As in “Trading statement for the six months end* 31 March 2005”. Both according to Google are equally popular, but I think one sounds ugly. Which do you prefer?
Ending.
I would hope the context would direct usage. Either is adequate in its own context.
If the period in question was in the past, then it’s ended. Example:
For the period ended July 31, 2005, our membership doubled.
If the ending date is in the future, go with ending. Example:
For the period ending August 31, 2005, we will have come close to doubling our membership.
I suppose a case could be made for mixing the tenses, but I suspect that mixing would cause the “ugly” sound.
I get Zeldar’s distinction, but I’d use “ending” regardless. “Ended” just sounds … stodgy.
I always use “ended.” I don’t think I often use it for the future. In my experience I only ever have to use it for the past and I think “ending” does make it sound like it has not ended yet. “For the period ended May 31, 2005.”
I would always say “ending” if the period of time ended in the future and “that ended on the 31st May” if it was in the past.
I wouldn’t just say “ended” , it sounds wrong to me.
Wouldn’t this sound much better as “the period that ended July 31” ?
Well, I suppose if you really wanted to avoid the issue altogether you could say something like:
Our company, during the period Jan 1, 2004 through May 31, 2005, negotiated three significant deals that, miraculously, permit us to stay in business at least one more quarter.
The ending vs. ended debate boils down to a matter of preference, in my estimation. I am no authority on the issue. My best guess was indicated in Post #3.