Difference Between Spelled & Spelt

There are certain verbs in English that have two different versions or spelling variants for their past tense, such as learn, spell, and burn. Do you spell burned, or burnt? The same is the case with spelled and spelt. In this article, we will find out if there are any differences between spelt and spelled and whether they are to be used in different contexts.

Spelled is believed to be an American version and used mostly by people in the country when they are looking for the past tense of spell. However, if you are a Briton, you probably use both spelling variations depending upon your whim or liking. Both versions of the past tense and past participle of spell are correct, so you can use either of the two depending on your preference. Thus, spelt and spelled are two forms of spell that are the same in meaning and usage. British English allows for the use of both regular and irregular verb forms, which is why there is spelt and spelled in use in the UK.

Many people think that spelled is an American version of the past tense of spell. However, this is not true. The two variations, spelled and spelt, have been in existence since the 17th century in the UK. Britons used spelt predominantly throughout the 19th century. However, Americans started to use the variation spelled, and this prompted people around the world to go with this spelling of the past tense of spell.

Key Takeaways

• Spelled and spelt are variations of spelling for the past tense and its past participle.
• Both spellings were in use in Britain, but writers used spelt predominantly.
• Americans stressed upon the spelling spelled, and most writers use this variation.