Donts or Don’ts: Which Is Correct? (Clear Guide + Examples)

If you’ve ever written a list like “dos and donts” and paused, wondering if something looks off—you’re not alone. This is one of the most common punctuation mistakes in English, especially when contractions and plurals mix.

The confusion between “donts” and “don’ts” comes down to one small but important detail: the apostrophe. In this guide, you’ll learn the correct form, why it matters, and how to use it confidently in your writing.

Quick Answer

• ✅ Don’ts = Correct spelling
• ❌ Donts = Incorrect spelling

Always use “don’ts” (with an apostrophe) when writing the plural of “don’t.”

What Does “Don’ts” Mean?

The word don’ts is the plural form of “don’t” (which means “do not”). It refers to things you should not do—usually used in advice, rules, or guidelines.

Common uses:

• Lists of rules or tips
• Instructions or warnings
• Everyday advice

Examples:

• Here are some important don’ts for job interviews.
• The teacher explained the classroom dos and don’ts.
• Social media has its own set of don’ts.

Why “Donts” Is Incorrect

“Donts” is missing the apostrophe, which makes it grammatically incorrect.

Here’s why:

• “Don’t” is a contraction of “do not.”
• When making it plural, you keep the apostrophe and add -s.
• Removing the apostrophe changes the structure and makes it invalid.

Correct formation:

• don’t → don’ts ✅
• dont → donts ❌ (incorrect base word)

Donts vs Don’ts: Key Differences

Feature	Don’ts ✅	Donts ❌
Correct spelling	Yes	No
Apostrophe usage	Required	Missing
Grammar	Correct	Incorrect
Usage	Standard English	Avoid completely
Meaning	Things not to do	Invalid form

Common Mistakes to Avoid

This mistake happens more often than you might think. Here’s how to avoid it:

1. Dropping the Apostrophe

Many writers skip punctuation in casual writing.

• ❌ donts
• ✅ don’ts

2. Confusing Plurals with Possessives

Apostrophes are not always used for plurals—but they are needed here because of the contraction.

3. Writing “Do’s and Don’ts” Incorrectly

This phrase often causes confusion:

• ✅ do’s and don’ts
• ❌ dos and donts (informal, less preferred)

👉 In formal writing, “do’s and don’ts” is the safest choice.

Examples of “Don’ts” in Sentences

Let’s look at how “don’ts” appears naturally in different contexts:

Everyday Advice:

• Here are some travel don’ts to keep in mind.
• Parenting comes with many don’ts.

Professional/Business:

• Follow the company’s do’s and don’ts.
• The training included workplace don’ts.

Education:

• Students should learn grammar don’ts early.
• The guide explains essay-writing don’ts.

American vs British English

There’s no difference between American and British English in this case.

• 🇺🇸 American English: don’ts
• 🇬🇧 British English: don’ts

Both follow the same punctuation rule.

Synonyms and Related Phrases

Instead of repeating “don’ts,” you can use:

• Mistakes to avoid
• Prohibited actions
• Bad practices
• Things not to do
• Guidelines

Example:

• These are common mistakes to avoid in interviews.
• These are interview don’ts.

When to Use “Don’ts” (Quick Tips)

Use don’ts when:

• Giving advice or warnings
• Listing things to avoid
• Writing guides or rules
• Explaining best practices

Memory trick:

👉 If it comes from “don’t,” keep the apostrophe → don’ts

FAQs About Donts vs Don’ts

1. Is “donts” ever correct?

No, “donts” is always incorrect. Use “don’ts” instead.

2. Why does “don’ts” have an apostrophe?

Because it comes from the contraction “don’t” (do not), and the apostrophe must stay.

3. Is “dos and don’ts” correct?

Yes, but in formal writing, “do’s and don’ts” is preferred for clarity.

4. Can I write “dos and donts”?

It’s common in casual writing, but it’s not grammatically correct.

5. Is “don’ts” formal or informal?

It works in both formal and informal contexts.

6. What is the singular form of “don’ts”?

The singular is “don’t.”

7. Are there similar punctuation mistakes?

Yes—examples include “its vs it’s” and “your vs you’re.”

8. How can I remember this rule?

Always keep the apostrophe when pluralizing contractions.

Final Summary

The difference between donts vs don’ts comes down to one simple rule: apostrophes matter. “Don’ts” is the correct and accepted form because it comes from the contraction “don’t,” while “donts” is incorrect and should be avoided.

Even though skipping the apostrophe may seem easier, especially in casual writing, using the correct form improves clarity and professionalism. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in how your writing is perceived.

Actionable Takeaway

Next time you write a list of rules or tips:

👉 Always write “don’ts” with an apostrophe

To improve your writing:

• Pay attention to contractions
• Double-check punctuation
• Practice common tricky words

With consistency, you’ll avoid this mistake naturally and write with more confidence.