When it comes to the English language, spelling can be one of the trickiest things to get right. Whether you’re a native speaker or just starting to learn the language, the small nuances between certain words can cause confusion. A perfect example of this confusion is the debate over totalling vs. totaling.
While these two words seem similar, they can leave you scratching your head when it comes to knowing which one to use. But don’t worry—this article will clear things up! In this guide, we’ll dive deep into why these two spellings exist, when you should use each one, and how to ensure you’re using them correctly in your writing. Whether you’re writing a formal report or sending an email to a friend, understanding this distinction is crucial to being a confident writer. Let’s break it all down and get to the heart of this spelling puzzle!
What’s the Real Difference Between ‘Totalling’ and ‘Totaling’?
At first glance, you might think there’s a significant difference between totalling and totaling. After all, they’re just different spellings, right? But the reality is that they are essentially the same word, and the meaning doesn’t change regardless of which version you use. Both forms refer to the action of calculating the total of something, such as adding up numbers or summing a group of items.
American vs British English: The Root of the Confusion
So why are there two spellings for the same word? The answer lies in the differences between American English and British English. English spelling has historically varied based on regional conventions, and the variations often stem from the influence of Noah Webster—the influential figure behind the American spelling reforms of the 19th century.
Webster, known for his work on the American Dictionary of the English Language, was a strong advocate for simplifying English spelling. He believed that simplifying spelling would make it easier for Americans to learn the language. His changes included altering certain words to remove extra letters, such as changing “colour” to “color” and “theatre” to “theater.” As a result, many of these simplified spellings are now standard in American English.
In the case of totalling vs. totaling, British English stuck with the original, more traditional form, using the double “L” spelling (totalling). American English, on the other hand, adopted the single “L” spelling (totaling), following the simplification trend initiated by Webster.
The Grammar Behind the Spellings: A Quick Dive Into Doubling Rules
To understand why the spelling difference exists, it’s important to take a closer look at English spelling rules—specifically, the rule regarding doubling consonants. English has a general rule that involves doubling the final consonant in words when certain conditions are met.
The rule is straightforward: double the consonant when a single vowel precedes a stressed syllable that ends in a consonant. So, in the case of totalling, since the stress is on the first syllable (“to-“), it doesn’t require doubling the “L” in American English (hence totaling). But in British English, the double “L” is maintained (totalling), even though the stress pattern is similar.
Which Spelling Should You Use—and When?
Now that we know the reason for the spelling differences, let’s get to the practical side of things: which one should you use, and when? The answer is simple: it depends on your audience and writing context.
When to Use Totalling: British, Australian, and Canadian English Contexts
If you’re writing for an audience in the UK, Australia, or Canada, you’ll want to use totalling with the double “L”. These regions follow British spelling conventions, so using the correct form will align with the expectations of your readers.
For instance, if you’re writing a formal report or a business document for an international audience, being aware of these regional spelling differences will ensure that your writing appears polished and professional. Stick to totalling if you’re in a British English setting.
When to Use Totaling: American English Standards
In the United States, the correct spelling is totaling with a single “L”. This is the preferred spelling in American English, and using totaling will keep your writing in line with American spelling rules. Whether you’re working on a business presentation, academic essay, or even email correspondence in the U.S., you’ll want to use totaling to keep your writing accurate and consistent.
Guidelines for Consistency in Formal and Professional Writing
In professional writing, consistency is key. Whether you choose totalling or totaling, it’s important to stick with one spelling throughout your document. For example, if you start with totaling in a report, don’t switch halfway through to totalling—that’s a common mistake that can confuse your readers. Instead, decide based on your audience and make sure your spelling choice is consistent from start to finish.
Real-World Usage: How the Spellings Appear in Practice
To really understand how these spellings show up in real-world contexts, let’s take a look at how they’re used in professional settings, books, articles, and news publications.
Totalling vs Totaling in Everyday Writing
While you may see totalling more often in British publications, the use of totaling is dominant in the United States. For instance, if you read business articles or financial reports from American sources like The Wall Street Journal or Forbes, you’ll most likely see totaling with a single “L.”
In contrast, UK-based publications like The Guardian or The Telegraph consistently use totalling with the double “L.”
Frequency of Both Spellings in Literature and Online Content
If you look at online content, the frequency of either spelling depends heavily on the website’s origin. Websites based in the U.S. will almost exclusively use totaling, while websites from the UK or Canada will opt for totalling.
A good exercise is to search Google Books or Google Scholar for totalling vs. totaling. This will give you a good sense of how frequently each version appears in published works. The results will likely reflect the regional trends we’ve discussed earlier.
How Spellcheck and Writing Tools Handle It
Spellcheck tools are incredibly helpful, but sometimes they can be a bit tricky when it comes to regional spelling differences. Programs like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Grammarly often default to American English, so they might automatically correct totalling to totaling if your language settings are set to U.S. English.
