Have you ever wondered whether you should write donts or don’ts? You’re not alone. Many writers, students, and professionals hesitate when creating lists of things people should avoid.
Although they look and sound similar, they serve completely different purposes.
The confusion usually comes from uncertainty about apostrophes and plural forms. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly which spelling is correct, why it is correct, and how to avoid this common writing mistake forever.
Quick Answer
Is It “Donts” or “Don’ts”?
“Don’ts” is the correct spelling.
The word don’ts is the plural form of don’t, meaning things that should not be done.
“Donts” is generally considered incorrect in standard English because it omits the apostrophe from the original contraction.
What Does “Don’ts” Mean?
Don’ts refers to actions, behaviors, or practices that people should avoid.
It is commonly used alongside dos in advice, instruction, and guideline content.
Examples
- Here are the dos and don’ts of job interviews.
- The teacher explained the classroom don’ts.
- Every company has safety don’ts that employees must follow.
Usage Rule
When a contraction becomes a plural noun, the apostrophe is usually retained.
Correct: don’t → don’ts
Key Insight
Don’ts functions as a noun, not a verb.
In the sentence:
“Learn the dos and don’ts of social media.”
The word don’ts means prohibited actions.
What Does “Donts” Mean?
Donts is generally viewed as a misspelling in modern standard English.
While some writers remove apostrophes from plural forms, major style guides and dictionaries overwhelmingly prefer don’ts.
Examples of Incorrect Usage
❌ Here are the dos and donts of investing.
❌ Learn the basic donts of customer service.
Correct Versions
✅ Here are the dos and don’ts of investing.
✅ Learn the basic don’ts of customer service.
Key Insight
In formal writing, business communication, academic work, and professional content, don’ts is the accepted spelling.
Donts vs Don’ts: Key Differences
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Donts | Don’ts |
|---|---|---|
| Standard English | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Dictionary Accepted | ❌ Generally No | ✅ Yes |
| Contains Apostrophe | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Professional Writing | ❌ Avoid | ✅ Recommended |
| Meaning | Misspelling | Things not to do |
Meaning Comparison
Don’ts
- Correct spelling
- Plural noun
- Means prohibited actions
- Widely accepted
Donts
- Usually considered incorrect
- Rarely used in edited writing
- May confuse readers
- Not recommended
Real-World Usage Scenarios
Example 1: Workplace Training
Employee: “Where can I find the safety donts?”
Manager: “You mean the safety don’ts. They’re in the handbook.”
🎯 Lesson: Professional documents use don’ts.
Example 2: Blogging
Writer: “Top 10 social media donts.”
Editor: “Change it to don’ts before publishing.”
🎯 Lesson: Correct spelling improves credibility.
Example 3: School Assignment
Student: “I listed the classroom donts.”
Teacher: “Use don’ts because it’s the accepted plural form.”
🎯 Lesson: Academic writing prefers don’ts.
Example 4: Business Communication
Draft:
❌ Employee Conduct Donts
Revised:
✅ Employee Conduct Don’ts
🎯 Lesson: Apostrophe retention follows standard usage.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Removing the Apostrophe
❌ donts
✅ don’ts
Why It Happens
Many people learn that apostrophes are often avoided in plurals and mistakenly remove them here.
Mistake 2: Assuming All Plurals Lose Apostrophes
While most plural nouns do not use apostrophes, words formed from contractions are an exception.
Examples:
- don’t → don’ts
- can’t → can’ts
- won’t → won’ts
Mistake 3: Copying Informal Internet Usage
Some social media posts omit apostrophes for convenience, but professional writing standards still favor don’ts.
Memory Trick
A simple way to remember the correct spelling:
Keep the Apostrophe Alive
Start with:
don’t
Now make it plural:
don’t + s = don’ts
The apostrophe stays because the word comes directly from the contraction.
Easy Shortcut
Think:
If the word starts as “don’t,” the apostrophe doesn’t disappear.
Conclusion
When comparing donts or don’ts, the correct choice is don’ts.The next time you write about rules, guidelines, or advice, remember: the apostrophe stays, so “don’ts” is the correct form.