That’s or Thats: Which One Is Correct?
Navigating the nuances of English grammar can sometimes feel like deciphering a complex code. Among the common points of confusion are contractions and possessives, particularly when dealing with the word “that.” This article aims to clarify the correct usage of “that’s” and “thats,” ensuring your writing is precise and professional.
Understanding the difference between “that’s” and “thats” hinges on recognizing the function of an apostrophe in English. The apostrophe often signifies either a contraction (the omission of letters) or a possessive form. In the case of “that’s,” it serves the former purpose, acting as a shorthand for two specific phrases.
The Role of “That’s” as a Contraction
The primary and overwhelmingly correct usage involves “that’s” as a contraction. This form is a condensed version of either “that is” or “that has.” Recognizing these two potential expansions is the key to using “that’s” accurately in your sentences.
When you encounter “that’s,” try substituting “that is” into the sentence. If the sentence remains grammatically sound and retains its intended meaning, then “that’s” is being used correctly as a contraction of “that is.” This is the most frequent application of the apostrophe form.
For example, consider the sentence, “That’s a beautiful sunset.” Replacing “that’s” with “that is” yields, “That is a beautiful sunset.” The meaning is preserved, confirming the correct usage of “that’s.” This substitution method is a reliable diagnostic tool for ensuring grammatical accuracy.
The second possible expansion for “that’s” is “that has.” This usage is less common than “that is,” but it is equally valid. Again, the substitution test can confirm its appropriateness in a given context.
Let’s illustrate this with an example: “That’s been a long journey.” If we substitute “that has,” we get “That has been a long journey.” The sentence structure and meaning remain coherent, validating “that’s” as a contraction of “that has.”
It is crucial to remember that “that’s” *always* requires an apostrophe when it functions as a contraction. Omitting the apostrophe in these instances leads to an ungrammatical construction, which is the source of much of the confusion.
The contraction “that’s” is a fundamental element of informal and formal English alike. Its utility lies in its conciseness, allowing for smoother sentence flow and more natural-sounding prose. Mastering its correct application enhances writing clarity.
“Thats” as an Incorrect Form
The form “thats,” without an apostrophe, is generally considered incorrect in standard English grammar. Unlike “that’s,” it does not represent a recognized contraction or a standard possessive form.
In most contexts, if you find yourself wanting to use “thats,” it is highly probable that you should be using “that’s” instead. The absence of the apostrophe fundamentally alters the word’s grammatical function, rendering it invalid for the intended purpose of contraction.
Consider the sentence, “I think thats a good idea.” This sentence is ungrammatical because “thats” is not a valid word in this context. The intended meaning requires the contraction of “that is.”
The correct version of the previous sentence would be, “I think that’s a good idea.” Here, “that’s” correctly stands in for “that is,” making the sentence grammatically sound and clear. This highlights the critical role of the apostrophe.
There are very rare, specific instances in technical or highly specialized linguistic discussions where “thats” might appear as a plural or a base form for analysis, but these are exceptions and not relevant to everyday writing or communication.
For all practical purposes in standard English writing, “thats” should be avoided. Its usage almost invariably signals a grammatical error, stemming from a misunderstanding of contractions.
The consistent use of “that’s” where “thats” might be mistakenly applied ensures adherence to grammatical conventions. This attention to detail refines the quality of your written communication.
“That’s” vs. “That Is” and “That Has”
The choice between using “that’s” and its expanded forms, “that is” or “that has,” often depends on the desired tone and formality of your writing. While “that’s” is perfectly acceptable in most situations, using the full form can sometimes lend a more formal or emphatic tone.
In academic papers, formal reports, or official documents, you might opt for “that is” or “that has” to maintain a high level of formality. This choice can contribute to a more serious and authoritative voice.
For instance, instead of writing, “That’s the conclusion of our study,” a more formal approach might be, “That is the conclusion of our study.” Both are grammatically correct, but the latter carries a slightly more formal weight.
Similarly, when “that has” is the intended meaning, replacing “that’s” with the full phrase can sometimes add emphasis. Consider the sentence, “That’s been a difficult challenge.” If you want to stress the duration or impact of the challenge, “That has been a difficult challenge” might be more effective.
However, it is important not to overthink this distinction. In the vast majority of writing, including business correspondence, blog posts, and even many essays, “that’s” is entirely appropriate and often preferred for its natural flow.
The key is consistency and context. If you are writing a formal academic thesis, a consistent effort to use full forms where appropriate is advisable. For everyday communication, the contracted form is usually the most natural choice.
Understanding these subtle differences allows for more precise control over the stylistic nuances of your writing. It is about choosing the form that best suits the specific communicative purpose and audience.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One of the most frequent errors is the omission of the apostrophe when “that’s” is intended as a contraction. This mistake often occurs due to haste or a simple oversight, but it significantly impacts grammatical correctness.
