Have you ever paused mid-sentence, fingers hovering over your keyboard, wondering where on earth the apostrophes belong in the phrase “dos and don’ts”?
You are definitely not alone.
It is one of the most frustratingly confusing idioms in the English language. Should it be dos and don’ts, do’s and don’ts, or do’s and don’t’s?
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the exact meaning, origin, and proper grammar rules behind “dos and don’ts” so you can write it with absolute confidence every time.
Quick Answer: What is the Meaning of “Dos and Don’ts”?
Definition: The phrase “dos and don’ts” refers to a set of rules, advice, or guidelines about what you should and should not do in a specific situation.
- Definition: Standards of acceptable and unacceptable behavior in a given context.
- Grammar Classification: Plural idiom / Noun phrase.
- Synonyms: Guidelines, rules, etiquette, protocol, code of conduct, instructions.
Real-World Example Sentences
- “Before traveling overseas, make sure to research the local dos and don’ts of dining etiquette.”
- “Our company handbook outlines the core dos and don’ts of workplace communications.”
- “Knowing the dos and don’ts of job interviews can make or break your hiring chances.”
The Great Grammar Debate: How Do You Spell “Dos and Don’ts”?
The biggest stumbling block with this idiom isn’t its meaning—it’s punctuation. Because English rarely uses apostrophes to create plurals, pluralizing short words like “do” creates an awkward visual snag.
Here is how the leading style guides handle it:
┌── "Dos and don'ts" ──► Recommended by Chicago Manual of Style (Standard)
│
DOS AND DON'TS ───┼── "Do's and don'ts" ──► Recommended by Associated Press (AP Style)
│
└── "Do's and don't's" ──► Rarely used / Considered overly cluttered
1. Dos and Don’ts (The Standard Choice)
This is the most universally accepted spelling across modern grammar references.
- Why it works: “Dos” acts as the standard plural of the verb-turned-noun “do,” while “don’ts” uses a single apostrophe solely for the contraction (do not).
- Best used for: Books, academic writing, formal documentation, and general web content following The Chicago Manual of Style.
2. Do’s and Don’ts (The AP Style Choice)
The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook prefers adding an apostrophe to “Do’s” purely for visual readability, preventing readers from mispronouncing “dos” as “dose”.
- Why it works: It visually clarifies the word “do” as a plural noun.
- Best used for: Journalism, newspapers, press releases, and digital media publications.
3. Versions to Avoid Entirely
- ❌ Do’s and don’t’s: Adding two apostrophes to “don’t’s” looks visually cluttered and awkward.
- ❌ Dos and donts: Omitting the apostrophe from “don’t” makes it a spelling error, as “dont” is not a valid English word.
Origin and Etymology of the Phrase
While exact print records remain scattered, etymologists trace the pairing of “do” and “don’t” back to the early 1900s.
It arose naturally as spoken English shortened complex behavioral commands (“things you ought to do and things you ought not to do”) into a snappy, paired noun phrase. Over time, it became a staple idiomatic expression in conversational and professional English worldwide.
4 Crucial Punctuation Rules for Tricky Plurals
Understanding why “dos and don’ts” confuses so many writers comes down to four fundamental apostrophe rules:
- Apostrophes standardly show possession or contraction—not plurals. You write cats, CDs, and 1990s without apostrophes.
- Awkward plurals are an exception. Single letters often take apostrophes for clarity (e.g., “Mind your p’s and q’s” or “She earned all A’s”).
- Contractions keep their internal mark. In “don’ts”, the apostrophe replaces the missing letter ‘o’ (do not), not the plural ‘s’.
- Consistency is king. Pick one style standard (Chicago or AP) and stick with it throughout your entire piece of writing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is “dos” a real word in English?
Yes! In this context, “dos” acts as the plural noun form of “do” (meaning “actions to perform”). Separately, “do” can also be an informal noun meaning a party or social gathering (e.g., “a big birthday do”).
Should I capitalize “Dos and Don’ts” in a title?
Yes. When using Title Case for headlines or headers, capitalize both principal words: Dos and Don’ts (or DOs and DON’Ts for added emphasis).
How do you use “dos and don’ts” in a formal essay?
In formal academic writing, ensure the phrase fits the overall tone. While idiomatic expressions are fine in moderation, you can substitute “dos and don’ts” with formal equivalents like “guidelines,” “recommended practices,” or “rules of conduct” for a more professional voice.
