That’s vs Thats Understanding the Difference 2026

In the age of texting, social media, emails, and online communication, small language mistakes can stand out more than ever. One of the most common errors English learners and even native speakers make is confusing “that’s” and “thats.” At first glance, they may look almost identical, but this tiny apostrophe makes a big difference.

The word “that’s” is a contraction of “that is” or “that has,” and it is widely used in everyday conversations, professional writing, and creative expression. Meanwhile, “thats” without the apostrophe is considered incorrect in standard English, although you may occasionally see it in casual text messages, usernames, or social media handles. Misusing these forms can sometimes change the meaning of your sentence, make your writing unclear, or even make readers question your attention to detail.

From real-life writing experience, I have noticed that many students, writers, and professionals struggle with contractions like this because the rules feel small but matter a lot. Whether you are writing an email, essay, blog post, or social media caption, knowing exactly when to use that’s can save you from embarrassment and improve your writing’s credibility.

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about that’s vs thats: clear definitions, practical examples, famous uses, common mistakes, and tips for students, writers, and casual communicators. By the end of this guide, you will be able to confidently use that’s correctly in all forms of writing and communication—making your language precise, professional, and polished.

What Is That’s vs Thats?

1. That’s

That’s is a contraction of “that is” or “that has.”
It always includes an apostrophe to show missing letters.

Examples:

That’s amazing! (That is amazing)
That’s been my favorite movie for years. (That has been my favorite movie)

2. Thats

Thats without an apostrophe is not grammatically correct in standard English.
Sometimes it appears in typos, informal chats, or as part of a username, hashtag, or brand name, but it should not be used in formal writing.

How That’s Works / Is Used

1. As a Contraction of “That is”:

Used to describe or define something.
Makes sentences shorter and conversational.

Examples:

That’s a great idea! (That is a great idea)
Do you see that’s happening? (That is happening)

2. As a Contraction of “That has”:

Often used with the past participle form of a verb.

Examples:

That’s been a long day. (That has been a long day)
That’s never happened before. (That has never happened before)

Tip for students and writers:
Whenever you see that’s, check if it can be expanded to that is or that has. If yes, it’s correct.

Examples of That’s in Everyday Life

1. In Text Messages:

That’s so funny!
I can’t believe that’s true.

2. In Emails:

That’s an excellent suggestion for the project.
Thank you, that’s very helpful.

3. In Social Media:

That’s my favorite song right now!
Can’t wait for that’s coming next week. ❌ (Correct: what’s coming next week)

4. In Essays or Formal Writing:

That’s an important point in Shakespeare’s play.
That’s been overlooked in previous studies.

From real-life writing experience: Using that’s correctly makes your sentences clear, polished, and professional.

Famous or Popular Examples

That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. — Neil Armstrong
That’s the way the cookie crumbles. — Common idiom meaning: “That’s how life happens.”
That’s all, folks! — Classic Looney Tunes closing line

Tip: Idiomatic expressions often use “that’s” because it’s conversational and natural.

That’s vs Thats: Comparison Table

Feature	That’s	Thats
Meaning	Contraction of that is or that has	Incorrect spelling; informal/typo
Apostrophe	Yes, always	No
Usage	Formal and informal writing	Not standard English
Examples	That’s amazing!	❌ Thats amazing!
Expandable?	Yes (that is/has)	No

How to Use / Create That’s

Check if it can expand to “that is” or “that has.”
Always include the apostrophe.
Place it correctly in a sentence.
Use it in both spoken and written English for casual or professional communication.

Quick tip: If you are writing fast, remember: apostrophes are essential for contractions.

Common Mistakes People Make With That’s

Typing “thats” without an apostrophe
- ❌ Thats the reason I left.
- ✅ That’s the reason I left.
Confusing “that’s” with “its” or “it’s”
- ❌ Its a good day.
- ✅ It’s a good day.
Using “that’s” for plural forms
- ❌ That’s are my friends.
- ✅ Those are my friends.
Not recognizing “that’s” can mean “that has”
- ❌ That’s never done that before. (awkward)
- ✅ That’s been done before.

30+ Practical Examples of That’s

Sentence	Meaning / Explanation
That’s amazing!	That is amazing
That’s my favorite movie.	That is my favorite movie
That’s been a long journey.	That has been a long journey
That’s never happened before.	That has never happened
That’s all I have to say.	That is all I have to say
That’s unbelievable!	That is unbelievable
That’s exactly what I meant.	That is exactly what I meant
That’s been the hardest test.	That has been the hardest test
That’s going to be fun.	That is going to be fun
That’s all for today.	That is all for today
That’s the problem with this approach.	That is the problem
That’s fantastic news!	That is fantastic news
That’s what she told me.	That is what she told me
That’s been on my mind.	That has been on my mind
That’s not acceptable.	That is not acceptable
That’s why I’m late.	That is why I’m late
That’s very kind of you.	That is very kind of you
That’s the main idea.	That is the main idea
That’s been corrected.	That has been corrected
That’s how it works.	That is how it works
That’s incredible!	That is incredible
That’s just perfect.	That is just perfect
That’s all I wanted to ask.	That is all I wanted to ask
That’s something new.	That is something new
That’s my opinion.	That is my opinion
That’s true for most cases.	That is true
That’s the reason why.	That is the reason
That’s been proven in research.	That has been proven
That’s good to know.	That is good to know
That’s a wonderful story.	That is a wonderful story

Tips for Students and Writers

Always proofread for apostrophes in contractions.
Read aloud: If it sounds like “that is” or “that has,” it’s that’s.
Avoid “thats” in formal writing, essays, or professional emails.
Use that’s in social media captions, text messages, and informal writing.

FAQs About That’s vs Thats

Q1: Can I use “thats” in informal texting?
A: While many people type “thats” in casual messages, it’s still a typo. Using “that’s” is always safer.

Q2: How do I know if “that’s” means “that is” or “that has”?
A: Expand the contraction. If the sentence makes sense with that is or that has, it’s correct.

Q3: Is “thats” ever correct?
A: Only in brand names, usernames, or hashtags. Otherwise, it’s incorrect in English.

Q4: What’s the easiest trick to remember?
A: If you’re unsure, replace it in your head with “that is”—if it works, use that’s.

Q5: Can “that’s” be used in academic writing?
A: Yes, but sparingly. Contractions are generally acceptable in modern essays and research writing if the tone is conversational.

Conclusion

Mastering the difference between that’s and thats is more than just about punctuation—it’s about clarity, professionalism, and effective communication. That’s (with the apostrophe) is a simple contraction of “that is” or “that has,” and it is the correct form to use in almost every context, from casual text messages to formal essays. Thats, without the apostrophe, is almost always incorrect and can confuse readers or make your writing appear careless.

From real-life writing experience, paying attention to small details like this helps convey your ideas clearly, builds your credibility as a writer, and improves how your audience perceives your work. Whether you’re a student preparing essays, a professional writing emails, or a content creator crafting social media posts, using that’s correctly ensures your message is understood exactly as intended.

In today’s digital world, where communication is instant and every word counts, knowing the difference between that’s vs thats is an essential skill. Remember: whenever you are unsure, expand the contraction in your head—if it reads as “that is” or “that has,” then the apostrophe is necessary. Practicing this small habit will make your writing clear, polished, and professional. So next time you type or write, pay attention to that tiny apostrophe—it carries more weight than you think!