The term “month end” is commonly used in business and accounting contexts to refer to the closing period at the end of a calendar or fiscal month. However, many people wonder whether it should be written as one word (monthend) or two words (month end). Let’s explore the correct usage and clarify how it should be written.
The Correct Usage: Two Words
The standard and grammatically correct way to write the term is “month end” as two separate words. This is consistent with general English usage and how it appears in most dictionaries and professional writing.
For example:
- “We have a lot of reports to complete by month end.”
- “The month-end process is critical for financial reporting.”
Why Not One Word?
Unlike certain compound words that evolve over time into a single word (e.g., “deadline”), “month end” has not undergone this transformation in standard English usage. Writing it as one word (monthend) is considered incorrect.
Hyphenated Form: Month-End
In some contexts, you might see “month-end” written with a hyphen. This form is often used when the term acts as an adjective modifying a noun. For instance:
- “The month-end report is due tomorrow.”
- “We need to finalize the month-end tasks.”
The hyphen is added to clarify that the two words function together to describe the following noun.
Examples of Usage
Here are some examples to illustrate the correct forms:
- Two Words (noun):
- “We will meet at the month end to review the sales performance.”
- Hyphenated (adjective):
- “The month-end closing activities require extra attention.”
- Incorrect (one word):
- “Monthend” (This is not a recognized or standard word in English.)
The term “month end” should be written as two words when used as a noun and hyphenated (month-end) when used as an adjective. Avoid writing it as a single word (monthend), as this is not standard English. Understanding the correct usage ensures clear and professional communication, particularly in business or financial contexts.