Pros and cons

The colloquial expression pros and cons is best avoided in academic writing. It is an informal way of saying "the points for and the points against" (for example, an argument, policy or proposal); "the advantages and disadvantages" (of a course of action); or "the merits and demerits" (of, for example, a case). Many other contrasting pairs can be used.

Nevertheless, you will see 'pros and cons' used quite often.

'Con' is an informal shortening of the Latin word contra, which means 'against'. Pro is a Latin preposition broadly meaning 'for'; for more, go to pro.

Do not confuse the plural pros with its homophone prose.