When writing, we often come across words that seem similar but carry subtle differences. One of the most common yet confusing examples is the distinction between “that’s” and “thats.” Many people mistakenly write “thats” without the apostrophe, and this simple error can have a significant impact on the clarity and professionalism of your writing.
In this guide, we’ll delve deep into the proper use of “that’s” versus “thats,” explore common misconceptions, and help you avoid this mistake in both casual and professional writing.
Breaking It Down: “That’s” vs. “Thats”
At first glance, “that’s” and “thats” look nearly identical. However, there’s a critical difference: “that’s” is a contraction, while “thats” is a misspelling in formal English.
- “That’s”: This is a contraction, formed by combining “that” and “is” or “has.” The apostrophe indicates that letters have been omitted.
- “Thats”: This is simply a common mistake. The word “thats” doesn’t exist in standard English and should always be avoided in writing unless it’s part of a name, brand, or intentional non-standard usage.
In standard grammar, “that’s” is the correct form, while “thats” is an error. Let’s dig deeper into the different ways “that’s” is used in sentences.
How to Use “That’s” Correctly in Sentences
“That’s” can have two primary meanings depending on the context: it’s the contraction of either “that is” or “that has.” Let’s look at both uses and how they work in everyday writing.
Contraction of “That is”
One of the most common uses of “that’s” is as a contraction for “that is.” This use of “that’s” helps streamline sentences, making them easier and quicker to read. Here are some examples:
- That’s my favorite book. (That is my favorite book.)
- That’s exactly what I was thinking. (That is exactly what I was thinking.)
- That’s all I have for today. (That is all I have for today.)
Notice how “that’s” takes the place of “that is” in each of these examples. It helps reduce redundancy and keeps the sentence fluid. This use is common in both casual conversations and formal writing, but it’s especially useful in spoken English or informal communication.
Contraction of “That has”
Another important use of “that’s” is as a contraction for “that has.” This version often appears in present perfect tenses or when describing something that belongs to someone or something.
- That’s been a long journey. (That has been a long journey.)
- That’s been a real challenge. (That has been a real challenge.)
- That’s got to be the best decision we’ve made. (That has got to be the best decision we’ve made.)
In each case, “that’s” substitutes for “that has,” maintaining the same meaning while simplifying the sentence.
Why Do People Mistakenly Write “Thats”?
Despite the clarity of the rule, many people still make the mistake of writing “thats” instead of “that’s.” This error is often rooted in several common causes.
Common Typos and Autocorrect
Sometimes, when typing quickly or on mobile devices, the apostrophe is omitted simply because it’s missed by autocorrect or fingers slip. This is particularly common in texting and casual writing.
Influence of Informal Texting and Social Media
Informal communication on platforms like social media and text messages often bypasses formal grammar rules, and people frequently leave out apostrophes to save time or effort. While this may be acceptable in casual conversations, it can lead to poor grammar habits over time.
Learning Gaps in Contractions and Apostrophes
For some, the difference between contractions like “that’s” and non-contracted forms like “that is” isn’t always clear, especially when they’re first learning English. These small details can be overlooked, especially in a fast-paced writing environment.
Why Grammar Matters: The Importance of Using “That’s” Correctly
Proper grammar may seem like a small detail, but it plays a huge role in shaping the perception of your writing. Misplacing an apostrophe or using “thats” instead of “that’s” can hurt your writing in the following ways:
Professional Writing & Communication
In professional or academic writing, every detail counts. Grammar mistakes like “thats” instead of “that’s” can undermine your credibility and distract from the content of your work. Using the correct form is essential for sounding professional and knowledgeable.
For instance, imagine sending an email to a potential client or boss:
- Incorrect: I hope that’s something we can address later.
- Correct: I hope that’s something we can address later.
While the error may seem minor, it can lead the reader to question your attention to detail. Over time, recurring mistakes can diminish your reputation as a reliable communicator.
Clarity & Readability
Incorrect grammar can interfere with clarity. When readers see “thats”, they might pause for a moment to figure out whether it’s a typo or a mistake, which disrupts the flow of the writing. Consistency in using contractions like “that’s” ensures that the reader’s attention remains on your message, not on fixing errors.
