Canceled or cancelled – Which one is Correct?

In English, there are two variations of the past tense and past participle of the verb “cancel.” One form is spelled with a single “l,” and the other is spelled with a double “l.” The variation in spelling has led to confusion among writers and speakers about which form to use. In this article, we will explore the differences between “canceled” and “cancelled,” their usage, examples, and more.

Canceled or cancelled – Which one is Correct?

Usage:

“Canceled” is the American English spelling of the verb, while “cancelled” is the British English spelling. Both spellings are considered correct in their respective regions. However, it is essential to maintain consistency in spelling within a document or text.

Examples:

Here are some examples of how “canceled” and “cancelled” are used in sentences:

The meeting was canceled due to bad weather. (American English)
The concert was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. (British English)
She canceled her subscription to the magazine. (American English)
He cancelled his appointment with the dentist. (British English)

Usage in other regions:

Apart from American and British English, “canceled” and “cancelled” are also used differently in other regions. In Canadian English, both spellings are accepted, but “cancelled” is preferred. In Australian English, “cancelled” is the preferred spelling. In New Zealand English, both spellings are accepted, but “cancelled” is more common.

Other words with variations in spelling:

The variation in spelling between “canceled” and “cancelled” is not unique to this word. Many other words in the English language have different spellings based on regional variations. For example, “color” and “colour,” “center” and “centre,” and so on.

Common mistakes:

One common mistake when using “canceled” or “cancelled” is mixing the spellings within a document or text. For example, using “canceled” in one sentence and “cancelled” in another can make the text appear unprofessional and inconsistent. Another common mistake is assuming that one spelling is more correct than the other, which is not the case.

Grammar rules:

The difference in spelling between “canceled” and “cancelled” is not based on any specific grammar rule. Rather, it is a matter of regional variations in the English language. However, it is important to note that the word “cancel” is a regular verb, and its past tense and past participle form are created by adding “-ed” to the base form.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, “canceled” and “cancelled” are two variations of the past tense and past participle of the verb “cancel.” The choice of spelling should be based on the regional variation of the English language being used, and consistency should be maintained within a document or text. While both spellings are correct in their respective regions, it is important to avoid mixing the spellings within the same text. Additionally, the difference in spelling is not based on any specific grammar rule but rather on regional variations in the English language.