Spelt vs Spelled
What’s the difference between them?
Spelt
Meaning:
Past tense of the verb 'spell' that means to write or name the letters of a word in correct sequence.
Examples:
1. I baked a loaf of bread using spelt flour.
2. The ancient variety of wheat is still known as spelt.
3. Spelt is an ancient strain of wheat that is high in protein and fiber.
Spelled
Meaning:
Meaning is the same, but such spelling is mostly used in American English.
Examples:
1. She spelled out her name for me.
2. I spelled the word correctly on the spelling quiz.
3. The restaurant's name was spelled incorrectly in the phone book.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Spelt
There are no direct synonyms for this word.
There are no direct antonyms for this word.
Spelled
There are no direct synonyms for this word.
There are no direct antonyms for this word.
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Spelt", "Spelled".
1. Spelt is the British spelling of the verb 'spell.'
2. Spelled is the American spelling.
3. One mnemonic to remember the difference is: 'Spelled' with two 'l's is for the U.S.—the American spelling.
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Frequently asked questions
When to use the first word?
The word ‘spelt’ is the past tense and past participle of the verb ‘spell’. It is used to indicate a past completion of the action in British English.
When to use the second word?
The word ‘spelled’ is the past tense and past participle of the verb ‘spell’. It is used to indicate a past completion of the action in American English.
Do the words have the same pronunciation?
Yes, both ‘spelt’ and ‘spelled’ have the same pronunciation. Both are pronounced as /spelt/.
What are common mistakes associated with the words ‘spelt’ and ‘spelled’?
A common mistake is using the wrong form of the verb in different regions. Remember to use 'spelt' in British English and 'spelled' in American English.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. In the UK, it is commonly ___ as colour.
2. How is that word ___ in American English?
3. The child proudly showed her mother how she ___ her name correctly.
4. In the Oxford dictionary, its ___ favour.
5. Dreamt or dreamed? Im not sure how its ___.
6. She ___ out the invitations for the party last week.
1. spelt
Explanation: The clue In the UK indicates British English. Spelt is the common past tense and past participle of spell in British English.
2. spelled
Explanation: The phrase in American English is a direct hint towards the American version of the word. In American English, spelled is the preferred form.
3. spelled or spelt
Explanation: Theres no specific clue in the sentence, so either the American (spelled) or British (spelt) version can be accepted.
4. spelt
Explanation: Oxford dictionary is a hint towards British English. In British English, spelt is more commonly used.
5. spelled or spelt
Explanation: Theres no geographical or other clue in this sentence. Hence, both the British and American versions can be used.
6. spelled
Explanation: The context of the sentence doesnt provide a direct hint towards British or American English, but the action suggests a simple past action. While both spelled and spelt can be used, spelled is more universally understood and is the more common form in American English.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
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