carryforward: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-HighFormal, Technical, Business
Quick answer
What does “carryforward” mean?
To transfer something (like a sum of money, an amount, or a benefit) from one period or situation to a later one, especially in accounting or tax contexts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To transfer something (like a sum of money, an amount, or a benefit) from one period or situation to a later one, especially in accounting or tax contexts.
To continue or apply a principle, strategy, or momentum from one stage to the next; to retain for future use or consideration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: In both UK and US English, 'carryforward' as a single noun and 'carry forward' as a verb phrase are standard. However, British English may slightly prefer the spaced form for the verb. Terminology: In UK accounting, 'carry-forward' (often hyphenated) is standard; US usage often treats 'carryforward' as a closed compound noun.
Connotations
Neutral technical/financial connotations in both varieties. No significant difference.
Frequency
Higher frequency in business/finance contexts in both regions. Comparable overall frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “carryforward” in a Sentence
[Company/Entity] + carry forward + [Noun Phrase: e.g., losses, credits] + [Prepositional Phrase: e.g., to the next period][Noun Phrase: e.g., The carryforward] + [Verb: e.g., applies, expires]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “carryforward” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The company can carry forward its unused carbon credits.
- You may carry forward this annual allowance for up to three years.
American English
- Businesses often carry forward net operating losses.
- The committee voted to carry the motion forward to the next meeting.
adverb
British English
- This balance will be moved carryforward to the next sheet. (Rare/Technical)
- The data was entered carryforward. (Rare/Technical)
American English
- The entry was posted carryforward. (Rare/Technical)
- Adjustments should be noted carryforward. (Rare/Technical)
adjective
British English
- The carry-forward amount must be clearly stated in the notes.
- They have substantial carry-forward tax losses.
American English
- The carryforward provisions are detailed in section 172.
- We need to calculate the carryforward value.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A tax loss carryforward can offset future profits, reducing a company's liability.
Academic
The research team decided to carry forward their preliminary findings into the next phase of the study.
Everyday
We didn't use all our holiday days this year, but we can carry them forward to next January.
Technical
The software's algorithm includes a feature to carry forward unresolved calculations to the next iteration.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “carryforward”
- Incorrect part of speech: Using 'carryforward' as a verb without the space ('carry forward'). While common in speech, in formal writing the verb should be two words.
- Spelling: 'Carryforwards' (plural) is correct, but learners often write 'carryforwards' incorrectly.
- Confusion with 'carryover': They are often interchangeable, but 'carryforward' is more specific to future periods, 'carryover' can be past or future.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on its function. As a noun (especially in finance), it is often one word ('carryforward') or hyphenated ('carry-forward'). As a verb, it is always two words ('carry forward').
They are largely synonymous. 'Carry forward' strongly implies movement to a *future* period. 'Carry over' can imply movement from past to present or present to future and is used in more general contexts (e.g., 'carry over a balance').
Yes, but it's less common. It can be used metaphorically to mean continuing a trend, principle, or task (e.g., 'We will carry forward this spirit of cooperation'). The everyday equivalent is often 'roll over' or simply 'keep for later.'
Using 'carryforward' as a verb in formal writing ('We will carryforward the amount'). The correct verbal form is 'carry forward' (two words). The single word is primarily a noun.
To transfer something (like a sum of money, an amount, or a benefit) from one period or situation to a later one, especially in accounting or tax contexts.
Carryforward is usually formal, technical, business in register.
Carryforward: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkæriˈfɔːwəd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɛriˌfɔrwərd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “carry forward the torch (rare, metaphorical extension of 'carry the torch')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine CARRYing a box of files FORWARD in time to your next accounting period.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS SPACE (MOVING AN OBJECT ALONG A TIMELINE).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'carryforward' most specifically and correctly used?