Is “Timesheet” One Word or Two? Let’s Clear the Confusion

Have you ever found yourself typing a work document and suddenly pausing — “Wait, is it timesheet or time sheet?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is one of those terms in English where the spelling has evolved over time, and the correct usage depends on context and modern writing norms. Today, let’s break it down step by step so you’ll never second-guess it again.

What Does “Timesheet” Mean?

Before we jump into spelling, let’s understand what a timesheet actually is. A timesheet is a document or digital form used to record the amount of time an employee spends on various tasks. Traditionally, it was a paper sheet filled out daily or weekly, but in modern workplaces it’s often an online form or app.

Companies use timesheets for:

  • Tracking employee working hours.
  • Calculating payroll and wages.
  • Planning project timelines.
  • Analyzing productivity.

Example: If Sarah works 8 hours on Monday on Project A and 4 hours on Tuesday on Project B, she will log these hours in her timesheet so her manager can see how her time is allocated.

Timesheet vs. Time Sheet — Which Is Correct?

The short answer: Timesheet is usually written as one word in modern English.

The One-Word Form: “Timesheet”

Most business and HR documents today use the one-word form. This is because the term has become recognized as a single concept — much like notebook, keyboard, or website. Even dictionary definitions, such as Merriam-Webster and Oxford English Dictionary, list it as one word.

Example in a sentence: “Please submit your timesheet by Friday so payroll can be processed.”

The Two-Word Form: “Time Sheet”

The two-word version appears in older documents and is sometimes still used in specific, formal, or legal contexts where writers prefer separating compound words. You may also see “time sheet” when referring literally to a physical sheet of paper containing recorded time data — especially in older workplace systems.

Example in a sentence: “Pick up a blank time sheet from the HR desk before starting your shift.”

Why Did the Change Happen?

English often merges commonly used word combinations into one term over time. As the workplace became more digitized and terms like “timesheet” became standard in software and payroll systems, the single word form became more common.

This is similar to how email was once written as “e-mail” and database was “data base” decades ago.

Guidelines for Choosing the Right Form

Here’s how to decide whether to use “timesheet” or “time sheet” in your writing:

  • Use “timesheet” for modern business communication, HR policies, software tools, and general usage.
  • Use “time sheet” in formal legal documents or when referring to an actual printed sheet recording time.
  • Check your company’s style guide — official documents often have a preferred spelling.
  • Be consistent throughout your document; mixing both forms can look unprofessional.

Real-Life Example

Imagine you work in a company that pays employees hourly. Each Friday, everyone must log into an online HR portal and fill in their weekly hours. The software is literally called the “Timesheet System.” Here, writing it as one word makes perfect sense because it refers to a specific tool and established term.

On the other hand, if you were writing an old-fashioned training manual from the 1980s, you might say, “Take your time sheet from the supervisor’s desk each morning.” Here, “time sheet” feels more literal — a sheet of paper for tracking time.

Key Takeaways

  • Timesheet (one word) is the most common and preferred spelling in modern English.
  • Time sheet (two words) can still appear in some formal, legal, or traditional contexts.
  • Language evolves — business terms merge into single words over time.
  • Check the audience and purpose of your writing before deciding which form to use.

💡 Final Thought

In simple terms, think of “timesheet” as today’s standard spelling — just like “notebook” or “email” — while “time sheet” is more old-fashioned or specific to certain contexts. If you’re unsure, go with the one-word form for most modern documents, emails, and workplace communication. This way, your writing will feel up-to-date, professional, and clear to readers. And next time you’re filling in your hours, you’ll know exactly how to spell it — no second-guessing needed!

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