Language evolves. But one thing that consistently confuses even native English speakers is how to pluralize phrases like “how to.” Should you write how-tos, how to’s, or how tos?
This guide unpacks the grammar, punctuation, and real-world usage behind this tricky phrase.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which form to use, when to hyphenate, and how to keep your writing clean and professional.
You’ve seen it everywhere—tutorial titles, blog posts, YouTube thumbnails, and course descriptions. The phrase “how to” rules the digital world.
But when you need more than one, things get messy. People write it as how to’s, how-tos, and sometimes how tos. So, which one is right?
The short answer: how-tos is the correct plural form.
The long answer? Well, it involves understanding compound nouns, hyphenation rules, and a little punctuation history. Let’s dive in.
Understanding the Structure of “How To”
Before pluralizing, you need to understand what “how to” actually is.
“How to” isn’t a single word—it’s a phrase. It combines the question word how (meaning “in what way”) with to, which links it to a verb.
For example:
- I know how to bake bread.
- She’s learning how to drive.
In those cases, “how to” introduces an action. But once you use it to name something—like a tutorial, guide, or instruction—it becomes a compound noun.
Example:
- I love reading how-tos about cooking.
Here, “how-to” doesn’t show an action. It’s now the thing being read—just like “book” or “manual.”
When and Why to Hyphenate “How To”
Hyphens can change meaning entirely. When “how to” acts as a modifier (an adjective before a noun), you hyphenate it.
Examples:
- ✅ A how-to guide on gardening.
- ✅ The website offers many how-to videos.
But if you’re describing an action or giving instructions, you don’t hyphenate it.
Examples:
- ❌ I’ll how-to bake bread. → Incorrect
- ✅ I’ll show you how to bake bread. → Correct
Quick Rule of Thumb
| Use Case | Hyphenated? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| As an adjective (describes something) | ✅ Yes | How-to manual |
| As a phrase (describes an action) | ❌ No | How to cook pasta |
Remember: if “how to” modifies another noun, hyphenate it. If it’s simply explaining an action, keep it open.
Forming the Plural: “How-Tos” or “How To’s”?
Here’s where confusion peaks. Many writers assume the plural of “how-to” needs an apostrophe, writing how to’s. But this is incorrect.
The correct plural form is how-tos.
Why? Because in English, we don’t use apostrophes to make words plural—only possessive.
Incorrect: These how to’s are helpful.
Correct: These how-tos are helpful.
When you add “s” to pluralize, the apostrophe doesn’t belong unless you’re showing possession.
Example:
- The how-to’s instructions were outdated. (Possessive—belongs to the how-to.)
So while “how-to’s” might look familiar, it’s grammatically wrong in most cases.
Why “How-Tos” Is Grammatically Correct
To understand why “how-tos” works, you need to look at how compound nouns behave.
A compound noun is a word made up of two or more parts that act as one. When we pluralize them, we usually add the “s” to the main word—the one that carries the meaning.
Examples:
- Mother-in-law → Mothers-in-law
- Runner-up → Runners-up
- Editor-in-chief → Editors-in-chief
However, in how-to, both parts create a unified meaning. Since neither word alone conveys the noun’s sense, we add the plural at the end—making it how-tos.
Grammar logic:
Adding “s” to the end of a compound noun is standard when the unit acts as a single concept.
So:
✅ “How-tos” = multiple instructional guides.
❌ “How to’s” = grammatically incorrect plural form.
The Decline of Apostrophes in Plurals
In the early 20th century, it was common to see apostrophes in plurals—like CD’s, 1980’s, FAQ’s. That habit carried over from handwritten and typewritten text when spacing clarity mattered.
But modern English has moved away from that. Apostrophes now only indicate possession or contractions.
Examples of the Shift
| Old Form | Modern Form | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1980’s | 1980s | Decade plural |
| FAQ’s | FAQs | Simple plural |
| DVD’s | DVDs | No apostrophe needed |
| How To’s | How-Tos | Correct modern usage |
Even grammar giants like The Chicago Manual of Style and AP Stylebook confirm that plurals shouldn’t contain apostrophes unless absolutely necessary for clarity (like single letters: Mind your p’s and q’s).
“How-To” as a Noun Modifier
When used as a noun modifier, “how-to” describes something instructional. It tells you what kind of guide, video, or article it is.
Examples:
- How-to article
- How-to workshop
- How-to video series
When used this way:
- Always hyphenate “how-to.”
- Keep it lowercase unless it begins a title.
- Make the plural how-tos, not how to’s.
Style Tip
According to Merriam-Webster and AP Stylebook:
“How-to” is both a noun and an adjective. Its plural is how-tos.
That means you can confidently write:
This website offers dozens of how-tos for beginners.
