Formal alternative for "dos and don'ts"?

Question

I want to write "dos and don'ts", or an equivalent expression, in a university essay. I am assuming that it is not very academic to write "dos and don'ts", so does anyone have a better way of putting it?

Answer 1

It's not necessarily a bad thing to use in writing - but I would need more context to fully understand what you're trying to express. You could replace it with "what one should and should not do" or by saying "the rules and customs" of xyz place / situation, etc.

Answer 2

Hello, generally trite expressions are frowned upon in professional writing, but "pros and cons" may be acceptable dependent on the subject context. Perhaps "acceptable and unacceptable" or "desirable and undesirable." Hope this helps. If you let me know the context I can better assist!

1. Alicia