Is it canceled or cancelled?

The difference between “canceled” and “cancelled”

Although spelled differently, the words “canceled” and “cancelled” have the exact same meaning. Both versions mean the past tense of the verb “cancel,” to decide that something will no longer take place. However, you’re not likely to see the spelling “canceled” outside of the U.S. The double “l” version of the word is British English and is often used in the UK and Canada, while American English uses the single “l.” The rule remains for most other versions of the word “cancel,” such as “canceling.”

British vs. American English

The difference in spelling doesn’t affect the meaning or usage of the word. Like many other words, cancel is a good example of how American English simplifies British English, typically by removing letters that won’t affect the sound of the word. Words like “behavior” or “color” are spelled with an additional letter in British English as “behaviour” and “colour.” If you have trouble remembering which version of a word is correct in American English, opt for the simplest or shortest form.

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Sometimes, the difference between British and American English goes beyond a simple letter or two. Words like recognize or apologize should always be written with a “z” in American English, but people in the UK are more likely to use an “s” instead.

What about “cancellation?”

The one exception to the rule is the word “cancellation,” which should be spelled with a double “l” no matter what audience you’re writing for. While the other forms of the word remain verbs, “cancellation” is a noun that includes additional syllables. By including two l’s in this form of the word, there’s a bridge between the original word and the new syllables.

How to use “canceled” in a sentence

“Canceled” should always be used as the past tense of the verb “cancel,” but you don’t need to remember any other specific rules when using the word. These sentences show how to use the word correctly in American English.

• “Amelia’s favorite television show was canceled after the first season.”
• “The teacher canceled the field trip because of the weather forecast.”
• “After his flight home was canceled, he decided to rent a car instead.”

After reading this guide on a commonly confused word, you’ll be able to avoid getting “canceled” for poor spelling or grammar. But if you’re still unsure about what words to use in your writing, double-check your sentences with easy-to-use grammar tools.