Updated on December 14, 2024
by PushtoLearn
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Cancelled or Canceled

The primary distinction is that "cancelled" is used in British English, while "canceled" is the American version. This change is attributed to Noah Webster's reforms aimed at simplifying American English.

Cancelled or Canceled - Exercises and Quiz

These exercises focus on US and UK spelling.

 

Historical Context and Personal Insights

The spelling "cancelled" was historically used in America but has transitioned to "canceled." Some US students may recall that in their late twenties they learned "cancelled" in school but later adopted "canceled" at work. This shift aligns with Webster's broader push to simplify English spellings, which included changing "colour" to "color" and "centre" to "center."

Illustration of Cancelled or Canceled

Regional Variations and Preferences

Canadian English often incorporates elements of both British and American spelling conventions. Canadians might use "cancelled" for formal writing and "canceled" informally. This blend reflects Canada's unique cultural and linguistic influences.

Individual Choices and Contextual Usage

Some English speakers also have their personal spelling preferences based on context. For example, they might use "theatre" for live performances and "theater" for cinemas. This flexibility underscores the importance of audience and setting in choosing the appropriate spelling.

Difference Between Cancelled and Canceled

Word

Type

Usage

Examples

Cancelled

Past tense of "cancel" (British English)

Used in British English and other Commonwealth countries.

"The event was cancelled due to rain."

Canceled

Past tense of "cancel" (American English)

Used in American English.

"The event was canceled because of bad weather."

Key Rule:

  • British English: Use cancelled with two "l"s.

  • American English: Use canceled with one "l."

Common Errors

  1. Mixing spellings

    • Writing "canceled" in British English or "cancelled" in American English can look out of place.

      • Incorrect: "The flight was canceled" (in British English).

      • Correct: "The flight was cancelled" (in British English).

  2. Overcorrecting

    • Some learners use "cancelled" for all English types because it looks more formal.

      • Incorrect: "The show is cancelled" (in American English).

      • Correct: "The show is canceled" (in American English).

Everyday Use

Here’s how "cancelled" and "canceled" are used in sentences:

Sentence

British English

American English

"The class was _____ yesterday."

Cancelled

Canceled

"The meeting got _____ at the last minute."

Cancelled

Canceled

"They _____ their vacation plans."

Cancelled

Canceled

What About "Cancelling" or "Canceling"?

The same rule applies to the continuous tense:

  • British English: Use cancelling (two "l"s).

  • American English: Use canceling (one "l").

    • British English: "I am cancelling my subscription."

    • American English: "I am canceling my subscription."

Why Do These Spellings Differ?

The spelling difference comes from a trend in American English to simplify double consonants after unstressed syllables. British English retains the older form with two "l"s, while American English uses the simplified version.

FAQ

Is "cancelled" wrong in American English?

No, but it’s uncommon. American English strongly favors "canceled."

Is "canceled" accepted in British English?

Technically, yes, but it’s rare. British English usually uses "cancelled."

How do I remember the difference?

  • Think of travel:

    • British: "travelled" (double "l").

    • American: "traveled" (single "l").
      The same pattern applies to cancel.

What about Canada and Australia?

Canada generally follows British English (cancelled), while Australia also uses cancelled more often.

Does this difference apply to all verbs?

No, only some verbs with the pattern of a single vowel before the last consonant show this difference (e.g., travel/traveled, cancel/canceled).

 
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