“That’s or thats”: only “that’s” with an apostrophe is a real English word. “That’s” is a contraction of “that is” or “that has,” and the apostrophe indicates exactly where letters have been removed. “Thats” without an apostrophe has no recognized meaning in English. Writing “That’s a good point” means “That is a good point,” with the apostrophe substituting for the missing letter. Most writers who produce “thats” are not confused about the underlying grammar rule. They type quickly and the apostrophe disappears, particularly on phone keyboards or during fast composition. There is no situation where “thats” is acceptable. When the contraction is needed, “that’s” with an apostrophe is the only correct form.
What Does the Apostrophe in That’s Do?
TL;DR: “That’s” is a contraction. The apostrophe replaces missing letters from “that is” or “that has.” “Thats” without an apostrophe is never correct.
Contractions are shortened forms of two words combined, and the apostrophe marks exactly where letters were removed. “That’s” joins “that” and “is” (or “that” and “has”) into a single short form, with the apostrophe holding the place of the missing letters.
“That’s my book” = “That is my book.” And “That’s been decided” = “That has been decided.”
Both meanings follow the same rule, and the apostrophe is required in each case. Without it, “thats” is not a contraction, not a noun, not any recognizable part of speech. It simply does not exist in standard written English. No dictionary or style guide lists “thats” as a valid word.
This rule applies in every writing context: texts, emails, reports, essays, and formal documents. The register does not change it.
Golden Rule: When you mean "that is" or "that has," always write "that's" with an apostrophe.
That’s in Correct Usage
“That’s” works in a wide range of sentence types and tones. It can mean “that is” or “that has,” depending on context, and the apostrophe rule is the same for both.
Correct Usage Examples
“That’s the main reason we changed the policy.” Here “that’s” stands for “that is.” The sentence is direct and the contraction fits naturally.
“That’s been our approach for the past three years.” Here “that’s” stands for “that has.” The contraction points to something ongoing.
“I know that’s not what you were expecting.” The short form keeps the sentence easy to follow without losing any meaning.
“That’s what the data actually shows.” A simple sentence where the apostrophe is clearly needed. Remove it and the word stops working entirely.
In legal briefs, I regularly come across lines like “That’s the core issue before the court.” The contraction is fully correct in formal writing, which surprises many writers who assume contractions belong only in casual or informal contexts. Formal register does not override the apostrophe rule.
Incorrect Usage Examples
- Incorrect: Thats a strange request.
Correct: That’s a strange request.
Why: The full form is “That is a strange request.” The apostrophe stands for the missing “i.” - Incorrect: I think thats the right answer.
Correct: I think that’s the right answer.
Why: The apostrophe cannot be skipped, even in informal writing or quick messages. - Incorrect: Thats been the plan all along.
Correct: That’s been the plan all along.
Why: “That has been the plan.” Even when “that’s” means “that has,” the apostrophe is still required. - Incorrect: She said thats not her problem.
Correct: She said that’s not her problem.
Why: Even in reported speech, the contraction follows the same rule without exception.
Context Variations
The apostrophe rule does not change based on tone, audience, or subject matter, which makes it one of the more straightforward rules in English punctuation. “That’s” is correct across all of these contexts:
Formal writing: “That’s the central argument of this brief.” Business email: “That’s exactly what the client needs.” Casual writing: “That’s honestly so strange.” Reported speech: “He told us that’s not the final plan.”
“That’s” works correctly in all four situations. “Thats” is wrong in all four, regardless of how casual or rushed the writing is.
Common That’s Spelling Errors
Almost every “thats” error in writing comes from the same source: a dropped apostrophe.
| Error Pattern | Incorrect | Correct |
| Missing apostrophe: statement | thats the answer | that’s the answer |
| Missing: “that has” form | thats been decided | that’s been decided |
| Missing: mid-sentence | I know thats true | I know that’s true |
| “that” instead of “that’s” | That the problem | That’s the problem |
| Apostrophe placed after the s | thats’ the point | that’s the point |
Almost all of these errors come from speed, not confusion about the rule. When I review business emails from junior colleagues, the mistake shows up most in quick first drafts. The writer knows the rule, but the finger skipped the key. Roughly three-quarters of the errors I catch are typing misses, not knowledge gaps.
Phone keyboards make this worse. Many devices drop the apostrophe during fast typing or autocorrect “that’s” to “thats.” A read-through before sending will catch it.
The “that instead of that’s” row is different. “That” alone cannot carry the same meaning. “That the problem” is incomplete. “That’s the problem” is not.
How to Remember the Apostrophe in That’s
Two methods work well, and neither requires memorizing a list of grammar rules.
The substitution test: Replace “that’s” with “that is” and read the sentence back. If it still makes sense, you need “that’s” with an apostrophe. If it falls apart, you may need “that” on its own. This check takes two seconds and works every time.
The missing letter: The apostrophe in “that’s” holds the place of the “i” from “that is.” Picture a small gap where the “i” used to sit. Remove the apostrophe and the word breaks.
A tip I pass along to junior editors: read “thats” out loud as if it were a real word. It does not sound like English. That wrong sound is often the fastest signal something is off.
Conclusion
“That’s” requires its apostrophe every time. The apostrophe is what makes it a contraction. Remove it and the word loses all meaning. There is no acceptable version of “thats” in any writing context.
Fast typing is the main cause of this error, not confusion about the rule. A read-through before submitting catches it in seconds. If you spot “thats” on the page, it needs an apostrophe.
One check resolves any doubt: substitute “that is.” If the sentence holds, the apostrophe belongs there.
Frequently Asked Questions
“That’s” with an apostrophe is always correct. “Thats” without one is not a word in English, in any context.
“That’s” is a contraction of “that is” or “that has.” The apostrophe marks the spot where letters were removed.
No. “Thats” is not correct in any context. “That’s” with an apostrophe is always the right form.
Almost always a typing error, not a grammar mistake. Fast typing and phone keyboards drop the apostrophe without the writer noticing.
Replace “that’s” with “that is.” If the sentence holds, write “that’s” with an apostrophe. If not, use “that” on its own.
Yes. “That’s” is correct in all contexts: formal reports, legal briefs, and essays included. The apostrophe rule does not change with register.