To avoid this, always pause and ask yourself if “that is” or “that has” could logically fit into the sentence. If the answer is yes, then the apostrophe is essential for “that’s.”
Another common pitfall is confusing “that’s” with the possessive pronoun “its” or the plural “theirs.” While these words have different functions, their similar phonetic sounds can sometimes lead to confusion in writing.
Remember, “that’s” is a contraction. Possessive pronouns like “its” (belonging to it) do not use apostrophes. Plural possessives like “their” (belonging to them) also do not use apostrophes.
For example, the sentence “The dog wagged its tail” is correct. Using “it’s” here would be incorrect because it’s not a contraction of “it is” or “it has.” Similarly, “The students put their books away” uses the plural possessive “their,” not “there’s.”
Proofreading is your most valuable tool in catching these errors. Reading your work aloud can help you identify awkward phrasing or grammatical mistakes that you might otherwise miss.
When proofreading, specifically look for instances of “that’s” and “thats.” Mentally perform the substitution test (“that is” or “that has”) for each “that’s.” For any “thats,” confirm that it’s not intended as a contraction.
Developing a habit of careful proofreading, coupled with a solid understanding of contraction rules, will dramatically reduce errors related to “that’s” and “thats.” This diligence ensures your writing is polished and professional.
“That’s” in Different Sentence Structures
The versatility of “that’s” allows it to appear in various positions within a sentence, functioning as the subject or as part of a predicate. Its grammatical role remains consistent regardless of its placement.
In declarative sentences, “that’s” often initiates the statement, as seen in “That’s a great idea.” It can also appear later in the sentence, such as in “The reason for the delay, that’s a separate issue.”
Interrogative sentences can also incorporate “that’s.” For example, “Is that’s your car?” is grammatically incorrect. The correct form would be, “Is that your car?” or “Is that it?” if referring to a contraction.
However, a question can be structured using “that’s” as the subject of a subordinate clause or in reported speech. For instance, “Do you think that’s fair?” uses “that’s” correctly. Here, “that’s fair” is the object of “think.”
Exclamatory sentences readily employ “that’s” to convey strong emotion or emphasis. “That’s incredible!” is a common and grammatically sound expression.
Understanding these sentence structures helps reinforce the correct application of “that’s.” It demonstrates that the contraction is a flexible grammatical tool, adaptable to diverse communicative needs.
By observing how “that’s” functions in different sentence types, you gain a deeper appreciation for its role in constructing clear and effective English prose. This knowledge aids in producing error-free writing.
The Evolution and Usage of Contractions
Contractions have a long history in the English language, evolving from a more formal and spoken tradition. Their prevalence in modern English reflects a shift towards more direct and efficient communication.
Historically, the written word often mirrored speech more closely, and contractions were common. Over time, however, a more formal written style emerged, which sometimes discouraged their use in very formal contexts.
Despite this, contractions like “that’s” have endured because they are natural and essential for fluid expression. They help to avoid a stilted or overly ponderous tone in writing.
The apostrophe’s role in contractions is to signal where letters have been omitted. In “that’s,” the apostrophe indicates the removal of the ‘i’ from “is” or the ‘ha’ from “has.”
This symbolic representation is crucial for clarity. Without it, the word would be ambiguous or simply incorrect, as seen with the erroneous “thats.”
The continued acceptance and widespread use of contractions like “that’s” demonstrate their integral place in contemporary English. They are not merely shortcuts but essential components of idiomatic expression.
Learning to use contractions correctly, including “that’s,” is a mark of grammatical proficiency. It allows for writing that is both accurate and engaging for the reader.
Possessives and “That’s” – A Clarification
It is important to distinguish “that’s” as a contraction from any potential possessive use of “that.” The word “that” itself can sometimes be used in possessive contexts, but it does not form a possessive by simply adding an ‘s’ without an apostrophe.
When we talk about possession with “that,” we are usually referring to a demonstrative pronoun or adjective. For example, “that book” indicates a specific book. The possession is inherent in the demonstrative nature, not through an ‘s’ ending.
There is no standard grammatical form “thats” (without an apostrophe) that functions as a possessive for “that.” If you intend to show possession related to “that,” you would typically rephrase the sentence or use a different construction.
For instance, if you were trying to express something belonging to a concept represented by “that,” you might say, “the idea that is presented” or restructure entirely. The simple addition of ‘s’ without an apostrophe is reserved for contractions.
The confusion often arises because many singular nouns form their possessive by adding ‘s’. However, “that” is a pronoun and a determiner, not a noun in the same category that forms possessives this way.
