Small grammar mistakes can create big confusion. One of the most common examples is “hes or he’s.”
People search for this keyword every day because they see both forms online and wonder which one is correct. Is “hes” a real word? Is “he’s” always necessary? Why does a tiny apostrophe matter so much?
This confusion often comes from fast typing, texting habits, and autocorrect errors. On social media, emails, and even professional writing, many people drop the apostrophe without thinking.
Over time, this creates doubt. Writers, students, bloggers, and non-native English speakers all want a clear answer they can trust.
This article solves that problem completely. You will get a quick answer, a deep explanation, and professional advice you can use anywhere.
We will cover grammar rules, word origins, British and American English usage, common mistakes, and real-life examples. By the end, you will never confuse “hes or he’s” again, and you will know exactly which form to use in every situation.
Hes or He’s – Quick Answer
He’s is correct.
Hes is incorrect in standard English.
He’s is a contraction. It means:
- he is
- he has
Examples:
- He’s happy today. (He is happy today.)
- He’s finished his work. (He has finished his work.)
Hes without an apostrophe is not a real English word. It is a spelling mistake.
If you see hes, it is almost always an error caused by typing quickly or forgetting the apostrophe.
The Origin of Hes or He’s
To understand why he’s exists and hes does not, we need to look at English contractions.
Where “He’s” Comes From
The word he’s comes from two older English structures:
- he is
- he has
In spoken English, people naturally shorten common phrases. Over time, these shortened forms became standard in writing. The apostrophe was added to show that letters were removed.
- he is → he’s
- he has → he’s
The apostrophe replaces the missing letters:
- In he’s, the apostrophe replaces the “i” in is or the “ha” in has.
Why “Hes” Exists at All
Hes has no historical root in English. It developed only because:
- Apostrophes are often ignored in casual writing
- Texting and social media favor speed
- Some keyboards make apostrophes easy to skip
So hes is not a word with meaning or history. It is simply a modern typo.
British English vs American English Spelling
This is one area where British and American English fully agree.
Is There Any Difference?
No.
Both British English and American English use he’s in the same way.
There is:
- No alternative spelling
- No regional variation
- No acceptable version without an apostrophe
Examples in British English
- He’s going to university next year.
- He’s already finished his tea.
Examples in American English
- He’s going to college next year.
- He’s already finished his coffee.
Comparison Table
| Form | British English | American English | Correct |
|---|---|---|---|
| he’s | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Correct |
| hes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ Incorrect |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
The answer depends on correctness, not audience.
For US Audiences
Always use he’s.
- Emails
- Blogs
- Academic writing
- Business communication
For UK and Commonwealth Audiences
Still use he’s.
- Formal writing
- News articles
- Education
- Social media
For Global English
If your audience is international, he’s is the safest and only correct choice.
There is no situation where hes is acceptable in standard English writing.
Common Mistakes with Hes or He’s
Even native speakers make mistakes with this pair. Here are the most common ones.
1. Dropping the Apostrophe
❌ Hes my best friend.
✅ He’s my best friend.
This happens often in fast typing.
2. Confusing “He’s” with Possession
Some people think he’s means ownership. It does not.
❌ That is he’s car.
✅ That is his car.
- he’s = he is / he has
- his = possession
3. Using “He’s” for Past Simple
❌ He’s went home.
✅ He went home.
He’s can only mean he has with a past participle:
- He’s gone home. ✅
4. Using “Hes” in Formal Writing
❌ Hes responsible for the project.
✅ He’s responsible for the project.
Formal writing requires correct punctuation.
5. Avoiding “He’s” Completely
Some writers avoid contractions entirely, thinking they are informal.
That is fine, but then you must write:
- He is or He has
Never write hes instead.
Hes or He’s in Everyday Examples
Seeing real-world usage makes the rule clear.
Emails
❌ Hes available for the meeting tomorrow.
✅ He’s available for the meeting tomorrow.
Formal alternative:
- He is available for the meeting tomorrow.
News Writing
✅ He’s expected to arrive later today.
✅ He has announced new reforms.
Journalists often use he’s for clarity and flow.
Social Media
❌ Hes the best player on the team
✅ He’s the best player on the team
Social media is casual, but grammar still matters.
Academic Writing
In formal academic writing, contractions may be avoided:
- He is responsible for the results.
- He has completed the study.
But hes is still incorrect.
Everyday Conversation (Written Dialogue)
- “He’s not feeling well today,” she said.
- “He’s already left,” they replied.
Hes or He’s – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search behavior shows how common this confusion is.
Why People Search “Hes or He’s”
People search this keyword because:
- They see both forms online
- Spellcheck does not always catch the error
- English learners want confirmation
- Writers want to avoid mistakes
Popularity by Country
- High searches: United States, United Kingdom, India, Pakistan
- Medium searches: Canada, Australia, Philippines
- Growing interest: Non-native English countries
Context of Searches
Most searches happen in:
- Grammar checks
- School assignments
- Blogging and SEO writing
- Professional emails
The data shows one clear trend: users want a fast, clear answer, followed by explanation. That is why the quick rule matters.
Comparison Table: Hes vs He’s
| Feature | He’s | Hes |
|---|---|---|
| Correct English | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Meaning | He is / He has | No meaning |
| Used in writing | Formal & informal | Never |
| Grammar approved | Yes | No |
| Accepted in US English | Yes | No |
| Accepted in UK English | Yes | No |
FAQs
1. Is “hes” ever correct?
No. Hes is never correct in standard English.
2. What does “he’s” stand for?
He’s stands for:
- He is
- He has
3. Can I use “he’s” in formal writing?
Yes, in modern formal writing it is acceptable. If unsure, write he is or he has.
4. Why do people write “hes” so often?
Because of:
- Fast typing
- Autocorrect issues
- Informal texting habits
5. Is there a British spelling difference?
No. British and American English both use he’s.
6. Can “he’s” show possession?
No. Possession uses his, not he’s.
7. Will “hes” hurt SEO or professional writing?
Yes. It looks unprofessional and can reduce trust and credibility.
Conclusion
The confusion between “hes or he’s” is common, but the rule is simple. He’s is always correct. Hes is always wrong.
The apostrophe matters because it shows that he’s is a contraction of he is or he has. Without it, the word loses meaning and correctness.
British English and American English fully agree on this rule. There is no regional exception and no informal approval for hes.
In emails, blogs, social posts, academic work, and professional writing, he’s is the only correct choice. If you want to sound more formal, write the full form instead.
By remembering this one rule, you can avoid a very common mistake and instantly improve your writing. Small details like apostrophes create big impressions.
Use he’s correctly, and your English will look cleaner, clearer, and more professional every time.
Read more about;
I am an Emily Carter Brooks U.S.A based linguistics writer known for my clear, reader-friendly explanations of English grammar and vocabulary differences. I have contributed to multiple online language resources and specializes in spelling variations, pronunciation confusion, and British vs American English comparisons. I believes that learning English should be practical, engaging, and stress-free.
