Spelled or Spelt?
Spelled or Spelt?
Here is the quick answer:- If you're following US writing conventions, use "spelled."
- If you're following UK writing conventions, you can use "spelled" or "spelt."
- If you're referring to the wheat-like foodstuff, use "spelt."

This graph shows how "spelled" has overtaken "spelt" in British English.

More about "Spelled" and "Spelt"
The verb "to spell" most commonly means "to write or name the letters that form a word in correct sequence.""To spell" is one of those verbs with both an irregular form and a regular form. (See the table below for some others.)
The past tense and the past participle can be written as either "spelled" or "spelt." However, they are not interchangeable. The version you should use depends on whether you're following US or UK writing conventions.
Americans Demand "Spelled"
In America, "spelled" dominates. The use of "spelt" as the past tense or past participle of "to spell" is considered a spelling mistake by many. It will certainly annoy a fair proportion of your readers.Brits Can Use "Spelled" or "Spelt"
Outside America, "spelled" has become more common, but "spelt" is widely accepted. (The recent emergence of "spelled" is a result of growing American influence.)Here is the evidence that "spelled" has overtaken "spelt" in British English.
Misspelled and Misspelt
It's the same with "misspelled" and "misspelt." Americans demand "misspelled" (and Brits will accept it). However, Brits prefer "misspelt."Verbs with Irregular and Regular Forms
The following verbs (like "to spell") can be regular or irregular :Verb | Past Simple | Past Participle |
---|---|---|
burn | burned OR burnt | burned OR burnt |
dream | dreamed OR dreamt | dreamed OR dreamt |
learn | learned OR learnt | learned OR learnt |
smell | smelled OR smelt | smelled OR smelt |
spell | spelled OR spelt | spelled OR spelt |
"Spelt" the Wheat
Of note, the noun "spelt" refers to a kind of wheat grain.
Interactive Exercise
Here are three randomly selected questions from a larger exercise, which can be edited, printed to create an exercise worksheet, or sent via email to friends or students.- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?