Acknowledgment vs. Acknowledgement
“Acknowledgment” and “acknowledgement” are accepted spellings of the same noun. The guide treats the choice as a documented spelling-variant issue rather than labeling either form universally wrong.
Both “acknowledgment” and “acknowledgement” are accepted spellings. Follow the spelling preferred by your audience or house style.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Form | Status | Practical choice |
|---|---|---|
| acknowledgment | accepted spelling | Use when it matches your regional or house style. |
| acknowledgement | accepted spelling | Also standard; use when preferred by your audience or house style. |
Quick tests
Style-consistency test
Does your publication or audience prefer one of the two accepted spellings?
If yes: Use that spelling consistently.
If no: Either form is accepted; choose one and keep the document consistent.
Caveat: Do not mark the alternative form universally wrong when the governing style accepts it.
Examples
The report includes an acknowledgment of the research team.
“Acknowledgment” is an accepted spelling.
The report includes an acknowledgement of the research team.
“Acknowledgement” is also accepted.
Further guidance
Core difference
Both “acknowledgment” and “acknowledgement” are accepted spellings. Follow the spelling preferred by your audience or house style.
Style Boundary
Choose the form that matches the regional or house style of the document, and keep the choice consistent where both forms are acceptable.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Acknowledgment — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Acknowledgment and acknowledgement accepted spelling variants