Therefore, always remember that “that’s” is exclusively a contraction for “that is” or “that has.” Any attempt to use “thats” in a possessive sense is grammatically incorrect in standard English.
Maintaining this clear distinction between contraction and potential (though non-existent in this form) possessive usage is vital for accurate grammar. It prevents the misapplication of the apostrophe rule.
Contextual Clues for Correct Usage
Understanding the surrounding words in a sentence provides strong clues for determining whether “that’s” or “thats” is appropriate. The grammatical structure and meaning of the sentence are paramount.
If the sentence immediately following “that’s” contains a verb, it is highly likely that “that’s” is functioning as a contraction of “that is” or “that has.” Verbs like “a,” “going,” “the,” “been,” or “here” often follow “that’s.”
For example, in “That’s a problem,” the word “a” is an article, and “problem” is a noun. “That’s” stands for “That is,” making the sentence complete. Similarly, in “That’s been difficult,” “been” is a verb, confirming “That’s” as “That has.”
Conversely, if you see “thats” and the sentence doesn’t make sense when you try to insert “that is” or “that has,” it’s a strong indicator of an error. The sentence might feel incomplete or grammatically awkward.
Pay attention to the flow and coherence of the entire sentence. If a sentence sounds “off” or difficult to parse, it might be due to an incorrect usage of “that’s” or “thats.”
The presence of a subject and verb in the clause where “that’s” appears is a key indicator. “That’s” effectively combines the subject (“that”) and the auxiliary verb (“is” or “has”).
By analyzing the sentence structure and the words that immediately follow, you can confidently determine the correct form. This contextual awareness is a powerful tool for grammatical accuracy.
“That’s” in Dialogue and Direct Speech
In transcribing dialogue, “that’s” is frequently used, mirroring natural spoken language. Characters in fiction or real-life conversations often employ contractions for realism.
Writers use “that’s” in dialogue to make characters sound authentic. For instance, a character might say, “That’s exactly what I mean!” This reflects everyday speech patterns.
When quoting someone directly, it is essential to preserve their exact wording, including contractions. If the speaker said “that’s,” then the written quotation should include the apostrophe.
Failure to do so would be a misrepresentation of the original speech. This is particularly important in journalistic writing or academic analysis of spoken language.
The informal nature of spoken English makes “that’s” a common feature. Its inclusion in dialogue adds a layer of authenticity and personality to the characters.
Therefore, when representing speech, trust the natural inclination to use contractions like “that’s.” It enhances the believability of the dialogue.
This application of “that’s” highlights its role in capturing the nuances of everyday communication. It bridges the gap between spoken and written forms effectively.
Advanced Usage: “That’s” in Complex Sentences
In more complex sentence structures, “that’s” can appear in various clauses, still maintaining its function as a contraction. Its presence does not inherently alter the sentence’s complexity, but its correct placement is crucial.
Consider sentences with subordinate clauses or parenthetical elements. “That’s the report, which I finished yesterday, that needs to be filed.” Here, “That’s” begins the main clause, correctly standing for “That is.”
It can also appear within a subordinate clause, though less commonly as the primary subject-verb combination. For example, “The issue that’s causing the most concern is the budget.” In this case, “that’s” is part of a relative clause modifying “issue.”
The key is always to ensure that “that is” or “that has” can be substituted without disrupting the grammatical integrity of the clause or sentence.
Even in intricate sentence constructions, the fundamental rule remains: the apostrophe is mandatory for the contraction “that’s.” The complexity of the sentence does not negate this basic grammatical requirement.
Mastering its use in complex sentences demonstrates a high level of grammatical control. It allows for sophisticated expression without sacrificing clarity.
By applying the substitution test diligently, even in challenging sentence structures, you can ensure the accurate and effective use of “that’s.” This precision elevates your writing.
Final Check: The Apostrophe is Key
To reiterate the central point, the presence or absence of the apostrophe is the definitive factor in distinguishing correct usage. “That’s” with an apostrophe is the standard, correct form for contractions.
The form “thats,” lacking an apostrophe, is not recognized in standard English grammar for the purpose of contraction or possession. It is almost always an error.
Always perform the simple substitution test: if “that is” or “that has” fits the meaning and grammatical structure, then “that’s” is the correct choice. This reliable method prevents common mistakes.
Embracing this rule will ensure your writing is clear, accurate, and professional. It is a small detail that makes a significant difference in the quality of your communication.
The consistent and correct application of “that’s” contributes to the overall polish and credibility of your written work. It signals attention to grammatical detail.
Therefore, when in doubt, remember the apostrophe. It is the silent indicator of correct contraction and a vital tool for precise English expression.
By internalizing this distinction, you can confidently navigate this common grammatical query, ensuring your writing meets the highest standards of clarity and correctness.