Are you confused about whether to use “spelt” or “spelled”? Many English speakers struggle with these two spellings of the past tense of the verb “spell.” While both spellings are technically correct, their usage can vary depending on where you are in the world. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between “spelt” and “spelled” and provide you with some helpful examples to ensure you use the correct spelling in your writing.
To help you better understand the differences between “spelt” and “spelled,” we’ll provide you with some example sentences and a handy table comparing the two spellings. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of when to use “spelt” vs. “spelled” and feel more confident in your writing. So, let’s dive in!
Spelt or Spelled – Image
Spelt or Spelled: An Overview
“Spelt” and “spelled” are both past tense forms of the verb “spell,” which means to write or name the letters making up a word in the correct order. The main difference between the two spellings is their geographical usage.
In British English, both “spelt” and “spelled” are commonly used, but “spelt” is more prevalent. On the other hand, in American English, “spelled” is the preferred spelling, and “spelt” is rarely used.
Here are some examples to illustrate the differences between “spelt” and “spelled”:
- British English: She spelt her name wrong.
- American English: She spelled her name wrong.
- British English: Have you spelt “colour” with a “u”?
- American English: Have you spelled “color” without a “u”?
Historical Use
The word “spelt” has been in use for centuries and has its roots in Old English. It was the preferred spelling in Britain for a long time and was commonly used in written and spoken language. However, in the 19th and 20th centuries, “spelled” began to gain popularity in British English, and today, both spellings are considered correct.
In North America, “spelled” has always been the preferred spelling, and it is still used more frequently than “spelt” in written and spoken language.
Understanding the Usage
Spelt in British English
In British English, both “spelt” and “spelled” are commonly used as the past tense and past participle of the verb “spell”. However, “spelt” is more commonly used in British English than in American English. Additionally, “spelt” can also refer to a type of ancient wheat in both British and American English.
Here are some examples of how to use “spelt” in British English:
- I spelt my name wrong on the application form.
- The recipe calls for spelt flour instead of regular flour.
- He spelt out the instructions for the game.
Spelled in American English
In American English, “spelled” is the more commonly used form of the past tense and past participle of the verb “spell”. However, “spelt” can still be used in American English, but it is less common.
Here are some examples of how to use “spelled” in American English:
- I spelled my name wrong on the application form.
- He spelled out the instructions for the game.
Examples in Literature
In classic novels, such as those written by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, the past tense of “spell” is often spelled as “spelt.” For example, in Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” Mr. Collins tells Elizabeth Bennet, “I have been spelt by my name from my earliest years.” In Dickens’ “Great Expectations,” the character Joe Gargery says, “I’m the worst of trades. I’m a blacksmith. I have been spelt at it, since I was a boy.”
In modern writing, the past tense of “spell” is more commonly spelled as “spelled.” This is especially true in American English, where “spelled” is the standard spelling.
Common Misconceptions
Interchangeability
One of the most common misconceptions about “spelt” and “spelled” is that they are not interchangeable. The choice between the two words often depends on the country where you are writing or speaking.
In the United States, “spelled” is the more commonly used form, while in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries, “spelt” is preferred. However, both forms are technically correct and can be used in either country.
Here are some examples:
- I spelled my name wrong on the form. (US English)
- I spelt my name wrong on the form. (UK English)
Formality Levels
Another misconception about “spelt” and “spelled” is that one form is more formal than the other. However, this is not necessarily true. Both forms are considered standard English and can be used in formal and informal contexts.
That being said, there are some situations where one form may be more appropriate than the other. For example, in academic writing or formal documents, “spelt” may be preferred in the UK and Commonwealth countries, while “spelled” may be preferred in the US.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the differences between spelt and spelled are mainly geographical. While both spellings are technically correct, the usage of each spelling depends on the region you are in.
In the United States, spelled is more commonly used, while in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries, spelt is the preferred spelling.
It is important to note that the difference between these two spellings only applies to the past tense and the past participle of the verb “spell.” In all other cases, the word “spell” is spelled the same way.
Here are some examples of how to use spelt and spelled in sentences:
- The child spelled the word correctly.
- The word is spelled/spelt differently in the UK and the US.
- I have never seen that word spelled/spelt that way before.
It is also important to remember that using the correct spelling in your writing can make a big difference in how your message is received.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ‘spelt’ a proper word in English language?
Yes, ‘spelt’ is a proper word in the English language. It is the past tense and past participle of the verb ‘spell’. However, its usage varies depending on the English dialect.
What is the past tense of ‘spell’ – ‘spelled’ or ‘spelt’?
Both ‘spelled’ and ‘spelt’ are correct past tense forms of the verb ‘spell’. However, ‘spelled’ is more commonly used in American English, while ‘spelt’ is more commonly used in British English.
What is the difference between ‘spelled’ and ‘spelt’?
There is no difference in meaning between ‘spelled’ and ‘spelt’. The only difference is in their usage based on the English dialect.
Which is the correct spelling in UK English – ‘spelled’ or ‘spelt’?
Both ‘spelled’ and ‘spelt’ are correct spellings in UK English. However, ‘spelt’ is more commonly used in British English.
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