When the choice is catalog vs catalogue, which is correct? They’re actually both correct. The catalog spelling is the preferred in countries that use American English like the United States and the Philippines, and the latter (catalogue) is more accepted in British English.
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What Is A Catalog?
Catalog is both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it means to make a list or record of things. As a noun, it’s that recorded list of things, often with descriptions and other details for viewers. It can also be a magazine or other publication organizing and presenting those things.
The word appeared in late Middle English and came from Old French. The roots go back way further, though. Catalogus was a late Latin word that derived from the Greek katalogos. That itself came from katalegein, meaning “pick out or enroll.”
Sample sentences:
- My favorite retailer sends a holiday catalog each year.
- The bird enthusiast made a catalog of all the species she saw on her trip.
- A catalog of bad decisions I made back then would fill three volumes!
- Let’s catalog what’s in stock so we know what we need more of.
- Finding books would be easier if they had an organized catalog.
- We should keep cataloging the lives of their inhabitants.
- I’m going to catalog my daily activities for a week to see where I can be more efficient.
What Is A Catalogue?
This is simple: it’s the same as catalog in both parts of speech and meanings. It’s even pronounced the same. The difference is that it (catalogue) is more common in the United Kingdom and other countries that use British English.
Sample sentences:
- Did you make a catalogue of the animals you saw on safari?
- The latest online catalogue contains several new items for sale.
- A catalogue of what we need will help us prepare for the camping trip.
- He’s going to catalogue all the brainstorming ideas and then make a chart.
- The library’s catalogue is massive!
- From sculptures to trends, we should catalogue everything!
- Let’s catalogue the different styles of southern houses.
- We’re going to catalogue everything to prepare for the estate sale.
When and How to Use Catalog or Catalogue?
If you use the word as a noun, it refers to some type of listing or documentation of other things. Common examples include inventory lists and sales magazines from retail companies.
But what about as a verb? When you use catalog as a verb, it indicates the creation of such lists. Keep in mind that catalog as a verb can be transitive or intransitive.
Examples:
- I’m going to catalog my book collection. (Transitive)
- That shirt catalogs for $35 now. (Intransitive)
Which One Should You Use?
Catalog is the preferred spelling if you’re using American English. For catalogue, it’s more accepted in countries that use British English. In addition to the UK, the following nations use British English:
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Canada
- Belize
- India
- Ireland
- Malta
- New Zealand
- South Africa
Trick to Remembering Which Spelling to Use
So what if you’re having trouble remembering catalog vs catalogue?
One way to remember that catalogue is the British English spelling is by using the letter u. Associate it with the United Kingdom.
You can also associate the words with others that end the same way. For example: catalog/analog. Another: catalogue/travelogue.
Final Thoughts
When deciding on catalog vs catalogue, remember that there is no difference in terms of meanings and pronunciation; they are just spelling variations! The first is the American English spelling, and the second is for British English.
