Have you ever paused mid-sentence wondering whether to write “wont” or “won’t”? You’re not alone.
This tiny difference in spelling confuses millions of English learners, writers, and even native speakers.
The keyword “wont or won’t” often trends in Google searches because people want to know which one is correct — and when to use each.
The confusion comes from how similar they look but how different their meanings are.
One is a contraction, the other a rare old-fashioned word. This article clears up that mix-up once and for all.
You’ll learn the meaning, origin, usage, regional differences, and real-life examples — so you’ll never hesitate again.
Whether you’re writing an email, academic paper, or social media post, understanding “wont vs won’t” will make your English look polished and professional.
Let’s settle it clearly.
wont or won’t – Quick Answer
- “Won’t” = contraction of “will not.”
✅ Example: She won’t come to the party. - “Wont” = old-fashioned word meaning habit or custom.
✅ Example: He rose early, as was his wont.
So, “won’t” is used in modern English when expressing refusal or negation. “Wont” is rarely used today, mostly in literary or historical writing.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Won’t | Contraction of “will not” | She won’t agree to it. |
| Wont | Habit, custom (formal/old) | He drinks tea at dawn, as is his wont. |
The Origin of “wont” or “won’t”
The word “wont” dates back to Old English, from “wuned” (meaning “accustomed”). Over time, it evolved into “wont,” used to describe habits or tendencies.
“Won’t,” on the other hand, comes from a contraction of “will not.” In early English, people used forms like “wynnot” or “wonnot,” which eventually simplified to “won’t.”
So the difference is historical: “wont” is ancient and formal, while “won’t” is modern and conversational.
In short, one shows habit, the other negation — two completely separate meanings that just happen to look similar.
British English vs American English Spelling
Both British and American English use “won’t” as the contraction of “will not.” However, “wont” appears more often in British literature and older texts.
| Aspect | British English | American English |
| Common form of negation | “won’t” | “won’t” |
| Use of “wont” (habit) | Rare, formal | Very rare |
| Example | He was, as was his wont, cheerful. | He was, as was his wont, polite. |
In everyday communication across both versions of English, “won’t” dominates. “Wont” mostly lives on in books, poetry, or historical writing.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
- If you mean “will not” → use “won’t.”
→ She won’t be late again. - If you’re writing formally or poetically, use “wont.”
→ He greeted her with his wont charm.
For most people and contexts (emails, reports, websites):
✅ Use “won’t.”
Writers or literature students:
You might encounter “wont” in older works or British classics. It adds a refined, vintage tone — but don’t use it casually.
Common Mistakes with “wont or won’t”
| Mistake | Why It’s Wrong | Correction |
| I wont go there. | Missing apostrophe changes meaning | I won’t go there. |
| He was wont to refuse offers. (used wrongly as “won’t”) | Wrong word for “will not” | He won’t refuse offers. |
| She won’t of done that. | Incorrect contraction structure | She wouldn’t have done that. |
Always check for the apostrophe!
“Won’t” = modern negation.
“Wont” = habit or custom.
“wont or won’t” in Everyday Examples
- Email: “I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to attend the meeting.”
- News: “The president won’t change his stance on the policy.”
- Social Media: “I won’t let negativity win today 💪.”
- Formal Writing: “He responded, as was his wont, with calm and reason.”
In 99% of modern writing, you’ll use “won’t.” The word “wont” appears mainly in literature or poetic expressions.
“wont or won’t” – Google Trends & Usage Data
According to Google Trends, searches for “wont or won’t” are most common in the United States, India, and the UK.
| Region | Preferred Form | Usage Context |
| USA | “won’t” | Everyday speech & writing |
| UK | “won’t” | Common; “wont” appears in old texts |
| Australia | “won’t” | Standard English |
| India | “won’t” | Popular in formal & informal English |
Data shows “won’t” is used over 99% of the time in online writing, while “wont” appears in less than 1%, mostly in literature or historic articles.
FAQs about “wont or won’t”
1. Which is correct, wont or won’t?
Both are correct — but mean different things. “Won’t” = will not; “wont” = habit.
2. Is “wont” still used today?
Rarely. It appears in formal or literary English, not in everyday speech.
3. Is “won’t” informal?
No, “won’t” is standard in both formal and informal writing.
4. Why doesn’t “won’t” follow normal contraction rules like “willn’t”?
English contractions evolved irregularly — “won’t” became the accepted form centuries ago.
5. Can I use “wont” in emails or business writing?
Not recommended. Use “won’t” for clarity and professionalism.
6. How do you pronounce “wont”?
It’s pronounced like “want” or “wohnt,” depending on accent.
7. What’s a sentence example using both?
He won’t stop drinking tea, as is his wont.
Conclusion
Understanding “wont or won’t” clears up a simple yet common writing confusion. While they look similar, they serve completely different purposes. “Won’t” is the contraction for “will not,” essential in daily communication. “Wont” is an older word meaning habit or custom, now mostly seen in formal or literary texts.
For modern writing — emails, social media, academic work — always choose “won’t.” Save “wont” for creative, poetic, or classical contexts. By knowing the difference, you’ll write with accuracy, confidence, and style.
So next time you wonder, “wont or won’t?” — you’ll know exactly what to do.
