The Great American Spelling Debate: Traveling vs. Travelling
If you're a writer, a student, or just someone who enjoys putting words to paper (or screen!), you've likely encountered a common spelling dilemma: should it be "traveling" or "travelling"? This isn't just a minor typo; it's a question of regional preference and a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of the English language. For us here in the United States, the answer is overwhelmingly clear. We'll dive deep into why one spelling reigns supreme on American soil and explore the nuances of this word.
The American Standard: "Traveling"
In American English, the preferred and overwhelmingly common spelling is traveling. This applies to both the present participle ("I am traveling to Hawaii") and the past tense ("We traveled extensively last year"). You'll find this spelling used in virtually all American newspapers, magazines, books, and official documents. It's the standard taught in American schools and is what most Americans instinctively use.
Why the Difference? A Tale of Two Englishes
The distinction between "traveling" and "travelling" is primarily a transatlantic one. In British English and other Commonwealth countries (like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand), the spelling travelling (with two 'l's) is the norm. This is a legacy of historical spelling differences that have persisted over centuries.
The general rule of thumb for many words ending in a vowel followed by 'l' is that American English often drops the second 'l' when adding suffixes like '-ing' or '-ed', while British English tends to double it. Think of other examples:
- American: modeling, British: modelling
- American: fueled, British: fuelled
- American: canceled, British: cancelled
While there are exceptions to this rule, the pattern is a strong indicator of the underlying divergence in spelling conventions.
When the Double 'L' Might Sneak In (and Why You Should Still Stick to "Traveling")
Occasionally, you might encounter the "travelling" spelling in American publications. This is usually due to:
- Editorial Oversight: A writer might have been trained in British English, or a publication might have editors who are not native American English speakers.
- Direct Quotations: If someone is quoting text that originally used the "travelling" spelling, it will be retained.
- Specific Niche Publications: Very rarely, a publication might adopt a more international style guide, though this is uncommon for general American audiences.
However, for the average American reader, sticking to traveling is the safest and most appropriate choice. Using "travelling" in an American context can, at best, look slightly out of place and, at worst, be perceived as an error by some readers.
The Verb "Travel" and its Derivatives
The root word itself, "travel," is spelled the same in both American and British English. The difference arises when you add suffixes:
Present Participle:
- American: traveling
- British: travelling
Past Tense:
- American: traveled
- British: travelled
Noun (one who travels):
- American: traveler
- British: traveller
It's important to be consistent within your own writing. If you're writing for a purely American audience, commit to the single 'l' spelling. If you're writing for an international audience with a British English focus, then the double 'l' is your go-to.
A Quick Summary for Americans
When in doubt, for American English:
- Use traveling for the -ing form.
- Use traveled for the past tense.
- Use traveler for the person who travels.
This adherence to the single 'l' is not just a stylistic preference; it's about clear communication and conforming to the established norms of American English. So, pack your bags, book your flights, and remember how to spell it correctly – you'll be traveling with confidence!
The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.
— Saint Augustine
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does American English have different spellings than British English?
The divergence in spelling between American and British English began in the 18th and 19th centuries. Noah Webster, an American lexicographer, advocated for simplified and phonetic spellings to make English easier to learn and to distinguish American English from its British counterpart. His efforts, particularly through his dictionaries, had a profound impact on standardizing American spelling.
Is one spelling considered "correct" and the other "incorrect"?
Neither spelling is inherently "incorrect." They are simply different conventions used in different regions. "Traveling" is correct in American English, and "travelling" is correct in British English. The "correctness" depends entirely on the audience and the style guide you are following.
Does this spelling difference apply to other words?
Yes, this is a common pattern. As mentioned earlier, words like "modeling/modelling," "canceled/cancelled," and "fueled/fuelled" follow similar distinctions. This doubling of the final 'l' in British English is a consistent characteristic.
If I'm writing for a global audience, which spelling should I use?
If you're writing for a truly global audience, it's often best to consult the specific style guide of the publication or organization. If no specific guide is provided, you might consider which region is likely to be your primary audience. However, many international style guides will lean towards either American or British English conventions. For broadest understanding, aiming for clarity and consistency is key.
