Many learners feel confused when they see donts and don’ts. Both look almost the same, but one small mark makes a big difference. That tiny mark is called an apostrophe.
Because this difference is small, people often make mistakes in writing, especially in school, emails, or social media posts. The good news is that this confusion is easy to fix once you understand one simple rule.
In this guide, you will learn the correct form, why it is correct, and how to use it with confidence in daily life.
Quick Answer
Here is the simple answer:
- Don’ts is correct
- Donts is incorrect in standard English
- The apostrophe shows that the word comes from do not
- Use don’ts when talking about things you should not do
Example:
- Correct: Here are some don’ts for the exam.
- Incorrect: Here are some donts for the exam.
Simple Origin or Background
To understand this better, let’s look at the word don’t.
- Don’t is a short form of do not
- This short form is called a contraction
- The apostrophe replaces the missing letter “o” in “not”
So:
- Do not → Don’t
Now, when we want to make don’t plural, we add s:
- Don’t → Don’ts
This is why the apostrophe stays in the word. It is already part of the contraction.
Clear Explanation of the Difference
Don’ts
- This is the correct spelling
- It means things you should not do
- It is the plural form of “don’t”
Example:
- Follow the dos and don’ts of good behavior.
Donts
- This is incorrect in standard English
- It is missing the apostrophe
- It may appear in informal writing, but it is not correct for school or formal use
Example:
- Wrong: Learn the donts of cooking.
Key Idea
The apostrophe is important because it shows the word comes from do not. Without it, the word is incomplete.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Don’ts | Donts |
| Correct spelling | Yes | No |
| Has apostrophe | Yes | No |
| Meaning | Things you should not do | No clear meaning |
| Use in writing | Formal and informal | Avoid using |
| Example | Classroom don’ts | Incorrect form |
Which One to Use and When
You should always use don’ts in proper writing.
Use it when:
- Giving advice
- Writing rules
- Explaining behavior
- Teaching students
- Writing emails or articles
Examples:
- Teacher: These are the don’ts during exams.
- Office: Follow the don’ts of workplace safety.
- Home: Parents teach children the don’ts of daily life.
Avoid using donts in:
- School work
- Exams
- Professional writing
- Formal communication
Common Mistakes People Make
Here are some common errors and why they happen:
1. Forgetting the apostrophe
Many learners write donts because they forget the apostrophe.
Wrong: There are many donts in driving.
Right: There are many don’ts in driving.
2. Thinking apostrophes are not needed
Some people think apostrophes are only for showing possession, but they are also used in contractions.
3. Confusing plural rules
Normally, we add “s” to make plurals. But here, the word already has an apostrophe because it comes from “don’t.”
4. Typing fast on phones
People often skip the apostrophe when typing quickly on mobile devices.
5. Copying incorrect usage
Sometimes learners see wrong spelling online and repeat it.
Everyday Real Life Examples
Let’s see how don’ts is used in daily life.
In Emails
- Please read the dos and don’ts before joining the meeting.
- Here are some don’ts for writing a formal email.
In School
- The teacher explained exam don’ts clearly.
- Students must follow classroom don’ts.
In Social Media
- Fitness tips: Learn the gym don’ts to avoid injury.
- Travel post: Here are the don’ts when visiting a new place.
In News or Articles
- Experts shared health don’ts for summer.
- The article listed important don’ts for online safety.
In Daily Conversations
- My mother always tells me the don’ts of cooking.
- Every job has its own dos and don’ts.
Short Learning Section for Students and Beginners
Here is a simple way to remember:
Step 1: Think of “do not”
- Don’t comes from do not
Step 2: Keep the apostrophe
- Don’t already has an apostrophe
Step 3: Add “s” for plural
- Don’t → Don’ts
Easy Memory Trick
If you can say “do not,” then you must use the apostrophe.
Practice Sentences
Fill in the blank:
- Learn the ______ of good writing.
- These are the classroom ______.
- Follow the safety ______ carefully.
Answers:
- don’ts
- don’ts
- don’ts
FAQ Section
1. Is “donts” ever correct?
No, donts is not correct in standard English. Always use don’ts.
2. Why do we use an apostrophe in don’ts?
Because it comes from do not, and the apostrophe shows the missing letters.
3. Can I write donts in casual messages?
Even in casual writing, it is better to use don’ts to build good habits.
4. What does “don’ts” mean?
It means things you should not do.
5. Is “don’ts” formal or informal?
It can be used in both formal and informal writing.
6. What is the singular form of don’ts?
The singular form is don’t, which means do not.
7. Is “dos and don’ts” correct?
Yes, this is a very common and correct phrase.
8. Why do people make this mistake?
Because the difference is small and easy to miss, especially when typing quickly.
Conclusion
The difference between donts and don’ts is simple but important.
- Don’ts is correct and widely accepted
- Donts is incorrect and should be avoided
The key idea is to remember that don’t comes from do not, so the apostrophe must stay when you add “s.”
Once you understand this rule, you will not feel confused again. With a little practice, using the correct form will become natural in your writing.