The correct use of apostrophes, including “that’s,” helps maintain smooth and effective communication. It allows the reader to focus on what you’re saying, rather than how you’re saying it.
Common Misconceptions About “That’s”
Some writers and speakers aren’t always sure when to use “that’s”, which leads to confusion. Let’s clear up some of the most common misconceptions:
Does “That’s” Always Mean “That Is”?
Not necessarily. While “that’s” is most commonly used as a contraction for “that is,” it can also stand for “that has” in other contexts. This is important to remember because the meaning of the sentence changes depending on the version of “that’s” used.
Is “Thats” Ever Acceptable?
In standard English grammar, “thats” is never acceptable. The correct form is always “that’s” when using the contraction. There are exceptions where “thats” may be used, such as in branding or artistic expression, but those instances are rare and non-standard. For example, “Honda That’s” may be a name for a specific car model or commercial, but in regular writing, you should stick with “that’s.”
“Thats” in Brand Names and Pop Culture
You might encounter instances where “thats” appears intentionally, such as in product names or creative branding. Brands occasionally choose non-standard spelling for their names or slogans to make them more memorable or visually appealing. Here’s an example:
- Honda That’s – A car model or campaign that intentionally uses “thats” as part of its brand identity. In this case, the apostrophe is omitted for stylistic purposes, but this is a rare exception and not part of standard grammar.
These instances are limited to specific contexts, and outside of them, “thats” should never be used in place of “that’s” in general writing.
How to Avoid the “Thats” Mistake in Your Writing
Avoiding the “thats” mistake is simple if you keep a few best practices in mind:
Quick Proofreading Tips
- Double-check your apostrophes: Always make sure to include the apostrophe when you mean “that is” or “that has.”
- Use spell check: Tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Word’s built-in spelling and grammar check can help catch errors like “thats.”
- Read your work aloud: This helps catch small errors that may have slipped through during writing.
Tools Like Spell Check and Grammar Apps
Online tools like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, and Hemingway Editor can provide real-time corrections for grammar and punctuation mistakes. These tools can be invaluable for catching small errors like “thats” before you hit “send” or “publish.”
Simple Memory Tricks
A good rule of thumb is to remember: If you’re talking about something specific, like “that is” or “that has,” always use the apostrophe. When in doubt, just think: “That’s” = That is or That has.
Conclusion
While the distinction between “that’s” and “thats” may seem trivial, it carries significant weight in both casual and professional writing. By mastering the use of contractions, you ensure your writing remains clear, professional, and credible. R
emember, “that’s” is always the correct form when you mean “that is” or “that has.” “Thats” is a common error, and you should avoid using it unless it’s part of a non-standard name or branding.
FAQs About “That’s” vs. “Thats”
1. Is “thats” ever grammatically correct?
No, “thats” is never correct in standard English. The proper form is “that’s”, which is a contraction of “that is” or “that has.” However, “thats” may appear in brand names or artistic expressions, but it is not grammatically correct in formal writing.
2. Can I use “that’s” in formal writing?
Yes, but use it carefully. While contractions like “that’s” are common in informal and conversational writing, formal writing—such as academic papers or business reports—often prefers the full forms “that is” or “that has” to maintain a professional tone.
3. What are some common mistakes people make with “that’s”?
- Leaving out the apostrophe (e.g., “thats my car.” → Incorrect)
- Overusing contractions in formal writing
- Confusing “that’s” with “whose” or “which” (e.g., “That’s wheels are broken.” → Incorrect; should be “Whose wheels are broken?”)
4. How can I quickly check if I should use “that’s”?
Try expanding it:
- If you can replace it with “that is” or “that has” and the sentence still makes sense, use “that’s.”
- If not, you may need a different word or sentence structure.
5. Why do some brands use “thats” without an apostrophe?
Companies sometimes use non-standard spelling for branding or marketing purposes, making names more distinctive or visually appealing (e.g., Honda That’s). However, this is a creative choice and does not follow formal grammar rules.
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