Spelled vs. Spelt: What's the Difference?
Learn when spelled and spelt are correct past forms of spell, how regional preferences differ, and why spelt can also name a grain.
Spelled and spelt are both correct past forms of the verb spell. Spelled is standard in American English and common worldwide. Spelt is common in British English. Spelt is also the name of an ancient grain, a meaning that spelled does not share.
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A UK editor writes that a surname was spelt incorrectly, while a US colleague changes it to spelled. Both verb forms are grammatical; the publication's regional style should decide.
Spelled vs. Spelt at a glance
| Word | Typical role | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| spelled | Regular past form | formed or named the letters of a word | The customer's name was spelled correctly. |
| spelt | Variant past form or grain noun | formed letters; or a type of wheat | The surname is spelt with two l's. |
How to use spelled
Use spelled in American English for both the simple past and past participle of spell. It is also widely understood and used in other regions. The verb can mean name letters or result in a consequence, as in trouble spelled disaster.
The customer's name was spelled correctly.
How to use spelt
Use spelt as an accepted British past form of spell when it matches house style. As a noun, spelt names a cereal grain and cannot be replaced by spelled. Context normally makes the two roles obvious.
The surname is spelt with two l's.
Rules that make the choice easier
Use spelled for American English
US writing strongly favors spelled as both simple past and past participle.
Allow spelt in British English
British writing commonly uses spelt, though spelled also appears.
Keep the grain meaning separate
Spelt flour and spelt bread always use the noun spelt, regardless of regional spelling rules.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not mark spelt wrong in British prose.
- Do not write spelled flour when naming the grain.
- Avoid switching between spelled and spelt in the same editorial voice without reason.
Quick practice
1. Which verb form is standard in US English?
Answer: spelled
2. Is spelt accepted in British English?
Answer: Yes
3. Which word names a grain?
Answer: spelt
Frequently asked questions
Is spelled or spelt correct?
Both are correct past forms; spelled is American, while spelt is common in British English.
Can Americans use spelt?
They may recognize it, but US edited prose normally uses spelled for the verb.
What is spelt flour?
It is flour made from spelt, an ancient type of wheat.
Is it has spelled or has spelt?
Both can be correct by regional style; has spelled is the US default.