English UsageComparison guide
Carryover vs. Carry Over
“Carryover” is a noun for something retained or continuing from an earlier period. “Carry over” is a phrasal verb for moving, postponing, or allowing something to continue into a later time or situation.
Use “carryover” as a noun and “carry over” as a verb.
Key details
Confusion Familyword-boundary
Rule Familyorthographic-boundary
Termscarryover, carry over
Choose the right form
| If you mean / need | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| something retained or continuing from an earlier period | carryover | It is the noun. |
| to move, postpone, or continue something into another period or situation | carry over | It is the phrasal verb. |
Further guidance
Context Boundary
In accounting and other specialist contexts, “carryover” can have narrower technical senses while keeping the same noun boundary.
Core difference
The closed form names the retained item or effect; the open form expresses the action or continuation.
Fast Test
Use “carry over” when the phrase can be conjugated: “carried over,” “carrying over.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Carryover — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Carryover as a noun
- Carry something over — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Carry over as a phrasal verb