing
Many mistakes happen during the final moments before sending.
People often write a message, quickly scan it, and press send.
The final review deserves attention because it catches small errors.
Try this simple habit:
- Finish writing.
- Wait a few seconds.
- Read the message again.
- Check common mistakes.
- Send it.
This short pause works like a quality-control step.
Professional writers, editors, and content creators use similar review processes because even experienced writers make mistakes.
Practice With Common Sentences
Repeated practice builds stronger language habits.
Try rewriting these sentences correctly:
Incorrect:
Thats the best explanation I have found.
Correct:
That’s the best explanation I have found.
Incorrect:
I know thats difficult.
Correct:
I know that’s difficult.
Incorrect:
Thats been my experience too.
Correct:
That’s been my experience too.
The more often you see the correct pattern, the faster your brain recognizes it.
Build Better Digital Writing Habits
Modern communication happens mostly through digital devices. Because of this, writing habits develop through repetition.
If you frequently type without punctuation, your brain may begin accepting incomplete forms.
Improve your digital writing by:
- Keeping autocorrect enabled
- Reviewing important messages
- Avoiding rushed replies when accuracy matters
- Practicing correct contractions
- Reading well-written content regularly
Small habits create noticeable improvements.
Common Memory Tricks for “That’s”
Simple reminders can make grammar rules easier to remember.
Trick One: Expand the Word
Ask:
Can I replace it with “that is” or “that has”?
If yes:
Use that’s
Trick Two: Look for the Missing Letters
The apostrophe represents missing letters.
- That is → That’s
- That has → That’s
The apostrophe shows the shortened form.
Trick Three: Remember “Thats” Has No Job
A useful way to think about it:
That’s has a purpose. It combines words.
Thats does not perform a grammatical function in standard English.
How Writers Can Avoid Repeating the Mistake
For bloggers, students, professionals, and anyone who writes regularly, consistency matters.
A strong writing process includes:
| Stage | Action |
| Drafting | Write ideas freely |
| Reviewing | Check grammar and clarity |
| Editing | Fix punctuation and spelling |
| Publishing | Share the final version |
Separating writing and editing makes it easier to notice small errors.
A Final Practice Exercise
Choose the correct option:
- ___ the best decision we can make.
- Thats
- That’s ✅
- I think ___ been explained already.
- thats
- that’s ✅
- ___ why this rule matters.
- That’s ✅
- Thats
These examples reinforce the difference between correct and incorrect forms.
Mastering that’s does not require advanced grammar knowledge. A simple understanding of contractions, regular proofreading, and a few practical habits can eliminate this mistake permanently. The same strategies also help with other commonly confused words such as it’s and its, who’s and whose, and let’s and lets.
Commonly Confused Words Related to “That’s”: Grammar Mistakes You Can Easily Avoid
Understanding thats or that’s is one step toward better writing, but English has many other word pairs that create similar confusion. These words often look almost identical, sound similar, or use apostrophes in different ways.
The good news is that once you understand the pattern behind contractions and possession, many of these mistakes become much easier to avoid.
Apostrophes usually have a clear purpose:
- They show missing letters in contractions.
- They show ownership in possessive forms.
The challenge comes when two words look almost the same but serve completely different roles.
“It’s” vs. “Its”
The confusion between it’s and its is one of the most common grammar problems in English.
“It’s” Means “It Is” or “It Has”
Like that’s, it’s is a contraction.
Examples:
- It’s raining outside.
- It’s been a great experience.
Expanded forms:
- It is raining outside.
- It has been a great experience.
“Its” Shows Possession
Unlike it’s, the word its shows that something belongs to something else.
Examples:
- The dog wagged its tail.
- The company changed its policy.
- The tree lost its leaves.
A simple test:
If you can replace the word with it is or it has, use it’s.
If you are showing ownership, use its.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| It’s | It is / It has | It’s a beautiful day |
| Its | Belonging to it | The bird cleaned its feathers |
“Who’s” vs. “Whose”
Another common mistake appears with who’s and whose.
“Who’s” Means “Who Is” or “Who Has”
Examples:
- Who’s coming to the meeting?
- Who’s been using my computer?
Expanded forms:
- Who is coming to the meeting?
- Who has been using my computer?
“Whose” Shows Ownership
Examples:
- Whose jacket is this?
- Do you know whose phone rang?
Quick test:
If you can replace the word with who is or who has, use who’s.
If you are asking who owns something, use whose.
“There’s” vs. “Theirs” vs. “There”
These words create confusion because they sound similar.
“There’s”
There’s means:
- There is
- There has
Examples:
- There’s a problem with the system.
- There’s been a misunderstanding.
“Theirs”
Theirs shows ownership.
Examples:
- The blue car is theirs.
- That decision was theirs.
“There”
There refers to a place or situation.
Examples:
- Put the book over there.
- There are many reasons for this change.
| Word | Purpose | Example |
| There’s | There is / There has | There’s a mistake |
| Theirs | Belonging to them | The choice is theirs |
| There | Location or existence | The keys are there |
“Let’s” vs. “Lets”
The apostrophe completely changes the meaning.
“Let’s” Means “Let Us”
Examples:
- Let’s start the project.
- Let’s review the information.
Expanded:
- Let us start the project.
- Let us review the information.
“Lets” Means Allows
Examples:
- The teacher lets students ask questions.
- The software lets users customize settings.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Let’s | Let us | Let’s begin |
| Lets | Allows | She lets him decide |
“You’re” vs. “Your”
Although this pair does not involve that’s, it follows the same contraction pattern.
