English UsageComparison guide
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
Confusion Familyregional-variant
Rule Familyverb-form
TermsSpelled, Spelt
Variant ScopeCambridge lists “spelled” for both varieties and “spelt” as a UK alternative for the past tense and past participle of “spell”.
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”