How do you spell carry over when it modifies a noun?

The spelling of "carry over" when it modifies a noun depends on the context. Here are the two most common options:

1. Carryover (as one word):

This is used when "carryover" acts as an adjective, directly modifying the noun. For example:

* Carryover costs (meaning costs that carry over from a previous period)

* Carryover inventory (meaning inventory remaining from a previous period)

* Carryover funds (meaning funds that are carried over from a previous budget)

2. Carry-over (with a hyphen):

This is used when "carry-over" acts as a compound adjective, meaning it's made up of two or more words that work together to modify the noun. For example:

* Carry-over effect (meaning the continuing effect of something from a previous period)

* Carry-over provisions (meaning provisions that are carried over from a previous agreement)

* Carry-over tax deductions (meaning tax deductions that are carried over from a previous year)

Ultimately, the best choice depends on the specific context and your desired emphasis. Both spellings are grammatically correct and widely used.