In the vast landscape of English spelling, few words spark as much debate as “totalling” and “totaling.” This seemingly minor difference – a single ‘l’ – can leave even seasoned writers scratching their heads.
The short answer: both are correct, but it depends on where you are and what style guide you follow.
But fear not! We’re about to embark on a journey through the intricacies of British English and American English, exploring how a simple word for adding up numbers became a symbol of linguistic diversity.
“Totalling” and “Totaling” Mean?
Totalling (British English): The process of tallying or adding up figures to arrive at a final sum.
Totaling (American English): The same as totalling but with a slight spelling adjustment reflecting American usage.
The Great Spelling Showdown: Totalling vs. Totaling
At its core, the verb “to total” means to sum up, to arrive at a comprehensive figure by aggregating individual amounts. Whether you’re tallying expenses, counting inventory, or calculating profits, you’re engaging in the act of totaling. But when it comes to the present participle form, that’s where the plot thickens.
“To total or not to total, that is the question. Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous spelling, or to take arms against a sea of linguistic troubles.” – A modern-day Shakespeare, probably.
Decoding the Double-L Dilemma
To understand why we have two spellings, we need to dive into the root word “total” and its transformation into a verb. In both British and American English, the base form remains the same. It’s when we start adding up suffixes that the divergence occurs.
The Root Word “Total” and Its Verbal Form
- Noun: A total
- Adjective: A total disaster
- Verb (infinitive): To total
When we add the -ing suffix to create the present participle, we encounter our first fork in the road:
- British English: Totalling
- American English: Totaling
This difference isn’t just a quirk of this particular word. It’s part of a broader pattern in English spelling that affects numerous words.
A Tale of Two Englishes: British vs. American Spelling
The story of “totalling” vs. “totaling” is, in many ways, the story of British and American English divergence. To truly appreciate this, we need to step back in time.
Historical Context: Noah Webster’s Influence
In the early 19th century, an American lexicographer named Noah Webster embarked on a mission to distinguish American English from its British counterpart. His efforts led to numerous spelling reforms, many of which centered around simplifying words by removing what he saw as unnecessary letters.
The Single-L Rebellion in American English
Webster’s reforms included simplifying words that ended in a consonant-le pattern (like “traveler” instead of “traveller”). This principle extended to verbs ending in a single consonant when adding suffixes, leading to spellings like “totaling” instead of “totalling.”
| Word | British English | American English |
| Totalling | Totalling | Totaling |
| Travelling | Travelling | Traveling |
| Cancelling | Cancelling | Canceling |
| Modelling | Modelling | Modeling |
| Signalling | Signalling | Signaling |
| Appetiser | Appetiser | Appetizer |
| Colour | Colour | Color |
| Honour | Honour | Honor |
| Centre | Centre | Center |
| Licence | Licence | License |
| Defence | Defence | Defense |
| Organise | Organise | Organize |
When to Double Down: Spelling Rules Unveiled
Understanding the rules behind these spelling differences can help you navigate the totaling/totalling conundrum with confidence.
The Stressed Syllable Rule
In British English, when a word ends in a single consonant preceded by a single vowel, and the stress is on the final syllable, the consonant is doubled when adding suffixes like -ing or -ed.
Examples:
- Admit → Admitting
- Occur → Occurring
- Total → Totalling
American English follows this rule for words where the stress is on the final syllable but often drops the double consonant when the stress is elsewhere.
Exceptions That Prove the Rule
As with many aspects of English, there are exceptions. Some words maintain their double consonant in both varieties of English:
- Control → Controlling
- Patrol → Patrolling
Other -ing Verbs with Similar Patterns
The totaling/totalling divide is part of a larger pattern. Here are some other verbs that follow the same rule:
- Label → Labelling (UK) / Labeling (US)
- Model → Modelling (UK) / Modeling (US)
- Signal → Signalling (UK) / Signaling (US)
Global Preferences: Who Uses What Where?
The choice between “totalling” and “totaling” often boils down to regional preference. Let’s take a world tour of English spelling.
UK, Australia, and Commonwealth Countries
Countries with historical ties to British English generally prefer the double-L spelling. This includes:
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- Many parts of the Caribbean
US, Canada, and Their Spelling Allies
The single-L spelling is prevalent in:
- United States
- Philippines (due to American influence)
- Some English-language publications in Canada (though Canadian English often mixes British and American spellings)
Interesting Exceptions and Regional Quirks
- Canada: Often a mix of British and American spellings, sometimes varying by publication or individual preference.
- Ireland: Tends to follow British spelling but with some exceptions.
- India: Officially follows British spelling in education and government, but American spellings are increasingly common in casual writing and some media.
Beyond Borders: Digital Age and Spelling Convergence
In our interconnected world, the lines between British and American spellings are blurring. Several factors contribute to this linguistic melting pot.
