Probono, Pro bono, or Pro-bono? (Helpful Examples)

You might come across the words “Pro bono” when dealing with a lawyer. However, you might not know whether it’s written as one or two words. This article will look into whether it’s two words or if the hyphenated form is useful to you.

Pro bono vs. Pro-bono vs. Probono

“Pro bono” should always be split into two words. We write it in this way because it comes from the Latin phrase “pro bono publico,” which means “for the public good.” There is never a reason to place a hyphen between the words as it strays from the original phrase.

According to Google Ngram Viewer, “pro bono” is the only correct choice of the three. You can see this because it is vastly more popular than the hyphenated or one-word options. Make sure you always write it as two words in all cases.

The Cambridge Dictionary and The Oxford Dictionary both give a listing for “Pro bono.” They show that it is two words in all cases, and we should only ever write it as such. Neither dictionary mentions that it is correct when hyphenated or grouped into one word.

Both dictionaries also note that “pro bono” works as both an adjective and an adverb. This is interesting because it’s common for adjectives to be hyphenated when they are made up of multiple words. However, this does not apply to “pro bono,” which we’ll get to later.

You might benefit from checking these examples out to see what the differences between adjectives and adverbs are:

• Adjective: We’re going to need some pro bono advice about what to do next.
• Adverb: I’ll represent you pro bono!

Is “Probono” One Word?

You should never write “probono” as one word. It is incorrect because it removes the original meaning of the Latin phrase. Both “pro” and “bono” are defined and correct in Latin, so we should make sure to keep them as separated words.

You might benefit from the following examples:

• Correct: I would like to look into this pro bono for you if you’re happy with that?
• Incorrect: I have a few probono lawyers on the line ready to help you out.
• Correct: If you’re not willing to get this done pro bono, then I’m not willing to work with you.
• Incorrect: Probono services are very important to this company!

Is “Pro bono” Two Words?

“Pro bono” should always be written as two words. We use it in this way because it stays true to the original intention behind the Latin phrases. Even when used as an adjective, we still keep the two forms separated to show what they mean.

Check these examples out for more help:

1. I would like to take on this case pro bono!
2. Pro bono legal services are the next most important thing to get sorted.
3. I would love to take on this case, but I don’t offer it pro bono. You’ll need to pay me.
4. Pro bono or not, I’m still interested in finding out the truth behind this one for you!

Is “Pro-bono” Hyphenated?

“Pro-bono” is not correct when hyphenated. This is unusual, considering that adjectives should be hyphenated when made of more than one word. However, since “pro bono” is of Latin origin rather than English, the same rules do not apply.

We can usually refer to AP Stylebook guidelines when we want to learn about hyphenation rules. However, since AP Style only applies to English words, we do not need to worry about hyphenating the adjective form in the same way.

These examples should act as a good reminder for you:

• Correct: I’m going to get this sorted out pro bono so that you can see my skills in action.
• Incorrect: I don’t have enough money. Is there any way you can do this pro-bono?
• Correct: I like to work with pro bono companies because they’re never looking to scam me.
• Incorrect: Pro-bono legal services are needed in this area.

Is “Bono” Capitalized In The Word “Pro-Bono”?

“Pro-bono” should never be hyphenated. Therefore, there is no reason to worry about how to capitalize the hyphenated form.

When using “pro bono” correctly, you still do not need to worry about hyphenation unless you are starting a sentence with it. In that case, you would capitalize “Pro” only.