Won't vs. Wont
“Won't” and “wont” are different words. The apostrophized form is the contraction of “will not,” while “wont” is a formal noun or adjective associated with habitual behavior.
“Won't” means “will not”; “wont” is a separate formal word referring to a habit or to being accustomed to doing something.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Context | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| means “will not” | won’t | Use the contraction with an apostrophe. |
| habit/custom, especially formal or literary | wont | Use the separate noun/adjective “wont.” |
| means accustomed to doing something | wont | Use the separate formal word, often in “be wont to.” |
Quick tests
Decision test
Can the word be expanded to “will not”?
If yes: Use “won’t.”
If no: If it means habit/custom or accustomed, use “wont.”
Caveat: The apostrophe changes the word: “won’t” is a contraction; “wont” is a separate formal word.
Examples
I won’t be available tomorrow morning.
“Won’t” means “will not.”
As was his wont, he arrived before everyone else.
“Wont” means a customary habit.
She was wont to read late into the night.
The formal phrase means she was accustomed to doing so.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “won't” when you mean “will not.” Use “wont” only for the separate formal word, as in “as is her wont” or “be wont to.”
Fast Test
If you can expand the word to “will not,” the apostrophe is required: “won't.”
Usage Boundary
The two forms can sound similar, but the apostrophe marks a contraction; “wont” is not a casual spelling of “won’t.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- WON'T — Cambridge Learner's Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press & Assessment · Direct evidence that won't is the contraction of will not.
- WONT — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press & Assessment · Direct evidence for wont as a formal noun/adjective meaning habit/custom or accustomed.