Impact of Spell-Checkers and Autocorrect
Digital tools often default to one spelling or the other, sometimes overriding users’ intentions. This can lead to unintentional spelling shifts over time.
Global Communication and Spelling Adaptations
With international businesses and online platforms connecting people worldwide, many writers opt for spellings they believe will be most widely understood, regardless of their local standard.
Totalling Up the Differences: Context Matters
Choosing between “totalling” and “totaling” isn’t just about geography. The context of your writing plays a crucial role.
Academic and Formal Writing Considerations
In academic circles, consistency with the chosen style guide is paramount. Common style guides include:
- APA (American Psychological Association): Prefers American spellings
- MLA (Modern Language Association): Allows for either spelling, emphasizing consistency
- Chicago Manual of Style: Flexible, but leans towards American spellings
Business and International Correspondence
For business writing, consider your audience:
- Writing to a UK-based company? “Totalling” might be the safer bet.
- Corresponding with a global audience? Either spelling works, but consistency is key.
Casual Writing and Social Media Usage
In informal settings, the rules relax. Many writers use their preferred spelling or mix both, reflecting the fluid nature of language in the digital age.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even seasoned writers can stumble over the totaling/totalling divide. Here are some common mistakes and how to sidestep them.
Mixing British and American Spellings
Problem: Using “colour” and “totaling” in the same document. Solution: Choose one style and stick to it consistently.
Overcorrection and Hypercorrection
Problem: Assuming all -ing words follow the same rule (e.g., incorrectly writing “travalling” instead of “travelling”). Solution: Familiarize yourself with common exceptions and consult a dictionary when in doubt.
Consistency is Key: Tips for Maintaining Your Chosen Style
- Create a style guide for your writing project
- Use digital tools to enforce consistency (e.g., custom dictionary settings)
- When in doubt, choose one authoritative source (like the Oxford English Dictionary or Merriam-Webster) and follow it consistently
Alternatives: When in Doubt, Rephrase
Sometimes, the best solution is to sidestep the issue entirely. Here are some alternatives to “totalling” or “totaling” that can add variety to your writing:
- Summing up
- Calculating the total
- Aggregating
- Computing the sum
- Tabulating
Real-World Examples: Totalling and Totaling in Action
Let’s look at how these spellings appear in various contexts:
News Headlines
- BBC (UK): “UK inflation totalling 10% sparks economic concerns”
- New York Times (US): “Company profits totaling $1 billion raise antitrust questions”
Financial Reports
- Barclays (UK): “Loans totalling £500 million were issued in Q3”
- Goldman Sachs (US): “Assets totaling $2.5 trillion under management”
Literary Usage
- J.K. Rowling (British author): “Hermione spent hours totalling up their resources.”
- Stephen King (American author): “The damages, totaling millions, would bankrupt the town.”
The Final Tally: Making Your Choice
When deciding between “totalling” and “totaling,” consider:
- Your primary audience
- The formality of your writing
- Consistency with the rest of your document
- Any style guides you’re following
Remember, there’s no universally “correct” choice – it’s about communicating clearly and effectively with your readers.
Looking Ahead: The Future of English Spelling
As English continues to evolve as a global language, we might see further convergence or divergence in spelling practices.
Trends in Spelling Simplification
Some linguists argue for further simplification of English spelling, which could potentially lead to more American-style spellings becoming standard.
Digital Influence on Language Evolution
Online communication and global media consumption are accelerating the exchange of spelling variants, potentially leading to new hybrid forms.
The Ongoing Debate: Standardization vs. Diversity
While some push for a more standardized global English, others celebrate the rich tapestry of regional differences, including spelling variations.
Quick Reference: Totalling vs. Totaling
| Aspect | Totalling | Totaling |
| Usage | British English | American English |
| Pronunciation | Same | Same |
| Meaning | Adding up, summing | Adding up, summing |
| Common in | UK, Australia, NZ | US, Philippines |
| Style guides | Oxford, Cambridge | AP, Chicago |
Mnemonic: “If you’re totalling in Britain, you’ll use all the L’s.”
Conclusion
The question of “totalling” versus “totaling” boils down to where you are and who you’re writing for. While the two terms are interchangeable in meaning, their usage depends on whether you’re following British English or American English spelling conventions.
By understanding the rules and maintaining consistency, you’ll ensure your writing is polished and professional.
Next time you’re adding up expenses or tabulating results, you’ll know exactly which spelling to use!
Alex Hormozi is a seasoned blogger at Vocab Loop, known for his deep insights into language, vocabulary, and grammar. With years of experience in writing, Alex shares practical tips and effective strategies to help readers improve their linguistic skills and enhance their writing abilities.
