Labelled or Labeled? Which Spelling is Correct?

One of the quirks of the English language is that it has different spelling conventions depending on where it’s used. A common area of confusion arises with words like labelled and labeled, which refer to the same action but are spelled differently in British and American English. Understanding when to use each form can help you navigate these linguistic differences and ensure your writing is appropriate for your audience.

In this article, we will explore the differences between labelled and labeled, their usage in British and American English, and provide examples to illustrate their correct application. We will also include practice questions with answers to help reinforce your understanding of these two spellings.

Labelled vs. Labeled: The Basics

The words labelled and labeled are both the past tense and past participle forms of the verb label, which means to attach a piece of information to something, typically in the form of a tag or sticker, or to categorize something in a particular way.

Examples of the verb label in use:
I need to label the jars in the pantry.
She labeled the boxes with their contents.

The only difference between labelled and labeled is the spelling, and this difference is based on whether you are using British or American English.

British English: Labelled

In British English, the correct spelling is labelled with a double “l.” This follows a common pattern in British English, where verbs ending in a single vowel followed by a single consonant often double the final consonant before adding the -ed or -ing suffix.

Examples of labelled in British English:

The products were labelled with the manufacturing date.
All the specimens in the lab have been labelled for identification.
She carefully labelled each of the files with the client’s name.

In these examples, labelled is used in its British English form, which includes the double “l.”

American English: Labeled

In American English, the correct spelling is labeled with a single “l.” American English tends to simplify spelling conventions by dropping the second consonant in many words where British English doubles it.

Examples of labeled in American English:

The boxes were labeled with their contents.
He labeled the folders according to their importance.
The medication bottles were clearly labeled for safety.

In these examples, labeled is used in its American English form, which includes only one “l.”

Quick Summary

Labelled: The British English spelling (double “l”).
Labeled: The American English spelling (single “l”).

Why the Difference?

The difference between labelled and labeled is part of a broader pattern of variations between British and American English spelling. These differences date back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when Noah Webster, an American lexicographer, sought to simplify English spelling in the United States. He believed that American English should have a distinct identity and be easier to learn, so he advocated for spelling reforms that included dropping unnecessary letters.

As a result, American English tends to favor shorter, simplified spellings, while British English retains many of the older, more complex forms.

Other Words with Similar Differences

The difference between labelled and labeled follows the same pattern seen in other words where British and American English diverge in spelling. Here are a few more examples:

Travelled (British English) vs. Traveled (American English)
Cancelled (British English) vs. Canceled (American English)
Modeled (American English) vs. Modelled (British English)

Fuelled (British English) vs. Fueled (American English)

In all these cases, British English doubles the final consonant, while American English simplifies the spelling by using just one consonant.

How to Decide Which Spelling to Use

When choosing between labelled and labeled, the decision largely depends on your audience and the context in which you are writing. Here are a few guidelines to help you determine which spelling is appropriate:

1. Know Your Audience

If you are writing for a British audience or following British English conventions, use labelled.
If you are writing for an American audience or following American English conventions, use labeled.

2. Follow Style Guides

If you are writing for an academic or professional publication, check the style guide you are required to follow. Different style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style or the AP Stylebook, may have specific preferences for British or American spellings depending on the context.

3. Be Consistent

Whichever form you choose, it is important to be consistent throughout your writing. If you start with the British English labelled, continue using British spellings throughout the rest of your text. The same applies to American English.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Since labelled and labeled look so similar, it’s easy to make mistakes, especially if you’re switching between British and American English. Let’s look at some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Mixing British and American Spellings

Incorrect:
The boxes were labelled with their contents, and then they were canceled.
(This sentence mixes British English labelled with American English canceled.)

Correct:
The boxes were labelled with their contents, and then they were cancelled.
(British English consistency)
Correct:
The boxes were labeled with their contents, and then they were canceled.
(American English consistency)

2. Using labeled in British English Contexts

Incorrect:
The products were labeled according to their expiration dates.
(In British English, this should be labelled.)

Correct:
The products were labelled according to their expiration dates.

3. Using labelled in American English Contexts

Incorrect:
The bottles were labelled with safety instructions.
(In American English, this should be labeled.)
Correct:
The bottles were labeled with safety instructions.

Examples of Correct Usage

Let’s explore more examples to see how labelled and labeled are used correctly in different contexts.

Examples in British English

The teacher labelled each student’s project with their name.
The museum artefacts were carefully labelled for display.

All the files were labelled and stored in the archive.

Examples in American English

The teacher labeled each student’s project with their name.
The museum artifacts were carefully labeled for display.

All the files were labeled and stored in the archive.

Examples in Different Tenses

Present tense:

I am labeling the boxes right now.

She is labelling the folders for the meeting.

Past tense:

They labeled the products yesterday.

They labelled the products yesterday.

Future tense:

We will be labeling the packages tomorrow.

We will be labelling the packages tomorrow.

Practice Questions

Let’s test your understanding of the difference between labelled and labeled with some practice questions.

Question 1:

Which sentence is correct?

a) The jars were labelled with their contents.
b) The jars were labeled with their contents.

Answer:
Both are correct.

a) is correct in British English.
b) is correct in American English.

Question 2:

Fill in the blank with the correct form of the word (labelled or labeled):

The packages were carefully _ before being shipped.

Answer:
Both labelled and labeled can be correct, depending on whether you are using British or American English.

Question 3:

True or False:
Labeled is the correct spelling in American English, while labelled is the correct spelling in British English.

Answer:
True.

Explanation: American English simplifies the spelling to labeled (one “l”), while British English retains the double “l” in labelled.

Question 4:

Which sentence is correct for British English?

a) All the specimens were labeled for the experiment.
b) All the specimens were labelled for the experiment.

Answer:
b) All the specimens were labelled for the experiment.

Question 5:

Which sentence is correct for American English?

a) The files were labelled and stored in the cabinet.
b) The files were labeled and stored in the cabinet.

Answer:
b) The files were labeled and stored in the cabinet.

Conclusion

The difference between labelled and labeled comes down to the variation between British and American English.

Labelled is the correct spelling in British English.

Labeled is the correct spelling in American English.

When writing, you must consider your audience and be consistent with your spelling throughout your text. If you’re writing for a British audience, stick to British English conventions and use labelled. If you’re writing for an American audience, use labeled.

By understanding these differences and practicing consistent usage, you can ensure your writing is clear, professional, and appropriate for your intended audience.