Common Misconceptions and Grammar Traps
Even experienced writers fall into traps with “how to.” Here are the most common ones.
1. Using Apostrophes for Plurals
Many assume apostrophes make words look correct. But in modern grammar, apostrophes are possessive markers, not plural ones.
Wrong: I love reading how to’s.
Right: I love reading how-tos.
2. Over-Hyphenation
Writers sometimes hyphenate every phrase containing “how to.” That’s incorrect when it isn’t modifying another noun.
Wrong: He’s learning how-to write essays.
Right: He’s learning how to write essays.
3. Misidentifying the Function
If you can replace “how-to” with a noun like guide or tutorial, hyphenate it. If it describes an action, don’t.
4. Forgetting Consistency
If you’re writing multiple “how-to” titles or guides, maintain a consistent style throughout your site or publication.
The Power of Punctuation: How Meaning Changes
Tiny punctuation marks can shift meaning entirely.
Example 1:
These how-tos are useful. → Talks about multiple guides.
These how-to’s design is great. → Talks about something belonging to one guide.
Example 2:
He’s teaching how to draw. → Action phrase.
He’s selling how-to-draw guides. → Descriptive noun phrase.
Even a misplaced apostrophe can confuse readers or make writing appear amateurish. That’s why understanding punctuation’s impact on meaning is vital for clarity.
Avoiding Pluralization Confusion: Rephrasing Alternatives
If pluralizing “how-to” still feels awkward, rephrase the sentence. Professional writers often rewrite to avoid mechanical-sounding phrases.
Smart Rewording Examples
| Awkward Phrase | Better Alternative |
|---|---|
| These how-tos are confusing. | These tutorials are confusing. |
| I read several how-to’s. | I read several instructional guides. |
| He shared many how tos. | He shared multiple DIY articles. |
| A collection of how-to’s. | A collection of step-by-step guides. |
Rewriting not only avoids confusion but also improves flow and readability.
Real-World Examples of “How-Tos” in Action
Let’s see how established publishers handle it.
Media Usage Examples
- The New York Times: “A list of how-tos to simplify your day.”
- Grammarly Blog: “Common grammar how-tos every writer should know.”
- AP Stylebook: Recommends using “how-tos” without apostrophes.
Case Study: YouTube
Creators often use “how-to” in titles like How to Edit Videos or How to Bake Bread.
But when referring to multiple tutorials, YouTube categorizes them as “How-tos”—reflecting mainstream digital grammar consistency.
Quick Reference: Style Guide Consensus
| Style Guide | Correct Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AP Stylebook | how-to / how-tos | Use hyphen; no apostrophe for plural |
| Chicago Manual of Style | how-to / how-tos | Compound noun; plural with -s |
| Merriam-Webster | how-to (noun/adjective) / how-tos | Lists plural form as “how-tos” |
| Oxford English Dictionary | how-to / how-tos | Considers “how-to” a standalone compound noun |
Key Takeaways: The Smart Writer’s Shortcut
- ✅ Use “how-to” when it acts as a noun or adjective.
- ✅ Use “how-tos” for the plural form.
- ❌ Avoid “how to’s” — it’s outdated and incorrect.
- 💡 Apostrophes show possession, not plurality.
- 📘 Always check your preferred style guide for consistency.
Pro Tip:
Whenever in doubt, write your sentence out loud. If it sounds natural and clear without the apostrophe, it’s probably right.
FAQs
1. Is “How-Tos” One Word or Two?
“How-tos” is treated as one compound noun connected by a hyphen. Always write it as how-tos, not how tos.
2. Can I Write “How To’s” in Informal Writing?
While some people do in casual contexts, it’s considered grammatically incorrect in professional or academic writing. Use how-tos instead.
3. Should “How-To” Be Capitalized in Titles?
Yes, capitalize both parts when it appears in a title or headline: How-To Guide for Beginners.
4. Is “How To” a Verb or Noun?
It depends on usage. In “how to write an essay,” it’s part of a verb phrase. In “a how-to manual,” it functions as a noun.
5. What’s the Plural Possessive Form of “How-To”?
The plural possessive is how-tos’.
Example: The how-tos’ formatting was consistent across the website.
Conclusion
Grammar isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about clarity. The confusion between how-tos and how to’s comes from an outdated habit of using apostrophes for plurals.
Now that you know:
- “How-tos” is the correct plural form.
- Hyphenate when acting as a noun or adjective.
- Skip the apostrophe unless showing possession.
Write with confidence. Whether you’re crafting a blog post, tutorial, or instruction manual, your “how-tos” will look polished and professional.
I’m Sameer — a passionate English enthusiast who loves exploring words, grammar, and the art of effective communication. ✍️