Traveling or travelling: Which spelling is correct?
Both traveling and travelling are correct spellings, but their usage depends on the region. American English uses the single "L" spelling traveling, while British English uses the double "L" spelling travelling.
Definition of travel
The Oxford English Dictionary defines travel as "to go from one place to another, especially over a long distance." The verb has different spelling conventions in American and British English.
- The American English spelling is traveling (single L).
- The British English spelling is travelling (double L).
Similar spelling patterns
Many words follow the same US/UK spelling pattern as "traveling" vs "travelling":
Verb forms of 'travel'
Sentence examples: traveling vs travelling
• The traveling public has had enough of fare increases. (US)
• She grew up in a travelling family. (UK)
• The birds are traveling south for the winter. (US)
• They traveled cross-country from New York to California. (US)
• The pain travelled down his back. (UK)
• They traveled on the bus to and from work together. (US)
Study tip
Synonyms & nearby words
Synonyms for travel
Common phrases with travel
Origin of the word travel
Late 14c., "to journey," from travailen (1300) "to make a journey," originally "to toil, labor". Replaced Old English faran. Related: Traveled; traveling. Traveled (adj.) "having made journeys, experienced in travel" is from early 15c. Traveling salesman is attested from 1885.
—Etymonline, travel.
Worksheet
According to the blog post, which spelling of the present participle of ‘travel’ is used in US English?
Which variety of English, according to the post, typically uses the double ‘l’ in ‘travelling’, ‘travelled’, and ‘traveller’?
The blog post states that the past tense of ‘travel’ also has different spellings. Which spelling is used in US English?
Which spelling of the noun form is used in UK English?
The post mentions other words following the same spelling pattern. Which pair correctly lists the US spelling first and the UK spelling second?
We are ______ to California next summer. (Choose the correct US English spelling based on the post)
She enjoys ______ by train across Europe. (Choose the correct UK English spelling based on the post)
They ______ cross-country from New York to California. (Choose the correct UK English spelling based on the post)
The pain ______ down his back. (Choose the correct US English spelling based on the post)
A key tip from the post is to associate the double ‘L’ spelling, like in ______, with UK English.
FAQs
Is 'traveling' or 'travelling' correct?
What's the difference in spelling?
Does this rule apply to other forms?
How can I remember the spelling?
Can I use either spelling interchangeably?
Sources
-
Harper, Douglas. "Travel." Online Etymology Dictionary. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
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"Travel." Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford University Press. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
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