What is the Difference Between Spelled and Spelt?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The words "spelled" and "spelt" are different due to geographical differences. Both words are used to describe the past tense and past participle of the verb "spell" (which means to write or say letters in a specific order). However, the usage depends on the variety of English being used:
- In American English, "spelled" is the standard and preferred form.
- In British English, both "spelled" and "spelt" are acceptable.
In Ireland, both "spelled" and "spelt" are commonly used as the past tense of the verb "spell," similar to the trend in UK English.
Additionally, "spelt" can also refer to a specific type of hulled wheat, which is considered healthier than processed wheat.
Comparative Table: Spelled vs Spelt
Here is a table comparing the differences between "spelled" and "spelt":
| Feature | Spelled | Spelt |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | Standard in American English, Canadian English, and some other varieties of English | Common in British English, Australian English, and New Zealand English |
| Meaning | Past tense and past participle form of the verb "spell" | Past tense and past participle form of the verb "spell" |
| Origin | Middle English | Old English |
| Frequency | More common | Less common |
| Spelling | Correct in American English, Canadian English, and some other varieties of English | Correct in British English, Australian English, and New Zealand English |
Both "spelled" and "spelt" are correct past tense forms of the verb "spell". However, their usage may vary depending on the English dialect. In American English, "spelled" is more commonly used, while "spelt" is more commonly used in British English.
- Spelling vs Pronunciation
- spent vs spend
- Written English vs Spoken English
- Difference vs Different
- Learned vs Learnt
- Dreamed vs Dreamt
- Your vs You’re
- Speak vs Talk
- a vs the in English Language
- Sign Language vs Spoken Language
- Believe vs Belief
- Said vs Told
- Has vs Have
- Is vs Are in English Grammar
- British English vs American English
- Center vs Centre
- Lens vs Lense
- Affected vs Effected
- Letter vs Alphabet