1. Rumwriter

    Rumwriter Active Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2011
    Messages:
    304
    Likes Received:
    25

    Dos

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by Rumwriter, Oct 19, 2016.

    A sentence like "The dos and don'ts of business management," doesn't it look weird to have "dos?" (For me, I want to read it as "doss.") But this is correct, yet?
     
  2. Steerpike

    Steerpike Felis amatus Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2010
    Messages:
    13,984
    Likes Received:
    8,557
    Location:
    California, US
    Dos and don'ts is recommended by CMS. I think AP suggests do's and don'ts, which doesn't make a lot of sense, in my view. I'd go with what you have unless you know the editor follows a style guide that rejects it.
     
  3. Jeff Countryman

    Jeff Countryman Living the dream

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2015
    Messages:
    161
    Likes Received:
    89
    Location:
    Canada
    That's a good question! :) Perplexing. I like do's for reading continuity - I'd stumble on dos for a second which would interrupt my attention momentarily. I really have no clue as to the absolute grammatically correct answer.
     
  4. Cave Troll

    Cave Troll It's Coffee O'clock everywhere. Contributor

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2015
    Messages:
    17,922
    Likes Received:
    27,173
    Location:
    Where cushions are comfy, and straps hold firm.
    dosEquis.jpg I think the apostrophe separates it from the number 2. :p
     
    Lyrical likes this.
  5. Lyrical

    Lyrical Frumious Bandersnatch

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2015
    Messages:
    385
    Likes Received:
    262
    When I read "dos and don'ts" my Spanish kicks in and I read the number. For reading, I definitely like do's and don'ts. I'm sure @Wreybies would be of tremendous help in this regard.
     
  6. Wreybies

    Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 1, 2008
    Messages:
    23,826
    Likes Received:
    20,818
    Location:
    El Tembloroso Caribe
    @Steerpike is correct. It should be dos and don'ts.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice