Ditto or Diddo: Which Is Correct?

Updated 2026-10-03 · Which One Is Correct editorial team

Quick answer: The correct spelling is always ditto, never diddo. Diddo is a common misspelling born from phonetic confusion. This word, derived from Italian, serves as a handy shorthand in writing. Use it to indicate that the preceding word or phrase applies again.

The Short Answer

Ditto is the only correct spelling for this term used to repeat previous text. Diddo does not exist in any standard English dictionary.

People often confuse the two because the double t sounds soft when spoken quickly. This auditory illusion leads many to mistakenly add an extra d.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Form	Status	Use it when
ditto	Correct	You want to repeat a word or phrase without rewriting it.
diddo	Incorrect	You are guessing the spelling based on how it sounds.
ditto mark	Standard	Referring to the symbol itself in technical documentation.
diddo mark	Invalid	No valid context; avoid this spelling entirely.

Correct Example Sentences

The project manager said the deadline remains the same, and I say ditto.
Please fill out the form; your address is the ditto of your billing address.
She loved the blue dress, and her sister loved the red one, ditto.
The weather forecast predicts rain tomorrow, and the day after is a ditto.
His opinion on the new policy is unchanged; it is a strict ditto of his earlier stance.
We ordered pizza for lunch, and we ordered pizza for dinner, ditto.
The committee voted yes on the first motion, and the second motion was a ditto.
Her signature on the check matches the contract, a perfect ditto.
The recipe calls for two cups of flour, and the next step is a ditto.
His attitude towards the new hire was friendly, and his colleague felt the same, ditto.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

I like this song, and my brother likes it too, diddo.: I like this song, and my brother likes it too, ditto.
The answer to the first question is blue, and the second is diddo.: The answer to the first question is blue, and the second is ditto.
She agreed with the plan, saying it was a perfect diddo.: She agreed with the plan, saying it was a perfect ditto.
The colors on the shirt are blue, and the pants are diddo.: The colors on the shirt are blue, and the pants are ditto.
He wants coffee, and I want the same, diddo.: He wants coffee, and I want the same, ditto.
The results were positive, and the follow-up test was diddo.: The results were positive, and the follow-up test was ditto.

A Quick Test You Can Use

Check if you are repeating a previous statement or value. If the context requires a repetition marker, use the standard term. Any variation that adds an extra consonant sound is incorrect. Trust the established spelling when indicating sameness.

Related Word Pairs

Accept vs Except: Accept means to receive; except means to exclude.
Affect vs Effect: Affect is usually a verb; effect is usually a noun.
Loose vs Lose: Loose means not tight; lose means to misplace.
Then vs Than: Then refers to time; than refers to comparison.
Your vs Youre: Your shows possession; you are is a contraction.

More Example Sentences

The first batch of cookies was chewy, and the second batch was ditto.
She declined the invitation, and her husband did ditto.
The initial review was positive, and the follow-up assessment was ditto.
He chose the window seat, and his travel partner picked ditto.
The manager approved the budget increase, and the director gave ditto.
The first chapter was suspenseful, and the second was ditto.
They painted the fence white, and they painted the gate ditto.
The judge upheld the previous ruling, effectively saying ditto.
Her vote was in favor, and his vote was ditto.
The first sample tasted sweet, and the second tasted ditto.

Quick Practice

I enjoy hiking, and my sister enjoys , too.

ditto

The first option was rejected, and the second was , so we moved on.

ditto

He signed the contract, and she signed .

ditto

The temperature today is hot, and tomorrow it will be , likely hotter.

ditto

We ordered the large pizza, and for the appetizer we chose , the garlic knots.

ditto

Her response to the email was polite, and his reply was , equally courteous.

ditto

Frequently Asked Questions

Is diddo ever acceptable in informal texts?

No, diddo is considered a misspelling in all contexts. Even in casual messages, using the correct spelling helps ensure clarity and demonstrates attention to detail for the reader.

Where does the word ditto come from?

The term originates from the Italian word detto, which means said. It entered English via Latin dictum, serving as a shorthand to avoid repetition in written documents and lists.

Can I use ditto in formal business emails?

Yes, it is acceptable in formal writing when referring to repeated entries. However, some style guides prefer spelling out the repeated phrase to avoid any potential ambiguity or confusion.

Is there a symbol associated with ditto?

Yes, the ditto mark consists of two vertical quotation marks. It is often used in tables or lists to indicate that the entry is identical to the one directly above it.