You may have seen both “dont’s” and “don’ts” online and wondered which one is correct. This confusion is very common. It happens because apostrophes in English can be tricky. People often mix up plurals and contractions, especially in everyday writing like emails, blogs, and social media.
If you are writing a list of rules, tips, or advice, you might need the word “don’ts.” But many writers accidentally write “dont’s,” thinking it looks right. This small mistake can make your writing look less professional.
In this guide, you will learn the correct spelling, why the confusion exists, and how to use the word properly. We will also look at real examples, common mistakes, and tips for choosing the right form for your audience.
By the end, you will clearly understand the difference between “dont’s” and “don’ts” and never make this mistake again.
Dont’s or Don’ts – Quick Answer
Correct spelling: Don’ts ✅
Incorrect spelling: Dont’s ❌
“Don’ts” is the correct plural form of “don’t” (do not). It means things you should not do.
Examples:
- Here are some don’ts for job interviews.
- Learn the dos and don’ts of social media.
“Dont’s” is incorrect because the apostrophe is used wrongly. Apostrophes are not used to make plural words.
The Origin of Dont’s or Don’ts
The word “don’t” is a contraction of “do not.” It has an apostrophe to show missing letters.
When we make it plural (more than one “don’t”), we add -s after the whole word:
👉 don’t → don’ts
This follows a common English rule:
- Plurals do not need an apostrophe.
- Apostrophes show possession or missing letters.
Why confusion happens:
- People think every word ending in “s” needs an apostrophe.
- Some words like “it’s” (it is) confuse learners.
- Informal writing spreads wrong forms like “dont’s.”
British English vs American English Spelling
Good news: there is no difference between British and American English here.
Both use “don’ts” as the correct spelling.
Comparison Table
| Form | British English | American English | Correct? |
| don’ts | Yes | Yes | ✅ Correct |
| dont’s | No | No | ❌ Incorrect |
Unlike words such as “colour/color,” this spelling is the same worldwide.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Always use “don’ts” in all cases.
Audience-based advice:
- US audience: Use “don’ts” (standard and correct)
- UK/Commonwealth: Use “don’ts” (same rule applies)
- Global audience: Use “don’ts” to stay clear and professional
There is no situation where “dont’s” is correct.
Common Mistakes with Dont’s or Don’ts
Here are some common errors and how to fix them:
❌ Mistake 1: Adding apostrophe before “s”
- Wrong: Dont’s
- Right: Don’ts
❌ Mistake 2: Removing apostrophe completely
- Wrong: D onts or donts
- Right: Don’ts
Simple rule to remember:
👉 Apostrophes are not used to make plurals.
Dont’s or Don’ts in Everyday Examples
1. Emails
- Please follow the dos and don’ts in the company policy.
2. News Writing
- Experts shared the financial don’ts for beginners.
3. Social Media
- Fitness coach posted workout don’ts.
4. Formal Writing
- The report lists key safety don’ts.
5. Blogs and Guides
- Travel don’ts you must avoid in Europe.
Using the correct form helps your writing look clear and professional.
Dont’s or Don’ts – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows that many people type “dont’s or don’ts” to check the correct form.
Key insights:
- “Don’ts” is widely used in books, blogs, and media.
- “Dont’s” appears mostly in informal or incorrect writing.
- Countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia all prefer “don’ts.”
This shows that “don’ts” is the accepted global standard.
Keyword Comparison Table
| Variation | Meaning | Correct Usage | Example |
| don’ts | Plural of “don’t” | ✅ Yes | Follow the don’ts |
| dont’s | Incorrect form | ❌ No | ✖ Avoid this |
| donts | Missing apostrophe | ❌ No | ✖ Incorrect |
FAQs:
1. Is “dont’s” ever correct?
No. It is always incorrect.
2. Why is “don’ts” correct?
Because it is the plural of “don’t,” and apostrophes are not used for plurals.
3. Can I write “donts” without an apostrophe?
No. The correct form keeps the original apostrophe: “don’ts.”
4. What does “don’ts” mean?
It means things you should not do.
5. Is there a British vs American difference?
No. Both use “don’ts.”
6. What is the opposite of “don’ts”?
The opposite is “dos” (things you should do).
7. Why do people write “dont’s”?
Because they misunderstand how apostrophes work.
8. Is “dos and don’ts” correct?
Yes, it is the correct and common phrase.
Conclusion:
The difference between “dont’s” and “don’ts” is simple but important. The correct form is always “don’ts.” It is the plural of “don’t,” which means “do not.” Many people make the mistake of adding an apostrophe before the “s,” but this is incorrect because apostrophes are not used to form plurals.
There is no difference between British and American English in this case. Both follow the same rule, making “don’ts” the standard spelling worldwide. If you are writing emails, blog posts, or professional documents, using the correct form helps you communicate clearly and builds trust with your readers.
To avoid mistakes, remember this easy rule: Use apostrophes for contractions, not for plurals. Once you understand this, you will never confuse “dont’s” and “don’ts” again.
Clear writing shows attention to detail. So next time you write a list of tips, make sure you use the correct spelling don’ts.
I hold a degree in English Literature and Linguistics and have worked extensively on educational blogs, comparison websites, and digital learning platforms. My writing focuses on simplifying complex language rules, highlighting British vs American English differences, and providing practical examples for everyday usage.
