Is the Right Word Modeling or Modelling?

Modeling or modelling: Which spelling is correct?

Both modeling and modelling are correct spellings, but their usage depends on the region. American English uses the single "L" spelling modeling, while British English uses the double "L" spelling modelling.

Definition of model

The Oxford English Dictionary defines model as "a representation of a person or thing, typically on a smaller scale" or "a person employed to display clothes by wearing them." As a verb, it means "to create a representation or simulation of something."

The American English spelling is modeling (single L).

The British English spelling is modelling (double L).

Similar spelling patterns

Many words follow the same US/UK spelling pattern as "modeling" vs "modelling":

US English (single L)

• modeling, modeled

• traveling, traveled

• canceling, canceled

• labeling, labeled

UK English (double L)

• modelling, modelled

• travelling, travelled

• cancelling, cancelled

• labelling, labelled

Verb forms of 'model'

Simple Cont. Perfect Perfect Cont.

Present

I/you/they model • He/she/it models

Past

I/you/they modeled • He/she/it modeled

Future

I/you/they will model • He/she/it will model

Present

I am/you are modeling • He/she/it is modeling

Past

I was/you were modeling • He/she/it was modeling

Future

I/you will be modeling • He/she/it will be modeling

Present

I/you have modeled • He/she/it has modeled

Past

I/you had modeled • He/she/it had modeled

Future

I/you will have modeled • He/she/it will have modeled

Present

I have been modeling • He/she/it has been modeling

Past

I had been modeling • He/she/it had been modeling

Future

I will have been modeling • He/she/it will have been modeling

Sentence examples: modeling vs modelling

Present participle examples

• The engineer spent hours modeling the new engine. (US)

• The architect is modelling the proposed skyscraper. (UK)

• She got a job modeling shoes for a catalog company. (US)

Past tense examples

• The data was modeled using advanced algorithms. (US)

• The faces were modelled in white stone. (UK)

• They modeled the behavior of the system. (US)

Study tip

Tip: Associate the double 'L' in modelling with UK English. The US spelling modeling uses a single 'L'.

Synonyms & nearby words

Synonyms for model

reproduction imitation replica copy miniature duplicate clone

Common phrases with model

role model fashion model model behavior model citizen

Origin of the word model

1570s, "likeness made to scale; architect's set of designs," from French modelle (16c., Modern French modèle), from Italian modello "a model, mold," from Vulgar Latin *modellus, from Latin modulus "a small measure, standard," diminutive of modus "manner, measure".

—Etymonline, model.

FAQs

Is 'modeling' or 'modelling' correct?

Both spellings are correct, but their usage depends on the region. 'Modeling' is the US English spelling, while 'modelling' is the UK English spelling.

What's the difference in spelling?

British English spells 'modelling' with a double 'L'. American English spells 'modeling' with a single 'L'. This applies to verb forms like 'modeled'/'modelled'.

Does this rule apply to other forms?

Yes, this rule applies to other forms. The past tense is 'modeled' (US) or 'modelled' (UK). The noun is 'modeler' (US) or 'modeller' (UK).

How can I remember the spelling?

To remember, associate the double 'L' in 'modelling' with UK English. The US spelling 'modeling' uses a single 'L'. This simple tip helps distinguish the two variants.

Can I use either spelling interchangeably?

While both are correct, it's best to stick to one regional standard (US or UK) for consistency. Using 'modelling' in US English or 'modeling' in UK English may be considered incorrect in formal contexts.

Sources

Harper, Douglas. "Model." Online Etymology Dictionary. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
"Model." Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford University Press. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.