Quarreled vs. Quarrelled
The verb “quarrel” follows a regional doubling pattern: “quarrelled” is standard UK spelling, while “quarreled” is the usual US spelling. This guide treats the pair as a documented spelling or inflection convention rather than inventing a meaning difference where none is supported.
Use “quarreled” in ordinary US English and “quarrelled” in ordinary UK English.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| ordinary US spelling | quarreled | Use the single-l form in US English. |
| ordinary UK spelling | quarrelled | Use the double-l form in UK English. |
| write for a house style or mixed international audience | follow the required regional spelling consistently | The difference is spelling convention, not meaning. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Are you following US spelling conventions?
If yes: Use “quarreled.”
If no: Use “quarrelled” under ordinary UK spelling, or follow the required house style.
Caveat: This is a regional spelling choice. Do not label the accepted form from another standard variety as universally incorrect.
Examples
They quarreled about the schedule.
“Quarreled” is the ordinary US spelling.
They quarrelled about the schedule.
“Quarrelled” is the ordinary UK spelling.
Keep the same regional spelling convention throughout the article.
Consistency matters more than treating either accepted regional form as a different meaning.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “quarreled” in ordinary US English and “quarrelled” in ordinary UK English.
Style Boundary
Choose the form that matches the documented regional or lexical convention, and keep the spelling consistent while preserving official names and quoted text.
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.
- Quarrel — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · The verb “quarrel” follows a regional doubling pattern: “quarrelled” is standard UK spelling, while “quarreled” is the usual US spelling.