Todo list, To-do list, or To do list? (Helpful Examples)

Before writing about a “to-do list” you might be carrying out, it would help to know how to spell it. There might be more than one spelling variation, after all. This article will explore whether “to-do” is one or two words or whether it’s hyphenated.

To do list vs. To-do list vs. Todo list

“To-do list” is the only correct variation. You should only write it when “to-do” is hyphenated because this allows us to use it as a compound adjective (which in turn modifies “list”). Neither “to do list” nor “todo list” is correct, so you should avoid them.

According to Google Ngram Viewer, “to-do list” is the only grammatically correct variation. This is made clear from the vast difference in popularity that you can see on the graph.

The Cambridge Dictionary and The Oxford Dictionary both provide entries explaining that “to-do list” is grammatically correct. They state that it’s a noun phrase, where “to-do” is an adjective, and “list” is a noun. The two forms combined turn into a phrasal noun.

Todo list

“Todo list” is incorrect. We cannot group “to-do” into one word because it takes away from the meaning of “to” and “do” when hyphenated. It’s best to avoid using this form, partially because it’s incorrect, and partially because it’s hard for people to read “todo” as one word.

These examples will explain more:

• Correct: You’re not understanding my to-do list jobs at all, are you?
• Incorrect: We have a few things on the todo list that need sorting out right now.
• Correct: I want a to-do list sorted out. I’m hoping it’ll keep me busier.
• Incorrect: If you’re not looking for anything out of your todo list, why did you bother making it?

To do list

“To do list” is grammatically incorrect. We cannot write “to do” as two words when they come directly before “list.” This is because they are both used as adjectives. They have to be grouped with a hyphen whenever we include two adjectives to modify the same word.

Some of these should help you with it:

• Correct: There are a few things on my to-do list that I need to get sorted out first.
• Incorrect: I thought your to do list was completed. I didn’t realize you were still keeping yourself busy with it.
• Correct: It’s not a to-do list. It’s just something that I like to keep tabs on while I’m trying to improve.
• Incorrect: You have a lot on this to do list! Do you think you’ll be able to get it all done?

Is “To-Do List” Hyphenated?

“To-do list” is hyphenated whenever we use it. “List” is a noun, and we must treat “to” and “do” as a compound adjective when we want to modify the noun form correctly. This is true regardless of how you choose to use the form.

We can refer to the AP Stylebook when we want to learn more about hyphenation rules and styles. It’s required to hyphenate two or more words when they modify the same noun.

Since “to” and “do” both modify “list,” we need to hyphenate them. This is how AP Style rules work, so it’s important to stick to it.

Here are some examples that should help you with it:

1. I have a to-do list that I need to complete. Do you think you’ll be able to help me out with it?
2. Where is my to-do list? I had a lot of things on there that I needed to complete.
3. This is my to-do list. Will you help me with some of the easier things to get them done quicker?
4. What’s on your to-do list today? You always seem so organized, and I’m very eager to learn about it!

Is “Do” Capitalized In The Word “To-Do”?

You don’t need to capitalize “do” in most cases when writing “to-do.” You should leave it uncapitalized when you start a sentence with it. The hyphen allows us to treat it as one word, so “To-do” is correct (where only the “T” is capitalized).

The only time that “Do” might be capitalized as well is when it’s written in a title. If your title style means you capitalize every word, then you should write “To-Do” to make sure that it stays true to this style choice (you can ignore the hyphen and treat them as separate words).

You may also like:

“To-Does”, “To-Dos”, or “To-Do’s” – Correct Plural Explained

“On The List” or “In The List” – Correct Preposition