Ever wondered why the same word can look so different depending on where it’s written? That’s exactly the case with totalling or totaling! These two spellings might seem like a small difference, but they carry the weight of regional English traditions.
British English favors totalling with a double “l,” while American English keeps it simpler with totaling and a single “l.” This spelling choice is more than just a letter it reflects how language adapts to culture.
Whether you’re adding up numbers in the UK or the US, knowing which version to use will help your writing feel polished and professional every time!
What do “Totalling” and “Totaling” Mean?
“Totalling” and “totaling” might look tricky, but they both mean the same thing: adding up numbers to get a total. The difference lies in their spelling, which depends on where you’re from.
British English prefers “totalling” with two Ls, while American English uses “totaling” with just one. This difference comes from regional spelling conventions, not any change in the meaning of the word.
Both words act as the present participle of “total.” You’ll use them when describing an ongoing action, like saying, “I’m totalling my expenses” or “I’m totaling the receipts.” The choice between the two simply depends on whether you’re writing for a UK or US audience. Remember, they work the same way no matter how they’re spelled!
As a Noun
“Totalling” or “totaling” as a noun means the final sum you get after adding everything up. For example, “The totaling of expenses is done.”
As an Adjective
“Totalling” or “totaling” as an adjective describes something related to calculating or summing, like “The totaling process took hours to finish.”
Totalling vs Totaling: The Key Difference
At first, “totalling” and “totaling” might look like two ways to spell the same word. However, the difference lies in the English you are using. These words follow separate spelling rules depending on whether you write in British or American English. Here’s the simple breakdown:
- Totalling (with two “l”s) is the correct spelling in British English.
- Totaling (with one “l”) is the standard spelling in American English.
Although this may seem like a small detail, using the proper version shows your awareness of regional spelling conventions and keeps your writing polished, especially in professional or formal settings.
| Totalling (British English) | Totaling (American English) |
|---|---|
| Spelling: Double “l” | Spelling: Single “l” |
| Regional Preference: British English | Regional Preference: American English |
| Meaning: Adding numbers to find a total | Meaning: Adding numbers to find a total |
| Usage: Common in British writing | Usage: Common in American writing |
The Correct Spelling of Totalling or Totaling
The spelling of “totalling” or “totaling” depends on the type of English you’re writing. British English uses totalling with a double “l,” while American English sticks to totaling with just one “l.” This difference happens because British English keeps the double consonant after adding “-ing,” while American English simplifies it.
If you’re writing for a British audience, stick to “totalling” to match their spelling rules. But if your readers are American, choose “totaling.” Both are correct, but using the right one shows you understand the difference and makes your writing look professional.
Regional English Differences: British vs American English
British and American English have some key differences, especially in spelling. For example, in the UK, people write totalling with a double “l,” while in the US, they write totaling with just one. These spelling variations are part of the broader regional differences that affect grammar, vocabulary, and usage.
The Influence of Noah Webster
Noah Webster played a major role in shaping American English by simplifying many spellings. He believed English should be easier to learn, so he created rules that removed unnecessary letters.
For example, Webster’s reforms led to color instead of colour and theater instead of theatre. His dictionary, published in 1828, helped standardize these changes across the United States. Webster’s work has had a lasting impact on American English spelling conventions.
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| Colour | Color |
| Theatre | Theater |
| Realise | Realize |
| Defence | Defense |
Why there is Confusion Between “Totalling” and “Totaling”?
The confusion between “totalling” and “totaling” happens because both words sound the same and mean the same thing—adding up numbers to get a total. The real difference lies in the spelling, which depends on where you are.
In British English, people use “totalling” with a double “l,” while in American English, they use “totaling” with just one “l.” Even though the meanings are identical, the spelling change is tied to regional writing rules, causing the mix-up when switching between British and American English.
Synonyms of “Totalling” or “Totaling”
- Summing up
- Adding up
- Calculating
- Tallying
- Counting
- Reckoning
- Estimating
- Adding together
- Calculating the sum
- Compiling
Using “Totalling” and “Totaling” in Sentences
Totalling
- She is totalling the expenses for her project right now.
- After totalling the costs, we found that we were under budget.
- The accountant spent the afternoon totalling the receipts.
- He was totalling the figures when he noticed a mistake.
- Totalling the sales from last month was a challenging task.
Totaling
- He is totaling the numbers to see if they match the report.
- After totaling the bills, they realised they needed to cut costs.
- The clerk is totaling the items at the register.
- I spent hours totaling the points for the competition.
- Totaling the team’s scores took longer than expected.
British vs American Spelling Differences
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| Totalling | Totaling |
| Colour | Color |
| Theatre | Theater |
| Realise | Realize |
| Defence | Defense |
| Travelling | Traveling |
| Cheque | Check |
British and American English developed differently because of unique historical events and cultural influences over time. British English retains traditional spellings,
while American English simplifies many words, influenced by Noah Webster’s reforms. These variations reflect each region’s unique linguistic history and preferences.
A Final Look
Understanding the difference between “totalling” and “totaling” is all about knowing your audience. Use “totalling” if you’re writing for people in the UK or countries that follow British English. Stick with “totaling” if you’re addressing readers in the US. Both words mean the same thing, but using the right spelling shows you care about proper communication.
FAQs
How do you use totalling?
You use totalling in British English when referring to adding up numbers or amounts. It describes the act of calculating a total.
Which is correct, totalled or totaled?
Both are correct, depending on the region. Totalled is the British English spelling, while totaled is used in American English.
What do you mean by totalling?
Totalling means adding up numbers or amounts to find the total, typically in contexts like maths, finance, or accounting.
Sources
Cambridge Dictionary (TOTALLING | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary), Grammarist (Totaled/totaling vs. totalled/totalling) and Thesaurus.com (54 Synonyms & Antonyms for TOTALING).
John is an experienced English grammar expert with over three years in the field. His expertise includes advanced grammar concepts, punctuation, and syntax. He has a keen interest in linguistic nuances and effective communication. John enjoys helping others improve their language skills through teaching, writing, and editing.
