Thats vs That's: Correct Spelling Explained Simply ✍️✅

That’s is correct in standard English, while thats without an apostrophe is usually incorrect, and this simple answer clears the confusion immediately.

Many people search for “thats or that’s” because the two forms look almost identical, sound the same when spoken, and are often mixed up in emails, messages, exams, and social media posts.

Apostrophes are one of the most confusing parts of English grammar, especially for learners and busy writers.

People want to know which spelling is right, when to use an apostrophe, and If “thats” is ever acceptable.

This article solves that confusion with a clear explanation, history, examples, comparisons, and practical advice you can trust.

Table of Contents

Thats or That’s: Quick Answer

That’s is the correct form in most situations.

It is a contraction of:

that is or
that has

Thats (without an apostrophe) is generally incorrect in modern standard English.

Examples:

That’s a great idea. ✅ (That is a great idea)
That’s been fixed already. ✅ (That has been fixed)

❌ Thats a great idea.

Simple rule:

If you mean that is or that has, always use that’s.

The Origin of Thats or That’s

Origin of “That’s”

The word that’s comes from the long tradition of contractions in English. A contraction shortens two words into one by removing letters and replacing them with an apostrophe. In this case:

that is → that’s
that has → that’s

Contractions became common in spoken English centuries ago and later entered informal and semi-formal writing. Writers used apostrophes to show that letters were missing, which helped readers understand the original words.

Where “Thats” Came From

Thats without an apostrophe is not historically standard. It usually appears because:

Writers type quickly
Apostrophes are forgotten
Informal texting habits influence writing

In older English, apostrophes were less consistent, but modern grammar rules are clear: that’s needs an apostrophe.

Why the Confusion Exists

Both forms sound identical
Apostrophes are easy to miss
Autocorrect does not always help

Despite this confusion, standard English strongly prefers that’s.

British English vs American English Spelling

Unlike words such as colour/color or organise/organize, that’s vs thats is not a British vs American spelling issue. Both varieties of English follow the same rule.

British English

✅ that’s (correct)
❌ thats (incorrect)

Example:

That’s exactly what I meant.

American English

American English follows the same usage.

Example:

That’s not what we agreed on.

Comparison Table

Feature	That’s	Thats
British English	Correct	Incorrect
American English	Correct	Incorrect
Apostrophe used	Yes	No
Professional writing	Accepted	Avoid

Which Spelling Should You Use?

For US Audiences

Always use that’s when you mean that is or that has. Using thats can look careless or unprofessional.

For UK and Commonwealth Audiences

The rule is the same. That’s is expected in both formal and informal writing.

For Global English Users

If you write for an international audience, that’s is the safest and clearest option.

In Exams, Emails, and Articles

Most teachers, editors, and style guides treat thats as an error. That’s shows correct grammar and attention to detail.

Common Mistakes with Thats or That’s

Mistake 1: Dropping the Apostrophe

❌ Thats interesting. ✅ That’s interesting.

Mistake 2: Thinking Apostrophes Are Optional

❌ Thats fine in casual writing. ✅ Apostrophes still matter, even in casual writing.

Mistake 3: Confusing “That’s” with Possessive Forms

Some writers think the apostrophe shows possession. It does not here.

That’s = that is / that has
Possession would be shown differently (and rarely applies to “that”).

Mistake 4: Overusing “That’s” in Formal Writing

While that’s is correct, very formal writing may prefer that is instead.

Thats or That’s in Everyday Examples

Emails

That’s attached to the email.
That’s not included in the budget.

News Writing

That’s the result of months of debate.
That’s been confirmed by officials.

Social Media

That’s amazing 😍
That’s what I was saying!

Formal and Academic Writing

That is the primary reason for the change. (often preferred)
That’s been discussed in earlier studies. (acceptable but less formal)

Thats or That’s: Google Trends & Usage Data

Search data shows that “thats or that’s” is a very common query, especially among students, content writers, and non-native English learners.

Countries Where the Query Is Popular

United States
United Kingdom
India
Pakistan
Philippines
Canada

Usage by Context

That’s dominates books, news, articles, and edited content
Thats appears mostly in texting, comments, and unedited posts

This pattern shows that while the error is common, correct usage is well established.

Comparison Table: Thats vs That’s

Form	Correct?	Meaning	Example
that’s	Yes	that is / that has	That’s a problem
thats	No		❌ Thats a problem

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “thats” ever correct?

No. In modern standard English, thats without an apostrophe is considered incorrect.

What does “that’s” stand for?

It stands for that is or that has.

Can “that’s” be used in formal writing?

Yes, but very formal writing often prefers that is.

Is this a British vs American difference?

No. Both use that’s.

Why do people keep writing “thats”?

Because apostrophes are easy to forget and the words sound the same.

Will exams mark “thats” wrong?

In most cases, yes.

How can I remember the correct form?

Remember: if you can say that is, you must write that’s.

Conclusion

The confusion between thats or that’s is small but important. The correct form, that’s, is a contraction of that is or that has and has been part of standard English for centuries. It appears in everyday speech, emails, journalism, and even some formal writing.

The version without an apostrophe, thats, usually happens because of typing habits or casual texting, but it is not accepted in standard grammar.

There is no British or American spelling difference here. The rule is universal. If you are writing an exam answer, a professional email, a blog post, or a social media caption, using that’s shows clarity and correctness.

In very formal writing, you may choose to avoid contractions altogether and write that is instead, but that’s itself is never wrong.

If you remember one simple rule apostrophes replace missing letters you will avoid this mistake easily.

By choosing that’s over thats, you make your writing clearer, more professional, and more trustworthy every time.