Headquarter vs. Headquarters — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on February 22, 2024
"Headquarter" is a verb meaning to provide or establish a headquarters for an organization, while "headquarters" is a noun referring to the main office or center of operations for a business or institution.
Difference Between Headquarter and Headquarters
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Headquarter and headquarters serve distinct grammatical functions and contexts, illustrating the difference between action and location.
The verb headquarter focuses on the act of establishing or locating the main office of an organization or military operation in a specific place. For instance, "The company decided to headquarter its operations in New York." This verb form is less commonly used in everyday language but is essential for describing the strategic decisions of organizations regarding their central operations.
Headquarters, on the other hand, is a noun, typically used in its plural form even when referring to a single location, to denote the central or main office of an organization. This term encompasses the primary building or set of buildings where the key functions of an organization are coordinated, and decisions are made. For example, "The headquarters of the United Nations is in New York City." It's worth noting that "headquarters" can sometimes be seen in a singular context in informal usage, but the plural form is the standard.
The distinction between these terms highlights the difference between the action of situating an organization's main office (headquarter) and the physical location of this central office (headquarters). Understanding this difference is crucial for accurate communication, especially in professional and formal contexts where the specificity of location and action regarding organizational bases is discussed.
Comparison Chart
Definition
To establish the main office of an organization in a specific location.
The main office or center of operations of an organization.
ADVERTISEMENT
Usage
Describes the action of setting up a main office.
Refers to the location of the main office itself.
Example
"The tech startup will headquarter in San Francisco."
"The company's headquarters is located downtown."
Form
Verb
Noun (usually plural)
Context
Strategic decisions, relocation discussions.
Physical location, organizational structure.
Compare with Definitions
Headquarter
Strategic location choice.
The new tech hub is headquartered in Silicon Valley.
Headquarters
Main office of an organization.
The headquarters of the global company spans three buildings.
Headquarter
To locate an organization's main office.
The corporation plans to headquarter in Atlanta.
Headquarters
Location of primary management.
The headquarters includes several key departments.
Headquarter
Establishing a central base.
The NGO headquartered its relief operations in the affected region.
Headquarters
Central operation site.
Our headquarters houses all the executive offices.
Headquarter
Decision to place operations.
They decided to headquarter the research department in Boston.
Headquarters
Hub for organizational activities.
The brand's headquarters are known for their sustainable design.
Headquarter
Setting up a central command.
The military unit was headquartered near the border for strategic reasons.
Headquarters
Core facility for operations.
The emergency response team operates out of their headquarters.
Headquarter
To establish headquarters.
Headquarters
The military installation from which troops are commanded and orders are issued; the military unit consisting of a commander and his support staff.
Headquarters
A place of concentrated activity or influence.
Common Curiosities
How do you use "headquarter" in a sentence?
"The company will headquarter its European operations in Berlin."
Is "headquarters" always used in the plural form?
Yes, "headquarters" is most commonly used in the plural form even when referring to a single entity, though it is treated as a singular noun in terms of verb agreement.
What is the significance of a company's headquarters?
A company's headquarters is significant as it serves as the central point for management, decision-making, and organizational direction.
What does it mean to headquarter a company?
To headquarter a company means to establish its main office or central operations in a specific location.
What changes when a company moves its headquarters?
Moving a headquarters can affect the company's tax obligations, employee base, and strategic positioning.
How do companies decide where to headquarter?
Companies consider factors like strategic importance, tax advantages, access to talent, and logistical convenience when deciding where to headquarter.
Can "headquarters" refer to more than one location?
While "headquarters" typically refers to a singular main office, it can encompass multiple buildings or locations closely linked in function and proximity.
Is it correct to say "the headquarters are"?
Generally, "the headquarters is" is correct for referring to the main office, as "headquarters," despite its plural form, is often treated as singular.
Can a small business have a headquarters?
Yes, any organization, regardless of size, can have a headquarters if it serves as the central point for operations and administration.
Why might a company have multiple headquarters?
A company might have multiple headquarters to better manage operations across different regions, countries, or continents, reflecting a decentralized approach to business.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Albahaca vs. Basil
Next Comparison
Aneuploidy vs. PolyploidyAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
