Thats or That’s? Understanding the Correct Usage (2026)

You type fast. Your phone autocorrects. Suddenly you are staring at a sentence wondering if it should say “thats” or “that’s.” You are not alone. This is one of the most common typing slips in English, and it happens to careful writers just as often as beginners.

The rule is simple once it clicks. This guide gives you the short answer, real examples, the full form, and a few tricks so you never have to pause and guess again.

The Short Answer: “Thats” vs “That’s”

Here is the rule in one line: “That’s” is correct. “Thats” is not a real word in standard English.

“That’s” is a contraction. It is built from two words squeezed into one, and the apostrophe marks the spot where letters were dropped. “Thats” simply removes that apostrophe, which breaks the word and leaves it with no defined meaning.

Most people who write “thats” are not confused about grammar. They are typing quickly, and the apostrophe gets lost along the way. Phone keyboards and autocorrect make this worse, since they sometimes skip the mark entirely during fast typing.

What Does “That’s” Mean?

“That’s” carries two possible meanings, and context tells you which one is in play. It either stands for “that is” or “that has.” Both versions follow the same apostrophe rule, so you only need to learn one pattern.

“That’s” as “That Is”

This is the version you will see most often. “That’s” replaces “that is” when you are pointing something out or describing something directly.

• That’s my favorite song.
• That’s the house we looked at last week.
• That’s a great idea.

In each case, try swapping in “that is.” If the sentence still reads naturally, you have the right word.

“That’s” as “That Has”

The second meaning shows up less often, but it follows the same logic. Here, “that’s” stands for “that has,” usually right before a past participle like “been,” “gone,” or “happened.”

• That’s been a long week.
• That’s happened before.
• That’s changed everything.

Swap in “that has” this time. If the sentence still makes sense, the apostrophe belongs there.

Thats or That’s Examples

Seeing the two side by side makes the difference easy to spot. Here are common sentences shown both ways.

Notice that every single example on the left side fails the same way. Remove the apostrophe and the word stops carrying meaning. Add it back and the sentence works instantly.

That’s Full Form

Since “that’s” is a contraction, it always has a full form hiding behind it. Knowing both options helps you choose the right meaning in formal writing.

• That’s = That is
• That’s = That has

A simple way to confirm which one fits is the substitution test. Read your sentence and mentally swap in “that is” first. If it sounds off, try “that has” instead. One of the two will almost always fit.

For example:

“That’s the reason we changed plans” becomes “That is the reason we changed plans.” That works fine, so “that is” is the meaning here.

“That’s already started” becomes “That has already started.” This one fits the second pattern, since “has” pairs naturally with “started.”

How to Remember the Difference Between “Thats” and “That’s”

You do not need to memorize a long list of grammar terms. A couple of quick habits will lock this in for good.

1. Use the replacement test. Swap “that’s” with “that is” or “that has.” If the sentence still makes sense, the apostrophe belongs there.
2. Picture the missing letter. The apostrophe sits exactly where a letter disappeared. In “that is,” the i drops out. In “that has,” the h and a drop out.
3. Remember that “that” never shows possession. Some writers assume the apostrophe signals ownership, the way it does in “the dog’s bone.” It does not. “That’s” only means “that is” or “that has.”
4. Read your sentence out loud. If it sounds like “that is” or “that has” when spoken, write it with an apostrophe.
5. Watch your autocorrect. Many keyboards strip the apostrophe during fast typing. A quick proofread before sending catches this every time.

When to Use “That’s” in Your Writing

“That’s” fits naturally into almost every kind of writing, from casual texts to professional emails. Here is a quick breakdown of where it works best.

• Everyday conversation and texting, where contractions sound natural and keep the tone relaxed.
• Emails and workplace messages, where a touch of contraction keeps writing friendly without sounding sloppy.
• Blog posts and articles, where short, conversational sentences help readers stay engaged.
• Dialogue in stories, where contractions make characters sound like real people speaking.

There is one place where you might choose the full form instead. In very formal writing, such as academic papers, legal documents, or official reports, many style guides prefer “that is” or “that has” written out in full. This is a style choice, not a grammar requirement. “That’s” remains correct even in formal contexts, but some writers avoid contractions altogether to match a more serious tone.

Conclusion

The rule behind “thats or that’s” comes down to one small mark with a big job. “That’s” is the only correct form, and it always stands for “that is” or “that has.” “Thats” without the apostrophe carries no meaning on its own and should be avoided in every type of writing, casual or formal.

Next time you catch yourself typing “thats,” pause for two seconds and run the replacement test. If “that is” or “that has” fits, add the apostrophe back in. That small habit keeps your writing clear, accurate, and easy to trust.

Brook

Brook is the creator and author behind Healthy Leeks, a platform focused on grammar, writing skills, and English language learning. Passionate about clear communication and effective writing, Brook shares practical grammar tips, easy-to-follow language guides, and educational content to help readers improve their English with confidence.