How do you spell traveling in the UK?

Double the L, Double the Confusion: Spelling “Travelling” in the UK

The humble hyphen, the capricious comma, the maddeningly inconsistent spelling of words – these are the linguistic landmines that trip up even the most seasoned writers. And for those documenting journeys across the globe, the variations in English spelling can be particularly treacherous. Nowhere is this more evident than in the seemingly simple word: travelling.

If you’re detailing your adventures in the British Isles, remember this crucial distinction: in UK English, the act of going from place to place is travelling, with a doubled ‘l’. This isn’t a whimsical decision; it’s a reflection of the word’s etymology, stemming from the older spelling “travelle,” which itself has roots stretching back to Old French and beyond. This double ‘l’ stubbornly persists, a testament to the UK’s commitment to preserving certain linguistic traditions. Think of it as a charming, if slightly inconvenient, quirk of British English.

Now, imagine the same journey documented by an American writer. Across the Atlantic, the preferred spelling is traveling, with a single ‘l’. This simplification reflects a broader trend in American English towards streamlining spellings, often shedding unnecessary letters or adopting more phonetically consistent forms. The single ‘l’ in “traveling” is perfectly acceptable and widely understood in the US, and indeed, in much of the world outside the UK.

The difference highlights the fascinating divergence between British and American English, a split that extends far beyond just this one word. While both varieties are mutually intelligible, understanding these subtle variations is crucial for clear and accurate communication, especially in formal writing or when targeting a specific audience. For those chronicling their UK escapades, remember to embrace the double ‘l’ – it’s a little piece of British linguistic heritage you’ll be carrying along with your suitcase. Failing to do so might cause a raised eyebrow or two amongst your British readership, even if it doesn’t fundamentally alter the meaning. So, pack your bags, grab your passport, and remember: in the UK, it’s travelling all the way.