Don’ts is the correct spelling when you want the plural form of don’t, meaning things that should not be done. Dont’s is incorrect because the apostrophe is placed in the wrong position. This mistake happens because apostrophes and plural forms can be confusing, especially when a word already contains an apostrophe.
In this guide, you’ll learn the correct spelling, why the confusion exists, how British and American English treat the word, common mistakes to avoid, practical examples, and the best spelling to use in every situation.
Quick Answer
The correct spelling is don’ts.
- ✅ Don’ts = The plural form of don’t.
- ❌ Dont’s = Incorrect spelling.
Correct Examples
- Here are the don’ts of online writing.
- Learn the don’ts before starting your new job.
- The teacher explained the classroom don’ts.
Incorrect Examples
- Here are the dont’s of online writing.
- Follow these dont’s carefully.
Remember: The apostrophe belongs inside don’t, not before the s.
The Origin of Don’ts or Dont’s
The word don’t is a contraction of do not. It has been used in English since the 17th century. Over time, writers needed a plural form to describe multiple things people should not do.
English style guides generally recommend adding s directly to the contraction, creating don’ts. Although words ending in apostrophes can look unusual when pluralized, this is the accepted spelling in modern English.
The incorrect form dont’s appeared because many people mistakenly believed another apostrophe was needed before the plural s. However, apostrophes are not used to make regular plurals.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no spelling difference between British English and American English for this word.
Both varieties use don’ts.
| British English | American English | Correct? |
|---|---|---|
| don’ts | don’ts | ✅ Yes |
| dont’s | dont’s | ❌ No |
Examples
British English
- Read the workplace don’ts before your first day.
American English
- Review the safety don’ts before entering the lab.
Both countries follow the same grammar rule.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
You should always write don’ts, no matter where your audience is.
- United States: Use don’ts.
- United Kingdom: Use don’ts.
- Canada: Use don’ts.
- Australia: Use don’ts.
- Global English: Use don’ts.
Whether you’re writing a blog, business email, school assignment, social media post, or professional document, don’ts is the only correct spelling.
Common Mistakes with Don’ts or Dont’s
Here are the mistakes people make most often.
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| dont’s | don’ts |
| Dont’s | Don’ts |
| donts | don’ts (when using the contraction) |
Why These Mistakes Happen
- People think every plural needs an extra apostrophe.
- Apostrophes already inside contractions can be confusing.
- Auto-correct may not always catch the error.
Quick Tip
If the word starts with don’t, simply add s.
don’t → don’ts
Never insert another apostrophe.
Don’ts or Dont’s in Everyday Examples
In Emails
- Please read the office don’ts before your first day.
- The guide lists the most common meeting don’ts.
In News
- Health experts shared the top travel don’ts this summer.
- Police released holiday safety don’ts for drivers.
On Social Media
- Five fitness don’ts everyone should avoid.
- Study don’ts that can hurt your grades.
In Formal Writing
- The handbook includes workplace don’ts for new employees.
- The report outlines several safety don’ts for staff.
Don’ts or Dont’s – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data consistently shows that don’ts is far more popular than dont’s.
People usually search for dont’s because they are unsure where the apostrophe belongs. This mistake appears in search engines, online forums, student writing, and social media posts.
The correct spelling don’ts is used in:
- Dictionaries
- Newspapers
- Business writing
- Academic publications
- Professional websites
- Grammar guides
The incorrect spelling mostly appears in user-generated content and typing mistakes.
Comparison Table: Don’ts vs Dont’s
| Feature | Don’ts | Dont’s |
|---|---|---|
| Correct spelling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Standard English | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| British English | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| American English | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Professional writing | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Academic writing | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Grammar approved | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
FAQs
Is don’ts the correct spelling?
Yes. Don’ts is the correct plural form of don’t.
Is dont’s ever correct?
No. Dont’s is considered incorrect in standard English.
Why is there only one apostrophe?
The apostrophe already belongs to the contraction don’t. No second apostrophe is needed for the plural.
Do British and American English spell it differently?
No. Both use don’ts.
Can I write donts without an apostrophe?
No. Since don’t is a contraction, the apostrophe must stay.
Is don’ts acceptable in formal writing?
Yes. It is widely accepted in business, academic, and professional writing.
How can I remember the correct spelling?
Start with don’t and simply add s. Never add another apostrophe.
Conclusion
The correct spelling is don’ts, while dont’s is always incorrect because apostrophes are not used to create regular plurals. Remember the simple rule: keep the apostrophe that belongs to don’t and only add s to make it plural.
Before publishing emails, blog posts, or school assignments, quickly check contractions to avoid this common mistake. If you want to improve your grammar even more, read our related guide on its vs it’s to learn another apostrophe rule that many writers confuse.
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