We all have seen this prefix in many documents and we know that it is used as a courtesy prefix like Mr. and Ms. for gents and ladies respectively.
But sometimes we are bound to wonder 'why is this used?'. I was also confused on this as to where it should be prefixed, until one day a Corporate Lawyer while vetting a document pointed out a mistake regarding its wrong use.
Before we go in detail, let me first brief you about this prefix ‘M/s.’.
What is M/s.?
M/s. is the short form of the word Messrs.
Messrs is the plural for Mister (Mr.).
Messrs is actually an English abbreviation of the French expression "messieurs".
French people use the expression "messieurs" as a courtesy title before addressing a group of men.
Where to use the prefix "M/s."?
The prefix "M/s." should be placed before the title of an organization, only if that organization consists of a group of people.
Or simply stating, it needs more than one person before we can use it.
Example
One might think as to why it should not be used before a registered company's name, as a company is certainly in all cases owned by more than one person (except in case of a One Person Company).
A "company" is a legal entity and is considered as an 'Artificial person'. And, therefore, is treated as singular in all cases.
Legal Significance of Incorrect Use
Generally, wrong use of the prefix does not lead to violation of any laws. But it is important to write the correct form of English in documents. Writing correctly makes your document look more impressive.
Hope this small but important use of terminology will help you to improve your understanding on use of M/s. prefix.
Beautifully explained... thank you .
ReplyDeleteSheehab Sharar,
Bangladesh.
You're a Gentleman yourself .... liked your gracious comment and thanks.
DeleteWhat should we need to use for Limited companies.
ReplyDeleteSir in my shopact m/s yogeshs Services
ReplyDeleteI can issue bank account as m/s Yogeshs Services or Yogeshs Services
noted
ReplyDeleteis it compulsory for unregistered partnerships to pre-fix M/s before it's title.
ReplyDeleteIt's not compulsory under the law. But the use of this prefix (M/s.) at appropriate places, as mentioned above, is a requirement from the point of view of proper English writing practice. Since in all partnerships (whether registered or not) more than one owner is involved, M/s. should be prefixed before title.
Deletethnx. Its helpful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your beautiful explanation.
ReplyDeleteyes.. so well explained against my boss' claim
ReplyDeleteWell explained. Thank you
ReplyDeletecould i use M/S word as prefix for university name???
ReplyDeleteNo. University is a singular entity.
Deletewhat is to be prefixed before cooperative housing societies.
ReplyDeleteGenerally, these days most of the cooperative housing societies are registered as "companies", wherein at the end of their name Limited or Private Limited get affixed. In that case, as mentioned in the article, M/s. prefix is not a necessity.
DeleteIn case a cooperative housing society is not registered as a company and is an association of some individuals, then M/s. can be prefixed before its name.
What about proprietorship Firms ?
ReplyDeleteA proprietorship firm means a firm which is owned by one person only. Hence, there is no need to use M/s. It will be incorrect.
Deletewhat about trusts/ institutions ?
ReplyDeleteJust like partnership firms - M/s. prefix will be used for them. Trusts are made by trustees.
DeleteI registered a partneship and the business name is sanjeevani home care services . Which includes nursing , grooming etc But i didnt mentioned M/S so whether it can be cancelled...plzzzz reply ....
ReplyDeleteNo, it will not be cancelled for that reason. M/s is not required to be mentioned. M/s. is only used in correspondences.
DeleteM/s is plural for mister. It is used for partnership concerns as it refers to more than one person. Not to be used for sole proprietorship. Also not to be used for companies as a company is single legal entity.
ReplyDeleteCan it be used for any government organization/ agency?
ReplyDeleteNo prefix for any government organisations.
DeleteFascinating insights on the correct usage of the word 'M/s.' prefix! I had always seen it but never really delved into its origins or specific usage guidelines.
ReplyDeletewhat prefix should be used for proprietary firm?
ReplyDeleteNo prefix is needed.
DeleteThank you. It is very helpful for us
ReplyDeleteI have a partnership organization. In some documents like partnership deed , registration, we used m/s as a prefix but in trade licences, pan, gst etc documents m/s is not written as a prefix. Is that create any problem. Please help me regarding this matter
ReplyDeleteNo. There is no problem at all. This is only an English grammatical error.
Delete