In written English, especially in business, finance, or technical writing, the correct spelling of compound words plays a significant role in ensuring clarity and professionalism. One commonly used word is ‘nonrecurring,’ but many people are unsure whether it should be spelled as one wordnonrecurringor as two wordsnon recurring. This kind of uncertainty can affect readability and may even lead to confusion in formal documents. Understanding the standard and most widely accepted form is essential for writers, students, and professionals alike. Let’s explore which form is correct and how to use it properly.
Understanding Compound Words
What Are Compound Words?
Compound words are formed when two or more words are combined to create a new word with a specific meaning. These combinations may be:
- Closed compounds (e.g.,notebook, basketball, nonrecurring)
- Hyphenated compounds (e.g.,mother-in-law, check-in, non-recurring)
- Open compounds (e.g.,ice cream, living room)
Choosing the right form depends on conventions and how frequently the term is used. For compound terms that have become common in everyday or professional usage, the closed compound form tends to be favored.
Correct Spelling: Nonrecurring
Why ‘Nonrecurring’ Is the Standard Form
The correct spelling, especially in American English and in financial contexts, isnonrecurringwritten as one word without a space or hyphen. It is a closed compound word made by combining the prefix ‘non-‘ with the root word ‘recurring.’ The prefix ‘non-‘ means ‘not’ or ‘without,’ so ‘nonrecurring’ refers to something that does not happen repeatedly.
This spelling is widely accepted in financial statements, accounting documents, and business reports. For example, a company might refer to ‘nonrecurring expenses’ or ‘nonrecurring income’ to highlight items that are unusual and not expected to occur again.
Examples in Use
- The company reported a loss due to nonrecurring charges related to a factory shutdown.
- We excluded nonrecurring income to better reflect core business performance.
- Nonrecurring events, such as natural disasters or legal settlements, can skew profit figures.
Why ‘Non Recurring’ Is Not Preferred
Although some people write ‘non recurring’ as two separate words, this form is generally not considered correct in modern usage. Most major style guides, dictionaries, and official documents use the closed compound ‘nonrecurring.’
Using the spaced form may look informal, inconsistent, or unprofessional. It might also be flagged by grammar checkers and editing tools. Therefore, when writing academic papers, business reports, or official correspondence, the one-word form should be used to maintain consistency and clarity.
Comparing with Hyphenated Version: ‘Non-recurring’
In some older texts or British English, you might encounter the hyphenated version ‘non-recurring.’ While this form is not entirely incorrect, it is gradually falling out of favor, especially in American English. Today, most formal sources prefer dropping the hyphen when the word is commonly recognized as a compound, especially when it is used as an adjective before a noun.
Modern Usage Trends
- Correct:The company disclosed nonrecurring gains in its earnings report.
- Less common:The company disclosed non-recurring gains in its earnings report.
- Incorrect:The company disclosed non recurring gains in its earnings report.
The closed form has become dominant because it’s shorter, more concise, and considered grammatically streamlined for compound adjectives.
Grammatical Role of ‘Nonrecurring’
As an Adjective
‘Nonrecurring’ is most often used as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that does not happen repeatedly. For example:
- Nonrecurring revenue
- Nonrecurring cost
- Nonrecurring transaction
These are typically one-time items that are excluded from regular calculations, such as net income or operating profit, to show a more accurate picture of ongoing business operations.
Usage in Financial and Business Contexts
Common Applications
In accounting and finance, ‘nonrecurring’ is often used to categorize items that are unusual or not part of normal business activities. This includes:
- Lawsuit settlements
- Natural disaster-related losses
- Asset write-downs
- Acquisition-related costs
These items are typically separated out in financial reports to give investors a clearer view of a company’s operational performance. In this context, spelling matters because it reflects attention to detail and adherence to industry standards.
How to Remember the Correct Spelling
One easy way to remember that ‘nonrecurring’ is written as one word is to look at other similar compound words with the ‘non-‘ prefix, such as:
- Nonexistent
- Noncompliant
- Nonprofit
Just like these examples, ‘nonrecurring’ is best treated as a single unit without a space or hyphen. This keeps writing clean and consistent.
Tips for Correct Usage
- Use ‘nonrecurring’ when referring to something that happens only once or is not expected to repeat.
- Stick to the closed form in formal and business writing.
- Avoid separating ‘non’ from ‘recurring’ to maintain grammatical accuracy.
- If using a spell-checker, ensure your document is set to American English for the most accurate suggestions.
Choosing the correct spelling between ‘nonrecurring’ and ‘non recurring’ is more than just a matter of style it reflects professionalism, precision, and respect for linguistic standards. The accepted and widely used form isnonrecurring, written as a single word. This spelling is especially important in finance, business, and technical writing where clear communication is essential. By using ‘nonrecurring’ correctly, you not only follow modern language conventions but also present your ideas with clarity and authority.