Spelled vs. Spelt
Both “spelled” and “spelt” are standard past forms of “spell”; Cambridge marks “spelt” as a UK alternative while “spelled” is used in both UK and US English.
Use “spelled” broadly; “spelt” is also standard in UK English.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Region / style | Form | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| US English | spelled | Use the standard US form. |
| UK English | spelled or spelt | Both are documented; “spelt” is a UK alternative. |
| a document with an established house preference | follow that preference consistently | Do not mark the other documented regional form wrong merely for differing style. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Is the document US-oriented?
If yes: Use “spelled.”
If no: In UK English, both “spelled” and “spelt” are documented; follow the intended style.
Caveat: “Spelt” is a documented UK alternative for the past tense and past participle of “spell,” while “spelled” is used in both varieties.
Examples
The name is spelled differently in this edition.
“Spelled” is standard broadly, including US and UK English.
The name is spelt differently in this edition.
“Spelt” is a standard UK alternative.
She spelled the word aloud.
The regular form is standard and does not require a regional caveat.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “spelled” broadly; “spelt” is also standard in UK English.
Style Boundary
Choose the form that fits the documented regional, grammatical, or stylistic context, and keep house style consistent when more than one standard form is available.
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.
- Spell — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Past-tense and past-participle forms “spelled” and UK also “spelt”