“You’re”
Means:
- You are
Examples:
- You’re doing great.
- You’re ready for the next step.
“Your”
Shows ownership.
Examples:
- Your phone is ringing.
- Your idea is interesting.
Test:
If you are works, choose you’re.
If something belongs to someone, choose your.
“They’re” vs. “Their” vs. “There”
These three words are among the most frequently confused words in English.
They’re
Means:
- They are
Example:
They’re planning a new project.
Their
Shows ownership.
Example:
Their house is near the park.
There
Refers to a location or existence.
Example:
The documents are over there.
A quick comparison:
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| They’re | They are | They’re ready |
| Their | Belonging to them | Their office |
| There | Place or existence | There it is |
Why Contractions Improve Natural Communication
Contractions like that’s, it’s, who’s, and let’s make writing feel more natural.
When people speak, they usually use contractions:
Instead of:
That is what I wanted to explain.
Most people say:
That’s what I wanted to explain.
Contractions create smoother communication because they match natural speech patterns.
However, the key is using them correctly.
A missing apostrophe can turn a correct contraction into a spelling mistake.
The Importance of Clarity in Communication
Good writing is not about using complicated words. It is about making your message easy to understand.
Correct grammar helps readers focus on your ideas instead of stopping to interpret mistakes.
When you correctly use words like:
- That’s
- It’s
- Who’s
- Let’s
- You’re
you create clearer and more professional communication.
The Psychological Effect of Precision
People notice details.
A carefully written sentence signals that the writer values accuracy. This does not mean every small mistake defines someone’s ability, but consistent attention to language creates a stronger impression.
Think of grammar like the finishing touches on a well-built product. The foundation matters most, but the final details make the experience better.
Using the correct form of that’s is a small habit that improves overall writing quality.
Final Grammar Check: “Thats or That’s”
Before you finish writing, remember these points:
| Question | Answer |
| Is thats correct English? | No |
| Should you write that’s with an apostrophe? | Yes |
| What does that’s mean? | That is or that has |
| Can that’s show ownership? | No |
| What is the easiest test? | Replace it with “that is” or “that has” |
The difference between thats or that’s may seem small, but understanding it builds a stronger foundation for English grammar. Once you recognize how contractions work, many other confusing word pairs become easier to master. Correct grammar does not make writing complicated—it makes your ideas easier for people to understand.
Conclusion About Thats or That’s – Which Is Correct? A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Thats or That’s – Which Is Correct? A Comprehensive Guide comes down to one small but important detail: the apostrophe. While thats may look familiar in quick messages, it is not the correct form in standard English. The right choice is that’s, which works as a contraction for that is or that has. Once you learn this simple rule, avoiding the mistake becomes much easier. Good grammar is not about making writing complicated; it is about helping your ideas sound clear, confident, and professional. Whether you are writing an email, an assignment, a blog post, or a social media update, using the correct form shows care and attention. A tiny punctuation mark can make a big difference.
FAQs
Is “thats” a correct word in English?
No, thats is not considered a correct word in standard English. The correct spelling is that’s, which includes an apostrophe. The apostrophe shows that the word is a shortened form of either “that is” or “that has.” While readers may understand “thats,” it should not be used in formal or polished writing.
What does “that’s” mean?
That’s has two meanings depending on the sentence. It can mean “that is” or “that has.” For example, “That’s my book” means “That is my book,” while “That’s been helpful” means “That has been helpful.” The surrounding words usually make the meaning clear.
Why do people write “thats” instead of “that’s”?
People often write thats because they type quickly, skip punctuation, use mobile keyboards, or develop habits from informal online conversations. Many writers understand the rule but forget the apostrophe during fast communication. Regular proofreading and awareness can help prevent this common mistake.
How can I remember whether to use “that’s” or “thats”?
Use the “that is” or “that has” test. Replace the word in your sentence with either phrase. If the sentence still makes sense, use that’s. Since thats has no standard grammatical purpose, it should be avoided.
Can “that’s” be used in formal writing?
Yes, that’s is grammatically correct in formal writing when contractions are appropriate. Some academic styles prefer writing full forms like “that is” instead of contractions. However, using that’s is not incorrect as long as it fits the tone and purpose of the writing.
Is “that’s” the same as a possessive word?
No, that’s is not possessive. The apostrophe in that’s shows a contraction, not ownership. Possessive forms show that something belongs to someone or something. Understanding the difference between contractions and possessives helps avoid many common grammar mistakes.
What is the difference between “that’s” and “its”?
That’s means “that is” or “that has,” while its shows ownership. For example, “That’s a good idea” means “That is a good idea.” In contrast, “The company changed its policy” means the policy belongs to the company.
Is “that’s” acceptable in academic essays?
It depends on the academic style and requirements. Many formal essays prefer avoiding contractions, so writers may choose “that is” instead. However, if contractions are allowed, that’s is grammatically correct. The important thing is to follow the required writing style consistently.
Can grammar tools detect “thats” mistakes?
Many grammar tools can identify thats as an error and suggest that’s. However, these tools are not perfect and should support your own understanding of grammar rules. Knowing why the apostrophe is needed helps you recognize and fix similar mistakes.
What are other words similar to “that’s”?
Other commonly confused contractions include it’s and its, who’s and whose, you’re and your, and they’re, their, and there. These pairs create confusion because they often sound similar but have different meanings. Learning contraction rules makes these words easier to use correctly.
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