The words that’s or thats often confuse learners. That’s is the short form of “that is” or “that has.” Without the small apostrophe, the word thats is not correct in English.
Using that’s makes your sentence clear and proper. For example, “That’s my toy” means “that is my toy.” If you write thats, the sentence looks wrong and feels unfinished.
Remember, always choose that’s in your writing. The word thats does not follow grammar rules. Learning the difference between that’s or thats helps improve spelling and confidence.
Understanding the Confusion Between “Thats” and “That’s”
The mix-up between thats and that’s happens very often in writing. That’s means “that is” or “that has.” The word thats looks similar but is not correct.
Many children type thats when they mean that’s. The missing apostrophe changes the meaning. Learning the difference between thats and that’s makes reading and writing easier.
Breaking Down “That’s”: What It Actually Means
The word that’s is a short form. It can mean that is in a sentence. For example, “That’s my school bag” means the same as “that is my school bag.”
Sometimes that’s also means that has. For example, “That’s been a long day” means “that has been a long day.” Both uses make that’s important in grammar.
Why “Thats” Without the Apostrophe Is (Almost Always) Incorrect
The word thats is not correct in English. Without the apostrophe, it loses its meaning. Sentences like “thats my book” are wrong, while “that’s my book” is right.
Writers should always use that’s instead of thats. The apostrophe shows the missing letter. Using thats makes sentences look strange and can confuse the reader.
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Visual Guide: “That’s” vs. “Thats”
| Term | Function | Example | Correct? |
|---|---|---|---|
| That’s | Contraction of that is | “That’s my best friend.” | ✅ Yes |
| That’s | Contraction of that has | “That’s been a fun day.” | ✅ Yes |
| Thats | Incorrect form without apostrophe | “Thats a great idea.” | ❌ No |
How to Know When “That’s” Means “That Has”
The word that’s can mean that has when followed by a past action. For example, “That’s been fun” means “that has been fun.” The apostrophe shows missing letters.
To check if that’s means that has, replace it in the sentence. If the meaning stays correct, then that’s is being used as “that has.”
Quick Rule: Contractions Are Key
- That’s is a contraction of that is.
- That’s can also mean that has in some sentences.
- The apostrophe shows missing letters in contractions.
- Thats without the apostrophe is always incorrect.
- Possessive words like its or hers never use apostrophes.
Everyday Examples: “That’s” in Action
- At school: “That’s my seat in the classroom.” (That is my seat.)
- At home: “That’s been a very busy morning.” (That has been a busy morning.)
- With friends: “That’s the game we love to play.” (That is the game.)
Common Misunderstandings and Grammar Pitfalls
Many people think thats is a possessive word like “its” or “hers.” This is not correct. Only that’s is right in English when showing “that is” or “that has.”
Typing mistakes also cause confusion between that’s and thats. Phones and computers may not fix the error. Learning the correct use of that’s prevents these grammar pitfalls.
Why Grammar and Apostrophes Still Matter Today
Good grammar is important because it makes ideas clear. Using the apostrophe in that’s shows the correct meaning. Without it, words like thats can look wrong and confuse readers easily.
Correct use of grammar and apostrophes builds confidence in writing. Sentences look neat, and people understand the message quickly. Small marks like the apostrophe make a big difference.
Professional Writing and the Apostrophe Test
In professional writing, the apostrophe test helps writers check sentences. If that’s can be replaced with that is or that has, it is correct. The form thats never passes this test.
Using the right apostrophe shows care and respect for language. Business emails, reports, or school work look more polished when that’s is used correctly instead of thats.
“Honda That’s”: The Only Time “Thats” Isn’t Wrong
The word thats is normally incorrect, but one special case exists. Honda made a small car called the Honda That’s. In this name, the spelling thats is acceptable.
The Honda That’s was sold in Japan and looked simple yet stylish. Outside this example, writers should always use that’s with an apostrophe and avoid the wrong form thats.
Infographic Section: When to Use “That’s” vs. “Thats”
An infographic about that’s vs thats can help children remember the rule. That’s is used for “that is” or “that has.” The word thats is not correct in English.
The chart should show examples like “That’s my toy” or “That’s been fun.” It can also mark thats with a cross, reminding learners never to use it.
Conclusion: Keep It Simple – Always Use “That’s” Unless You’re in a Honda
The rule is clear: always use that’s in writing. The word thats is wrong, except in the car name Honda That’s. This makes the choice simple for learners.
Correct use of that’s keeps sentences neat and meaningful. Avoiding thats builds confidence in grammar. With this rule, writing becomes easier and mistakes are less likely to happen.
FAQs
Is there an apostrophe in thats?
Yes, the correct form is that’s with an apostrophe. The apostrophe shows a missing letter, making it a contraction of that is or that has.
Is it grammatically correct to say “that that”?
Yes, “that that” can be correct. It often appears when the first that introduces a clause, and the second that refers to a specific thing or idea in the sentence.
What is the definition of thats?
The word thats without an apostrophe is not standard English. The correct form is that’s, which means a contraction of that is or that has in grammar.
What does that’s mean in a text?
In a text, that’s is a short form. It can mean that is or that has, depending on the sentence, making writing faster and more conversational.
Final Thoughts
Using that’s correctly makes writing clear and professional. The apostrophe in that’s shows missing letters, while thats without it is always wrong. Learning this rule improves grammar and reading confidence.
Always choose that’s in sentences to avoid mistakes. Correct use of that’s helps ideas look neat and understandable. Only in the car name Honda That’s is thats acceptable, making the rule easy to remember.
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