Have you ever wanted to talk about how you spelled something in the past and not know if it’s spelled or spelt? Well, you probably guessed which one is correct based on that first sentence, but these two different spellings of the past tense of the verb spelling are both valid!
“Spelled” is the preferred past tense form of “spell” in US English, and both versions are used in UK English. Keep reading to have a clear understanding about spelled and the word’s usage.
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What Is Spelled?
Spelled is the past tense of the verb “spell,” which is writing or reciting the letters of a word. Another meaning of the word spell is a sign or characteristic of something. For instance, The sudden drop in temperature was a sure spell of the impending winter. You might have also heard or read “spelled out,” a phrasal verb that means explaining something more in detail. For the ing form of the word (gerund), “spell” turns into “spelling.”
In America, if you use the verb “spell” in the past tense, then you use “spelled.” The verb “spell” makes up a special group of verbs that have a regular and irregular form. And, it’s the only verb with different forms! An example of another verb like this is “burn,” and its past tense forms “burned” or “burnt.”
Some other grammar rules you want to know about when using verbs are simple past tense and past participles. The past tense of “spell” is still “spelled” in all of these instances.
Tip: How do you know if a verb is regular or irregular? If you can simply add “-ed” or “-d” to the end to make it past tense, then it is regular. If you add something else, in this case “-t,” to make it past tense, then it is irregular.
Examples:
- The brand manager spelled my name wrong.
- She had spelled it with an extra “t,” making it wrong.
- The students spelled their names neatly on the top of the paper.
- He always spelled things phonetically, making some of his work incorrect.
- You spelled your name wrong in the essay.
- The printing services you’ve availed spelled barely wrong.
- The students’ demands were spelled out in the new handbook.
How About Spelt?
If you reside in the UK or use British English, “spelt” has the same meaning as “spelled.” It is also a past particle of the verb spell. However, you might have also seen “spelt” used as a noun in British English. In this case, it refers to a type of wheat grain, an ancient grain to be precise!
So, is it always “spelt” in the United Kingdom? Technically, it’s not because spelled and spelt are both acceptable ways to spell the word “spelled.” British English has commonly used these two past tense forms (spelled and spelled) interchangeably. However, according to Google Trends, Brits prefer spelt. Other parts of the world, like Australia, use “spelt” as well. However, there is an increase in popularity with the -ed ending.
When and How to Use Spelled?
“Spelled” can be used in both formal and informal settings. To put it simply, if you are using American English and want to use the past tense form of “spell” then you should use “spelled.”
Of course, we aren’t always using the verb “spell” to refer to writing something. Sometimes we use it idiomatically, like “this spells trouble.” Even then, you should “spelled” for the past tense form: “It spelled trouble.”
What’s the Correct Spelling?
Reading above, you might still be wondering, what is it? Is it spelled or spelt? The majority of the time, you will use “spelled.” The correct spelling depends on where you live. American English only uses “spelled,” while British English uses both spellings. That being said, you can get away with using “spelled” in both situations.
Final Thoughts
Spelled and spelt are commonly confused words, but it doesn’t have to be! Hopefully, you are confident now in using the past tense form of “spell.” Though there are multiple ways to spell the past tense form of “spelled,” there is only one correct form in American English, and it is “spelled.” Other countries that use British English (like Australia and New Zealand) use both “spelled” and “spelt” interchangeably.
That being said, if you are ever scratching your head on using spelled or spelt, stick with the former since it is correct in both forms of English. Make sure to stick to one spelling variation throughout your essay, thesis, dissertation, or novel to avoid inconsistencies and have well-written content!