What Tools Like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Grammarly Do
- Microsoft Word: If your language settings are set to English (U.S.), it will likely flag totalling as a spelling error, suggesting totaling as the correction. The reverse happens if your settings are in English (UK).
- Grammarly: Grammarly’s auto-detection feature will suggest corrections based on the chosen region. It’s always a good idea to check the settings before you start writing to ensure you don’t end up with an unintended spelling mistake.
- Google Docs: Similar to Word, Google Docs will offer spelling suggestions based on the language settings in your Google account. If you switch your settings to English (UK), it will automatically prefer totalling.
How to Adjust Settings to Fit Regional Spelling Preferences
- In Microsoft Word, you can change the language settings under the “Review” tab by selecting “Language” and choosing the appropriate version of English (American or British).
- In Grammarly, adjust the settings for your preferred language variety on the homepage or within the editor.
- For Google Docs, change the language settings under “File” → “Language” to make sure the right spelling is applied.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Let’s debunk a few myths that people often get wrong when it comes to totalling vs. totaling:
Myth 1: One of the Spellings Is Incorrect or Outdated
Some people mistakenly believe that one of the spellings—either totalling or totaling—is outdated or incorrect. That’s not true! Both spellings are completely valid, as long as you use the right one for your audience and context.
Myth 2: Mixing Both Spellings in the Same Document
Another common mistake is switching between the two spellings within a single document. For example, you might write “I’m totalling the figures” in one section and “Now I’m totaling the costs” in another. This creates inconsistency and distracts the reader. Pick one version and stick with it!
Myth 3: Spellcheck Is Always Right
Spellcheck tools can be handy, but they’re not foolproof. They don’t always know which spelling to use, especially if your settings are incorrect. Always double-check your work before hitting send or publish.
Beyond Totalling: Other Words That Trip Writers Up
If you find yourself getting tangled up with totalling vs. totaling, don’t worry! There are plenty of other words that cause similar confusion in British and American English.
- Travelling vs. Traveling
- Labelling vs. Labeling
- Cancelling vs. Canceling
In most cases, the same rules apply: British English favors the double consonant, while American English opts for the single consonant.
Expert Tips for Avoiding Spelling Confusion
Now that you understand the difference between totalling and totaling, let’s go over some expert tips to help you avoid making spelling mistakes in the future.
- Set your word processor language settings to match your audience’s region.
- Use a consistent dictionary (e.g., Merriam-Webster for U.S. English, Oxford for British English).
- Follow style guides specific to your writing context (e.g., APA, Chicago Manual of Style, Guardian Style Guide).
- Practice and proofread to avoid confusion when writing quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is “totalling” incorrect in American English?
Yes, totalling is considered incorrect in American English. In the U.S., the standard spelling is totaling with a single “L.” If you use totalling in an American context, spellcheckers may flag it as a mistake. For best results, always match your spelling to your audience.
Is “totaling” wrong in British English?
Not wrong, but not preferred. In British English, totalling with the double “L” is the accepted and expected form. If you’re writing for a UK-based audience—whether professionally or casually—stick with totalling to maintain consistency and correctness.
Can I use both spellings in the same document?
No, that’s not recommended. Mixing totalling and totaling in the same piece of writing can make your content look inconsistent or unpolished. Choose the appropriate spelling based on your audience or region, and use it consistently throughout.
Why does American English use “totaling” instead of “totalling”?
American English tends to favor simplified spellings, a trend started by Noah Webster in the 1800s. He believed that shortening and streamlining words made them easier to learn. So, many American spellings dropped extra letters—hence totaling instead of totalling.
Do spellcheckers catch the difference?
Yes—but only if your language settings are correct. Microsoft Word, Grammarly, and Google Docs will flag words like totalling as incorrect if your settings are on U.S. English. They’ll accept it as correct if you switch to British, Australian, or Canadian English.
What’s the rule for doubling consonants in English spelling?
It depends on syllable stress and vowel-consonant patterns. If the final syllable of a word is stressed and ends in a consonant after a single vowel, you typically double the final consonant before adding a suffix. However, American English often ignores this rule for words like total, travel, and cancel—leading to forms like totaling, traveling, and canceling.
Conclusion: Solving the Puzzle with Confidence
In conclusion, the totalling vs totaling debate is an easy one to solve once you understand the difference between American and British English. As a writer, consistency is your best friend. Choose one form, and stick to it throughout your document to maintain clarity and professionalism. Whether you’re in the U.S. or the UK, the most important thing is knowing your audience and adjusting your language accordingly.
Confidence in your spelling choices will not only help you write better but also improve your overall communication.
As the visionary founder and CEO of Globals English, Emma Brooke is dedicated to transforming the way individuals learn and master the English language.