English UsageComparison guide

Appall vs. Appal

“Appall” and “appal” are regional spelling variants of the same verb. Cambridge labels “appal” UK and “appall” US.

Quick answer

Use “appall” in US English and “appal” in UK-oriented English, unless your house style specifies otherwise.

Key details

Confusion Familyregional spelling
Rule Familyregional-orthography
TermsAppall, Appal
Variant ScopeCambridge labels “appal” UK and “appall” US.

Further guidance

Core difference

“Appall” and “appal” are regional spellings of the same verb.

Usage Boundary

Use “appall” in US English and “appal” in UK-oriented English unless a house style directs otherwise.

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.

  1. Appal — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct evidence identifying appal as UK and appall as US spelling.

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