Thats or That’s?

In the realm of English grammar, contractions and possessive pronouns are among the primary sources of confusion. “That’s” and “thats” often fall victim to this confusion, leading to misuse in both written and spoken English. This article will clarify the misconception between “that’s” and “thats,” providing examples to cement your understanding and ensure you can use these terms correctly.

Understanding Contractions and Possessive Pronouns

Before diving into the specifics of “that’s” and the non-standard “thats,” it’s important to grasp what contractions and possessive pronouns are:

  • Contractions are shortened forms of words or combinations of words created by omitting certain letters and replacing them with an apostrophe. For instance, “do not” becomes “don’t,” and “I will” becomes “I’ll.”
  • Possessive pronouns are used to indicate ownership and do not require an apostrophe. Examples include “his,” “hers,” “its,” “yours,” “ours,” and “theirs.”

That’s: The Correct Contraction

That’s is a contraction of “that is” or “that has.” It is used commonly in everyday language to make speech and writing more fluid and conversational.

Examples of “That’s” Usage:

  1. Substitute for ‘That is’: “That’s the book I was telling you about.”
  2. Substitute for ‘That has’: “That’s been on my mind all day.”

The Misconception: Thats

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: “thats.” Unlike “that’s,” “thats” is not a standard English word. It is often mistakenly used when individuals confuse its homophone, “that’s,” with a possessive pronoun. The misconception arises because possessive pronouns do not use an apostrophe, such as “its” or “ours.” However, “that” is not a possessive pronoun, and “thats” is not a recognized word in English.

The correct possessive form of “that” is “that” with the addition of the word “of,” as in “that book of yours” or using “whose” for people, as in “the man whose car broke down.”

Clarifying the Misconception with Examples

Incorrect: “I don’t understand the directions on thats manual.”
Correct: “I don’t understand the directions on that manual.”

Incorrect: “Lets take a closer look at thats features.”
Correct: “Let’s take a closer look at that’s (that has) features.”

Incorrect: “Thats not what I meant.”
Correct: “That’s (that is) not what I meant.”

Why the Confusion Persists

The confusion between “that’s” and “thats” persists for several reasons:

  1. Homophonic Nature: “That’s” and “thats” sound identical when spoken, leading to misunderstanding in their written forms.
  2. Possessive Pronoun Pattern: Since possessive pronouns do not contain apostrophes, it’s easy to erroneously apply the same rule to “that’s.”
  3. Lack of Awareness: Some English speakers and writers may not be aware that “thats” is not a recognized word in standard English.
  4. Informal Communication: Texting and social media have led to a more relaxed approach to grammar, allowing such errors to go unnoticed or uncorrected.

The Role of Context

Understanding the context in which “that’s” should be used is key to avoiding the aforementioned misconceptions. “That’s” is appropriate when you want to say “that is” or “that has,” but never when indicating possession.

More Examples to Illustrate Correct Usage

  1. That’s exactly what I meant when I said we should be careful.
  2. That’s been one of the best performances I’ve seen in years.
  3. Is that’s (that is) the final decision on the matter?
  4. I hear that’s (that has) a great restaurant.

Legal and Formal Writing

In legal and formal writing, clarity and precision are paramount. Using “that’s” correctly can significantly impact the professionalism and comprehensibility of the document. Misuse of “thats” could lead to ambiguity and potentially undermine the writing’s credibility.

Tips to Remember the Difference

Here are a few tips to help you remember the correct usage of “that’s”:

  • Associate the Apostrophe with Omission: Remember, an apostrophe indicates that letters have been left out. “That’s” is short for “that is” or “that has.”
  • Possessive Pronouns Don’t Have Apostrophes: Train yourself to recognize that possessive pronouns do not include apostrophes,and “that” as a possessive form will often be part of a phrase, such as “that book of yours.”
  • Read Aloud: If you’re unsure, read your sentence aloud, replacing “that’s” with “that is” or “that has.” If the sentence makes sense, then “that’s” is the correct choice.

Final Thoughts

The key to mastering the use of “that’s” lies in recognizing it as a contraction for “that is” or “that has,” and understanding that “thats” is not a standard word in English. Despite sounding the same when spoken, their meanings are distinctly different, and only “that’s” is correct in standard written English. By remembering the function of contractions and the rules surrounding possessive pronouns, you can avoid this common grammatical pitfall and communicate more effectively. It’s through careful consideration of context and adherence to the rules of English grammar that one can ensure the accurate conveyance of meaning in both writing and speech.

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