The confusion between donts or don’ts is very common, especially when writing lists of rules, tips, or advice. The issue comes down to whether an apostrophe is needed. In standard English, only one form is considered correct.
If you’re writing a blog post, business document, school assignment, or social media content, knowing the correct spelling can make your writing look more professional and polished.
Quick Answer
✅ Don’ts is the correct spelling.
❌ Donts is incorrect.
Correct example:
- “Here are the dos and don’ts of job interviews.”
Incorrect example:
- “Here are the dos and donts of job interviews.”
What Does Don’ts Mean?
English Grammar Don’ts is the plural form of don’t, which is a contraction of:
- do not
When used as a noun, don’t refers to something you should not do.
Examples
- Learn the dos and don’ts of workplace etiquette.
- The article explains the major don’ts of public speaking.
- Parents often teach their children basic dos and don’ts.
Why Is “Don’ts” Correct?
The apostrophe remains because the word comes from the contraction:
- do not → don’t
When making it plural, simply add s:
- don’t → don’ts (or don’ts)
The apostrophe is retained because it is part of the original contraction.
Donts vs Don’ts: Main Difference
| Word | Status | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Don’ts | Correct | Things you should not do |
| Donts | Incorrect | Misspelling |
The Famous Phrase: Dos and Don’ts
One of the most common uses of the word is:
Correct
- Dos and don’ts
This phrase means:
- recommended actions (dos)
- actions to avoid (don’ts)
Examples
- Dos and don’ts of social media marketing
- Dos and don’ts of interview preparation
- Dos and don’ts of email etiquette
Common Uses of Don’ts
Business
Business
- Every employee should know the workplace don’ts.
Education
Education
- Students learned the classroom dos and don’ts.
Health
Public Health
- Doctors often provide diet dos and don’ts.
Digital Marketing
Digital Marketing
- The guide covers SEO dos and don’ts.
Common Mistakes People Make
Mistake 1: Removing the Apostrophe
Incorrect:
- “Read the blogging donts.”
Correct:
- “Read the blogging don’ts.”
Mistake 2: Thinking Plurals Never Use Apostrophes
Normally, plural nouns do not use apostrophes.
For example:
- books
- cars
- houses
However, don’ts is different because it comes from a contraction.
Mistake 3: Writing “Do’s and Don’ts”
Many style guides today prefer:
✅ dos and don’ts
instead of:
⚠️ do’s and don’ts
Both may be seen, but dos and don’ts is increasingly preferred.
American vs British English Differences
Both:
- United States American English
- United Kingdom British English
generally use:
✅ don’ts
There is no major regional spelling difference.
Why Correct Punctuation Matters
Professional Communication Proper punctuation improves:
- readability
- professionalism
- credibility
- grammar accuracy
Small punctuation mistakes can affect how polished your writing appears.
Easy Trick to Remember the Correct Form
Start With “Don’t”
Think:
- do not → don’t
Then make it plural:
- don’t → don’ts
The apostrophe stays because it’s part of the original word.
Memory Tip
If don’t has an apostrophe, don’ts should too.
Related Word Forms
| Word | Usage |
|---|---|
| Do | Verb |
| Don’t | Contraction of “do not” |
| Dos | Recommended actions |
| Don’ts | Actions to avoid |
Example Sentence
- “The handbook explains the dos and don’ts of professional communication.”
FAQs
Which spelling is correct: donts or don’ts?
Don’ts is the correct spelling.
Is donts a real word?
No. Donts is considered a misspelling.
Why does don’ts have an apostrophe?
Because it comes from the contraction don’t, and the apostrophe remains when the word becomes plural.
What does don’ts mean?
It refers to actions, behaviors, or practices that should be avoided.
Is “dos and don’ts” correct?
Yes. It is the standard phrase used to describe recommended and discouraged actions.
Is “do’s and don’ts” also acceptable?
Some style guides allow it, but dos and don’ts is generally preferred today.
Do British and American English use different spellings?
No. Both commonly use don’ts.
Can grammar checkers catch donts?
Yes. Most grammar and spell-check tools suggest don’ts.
Final Summary
The difference between donts or don’ts is simple but important. Don’ts is the correct spelling because it comes from the contraction don’t and retains its apostrophe when used as a plural noun. Donts is considered a misspelling and should be avoided in formal and informal writing.
Whether you’re creating a list of workplace rules, blogging tips, study advice, or social media guidelines, always use don’ts. Remember: if don’t has an apostrophe, don’ts should have one too.
Actionable Takeaway
Before writing the word, remember:
- don’ts = correct ✅
- donts = incorrect ❌
For proper English grammar:
- dos and don’ts ✅
- dos and donts ❌
That simple punctuation check will keep your writing accurate and professional.
