do's and don'ts

Meaning

1. 1phrasepluralinformal

   A list of things you should and should not do in a particular situation.

   Grammar: Always plural and takes a plural verb: the do's and don'ts are simple.

   Patterns

   • the do's and don'ts of something

   The guide lists the do's and don'ts of visiting a temple.

   Before your first job interview, learn the do's and don'ts.

   Our guide explained the do's and don'ts for hiking in bear country.

Common combinations

the do's and don'ts of something

Here are the do's and don'ts of online banking.

learn the do's and don'ts

New staff should learn the do's and don'ts quickly.

a list of do's and don'ts

She printed a list of do's and don'ts for the party.

basic do's and don'ts

Let me tell you the basic do's and don'ts of camping.

etiquette do's and don'ts

This site covers etiquette do's and don'ts abroad.

Synonyms and how they differ

guidelines

Guidelines are broader advice, while do's and don'ts present clear yes-or-no rules.

rules

Rules are stricter and enforced, whereas do's and don'ts can be friendly tips.

etiquette

Etiquette refers to polite social behavior in general, but do's and don'ts can cover any activity.

dos and donts

This is a variant spelling of the same phrase, though the apostrophes are preferred.

Word family

do noun

something you are advised to do

don't noun

something you are advised not to do

dos noun

plural of do, used in the fixed phrase

Commonly confused: do's and don'ts or dues?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “do's and don'ts”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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