Which Form of 'Pro Forma' is Correct?
The terms 'pro-forma,' 'proforma,' and 'pro forma' can often cause confusion, especially in formal writing and business contexts. Each has its own usage and nuances, and understanding their correct forms is essential for clear communication. This article will explore the differences and offer guidance on when to use each form.
Understanding the Usage
The most commonly accepted and recognized form in formal writing is 'pro forma.' However, it's important to note that in different contexts, the accepted forms can slightly vary.
Pro Forma
This is the traditional Latin form. It is used to describe something that is in accordance with a form or standard, such as financial statements or business documents. The term is often used in formal writing and official documents, making it the preferred choice in many professional settings.
Pro-forma
The hyphenated version 'pro-forma' is also acceptable, especially in some business contexts. However, it is less common than 'pro forma.' Using it can be beneficial in situations where you want to emphasize the definition or make it more clearly understood. For instance, in financial statements, adding a hyphen can help clarify that the term refers to 'in accordance with a form.'
Proforma
'Proforma' is a more modern spelling and is sometimes used in business jargon. However, it is generally less preferred in formal writing. It is mainly used in informal settings or as part of a brand's name, like 'Proforma' software.
Summary
When writing formally, 'pro forma' is the best choice. This form is recognized internationally and is the standard used in both American and British English. Using the hyphenated version 'pro-forma' is safer in ambiguous contexts, ensuring clarity for your readers.
Understanding the Etymology
The term 'pro forma' is derived from Latin and translates to 'in keeping with the form.' Here, 'pro' is a preposition, and 'forma' is a word in the ablative case, meaning 'in a form' or 'according to a form.'
Authorities on Spelling
Both Merriam-Webster, a respected authority on American English, and Oxford, a recognized authority on British English, recommend spelling the term as 'pro forma.' This consistency highlights the importance of using the traditional form in formal writing.
Usage Examples in Context
Example 1:
My Dearest Tony, I sincerely regret to have to tell you that I am so swamped by my personal responsibilities and the requests that I am unable to respond to your question this time around. I am not too busy to deal with your question as I would love to deal with it but just too occupied to attend to it as I would like to attend to it to our mutual benefit. I too love and learn from the responses as much as you do. Thank you for understanding.
Kind regards, Billie.
In this context, using 'pro forma' might be less necessary, but if you opt for it, it would be written as 'pro forma.'
Example 2:
According to Merriam-Webster, which is generally accepted as the authority on what words are in American English and what the correct spelling is, it's pro forma.
According to Oxford, which is generally accepted as the authority on what words are in British English and what the correct spelling is, it's pro forma.
Thus pro forma is correct, but other forms may be accepted as correct colloquially.
These examples illustrate the importance of adhering to standard forms in formal communication, especially in professional settings.
Conclusion
While 'pro forma' is the most widely accepted and formal form, understanding the nuances of 'pro-forma' and 'proforma' can be useful in various contexts. By knowing the differences, you can choose the most appropriate form for your writing, ensuring clarity and professionalism.