Labelled or Labeled | Difference & Examples
Labelled and labeled are two different spellings of the past tense of the verb “label,” referring to the act of attaching a label or identifying marker to something. The verb is also used negatively to refer to the act of assigning someone or something to a specific category.
The spelling tends to vary based on whether you’re using UK or US English:
- In US English, “labeled” (one “l”) is standard.
- In UK English, “labelled” (double “l”) is correct.
Even though the two politicians labeled/labelled each other dangerous, they were quite alike in their beliefs.
All of Niamh’s files were meticulously labeled/labelled.
When you’ve labeled/labelled the new products, please put them on the shelves.
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Labelling or labeling
The same spelling distinction applies to the present participle (“-ing”) forms of the verb.
- In US English, it’s “labeling” (one “l”).
- In UK English, it’s “labelling” (double “l”).
The media has been unfairly labeling/labelling Charlie as a callous thief.
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Ryan, E. (2023, March 14). Labelled or Labeled | Difference & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved January 8, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/us-vs-uk/labelled-or-labeled/
