Modelling vs Modeling | Meaning, Spelling & Examples
Modelling and modeling are both correct spellings of the present participle and gerund of the verb “model,” meaning “create a representation of something,” “shape something (like clay),” or “display something by wearing it.”
The spelling depends on whether you use British English or American English.
- In British English, “modelling” with a double “l” is the most common.
- In American English, “modeling” with one “l” is standard.
It’s important to choose one spelling and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.
My big dream is modelling/modeling for Lancôme.
Destiny has been modelling/modeling for years before trying a career in theater.
The difference in spelling is also true for similar verbs, such as labelling or labeling and travelling or traveling.
Modelled or modeled
The spelling difference also applies to the past tense verb modelled or modeled.
- In British English, “modelled” with a double “l” is the most common.
- In American English, “modeled” with one “l” is standard.
Rayleigh modelled/modeled the behavior of molecules in a computer simulation.
The teacher modelled/modeled problem-solving techniques for the students.
The difference in spelling is also true for similar verbs, such as cancelled or canceled, levelled or leveled, and travelled or traveled.
Modeller or modeler
The same spelling difference applies to the related noun modeller or modeler, which refers to someone who creates abstract or physical models or someone who employs models to draw conclusions from.
- In British English, “modeller” with a double “l” is the most common.
- In American English, “modeler” with one “l” is standard.
Soleil is a car modeller/modeler who designs intricate scale models of classic cars.
The modeller/modeler spent hours painting miniature aircrafts in the right color.
Main differences between American and British English
American and British English are very similar, but there are a few main differences in spelling. Some differences are:
| Difference | Rule | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| -or vs -our | In American English, many Latin-derived words end in -or. | Behavior or behaviour Color or colour Favor or favour Flavor or flavour Favorite or favourite Honor or honour Humor or humour Labor or labour Neighbor or neighbour |
| In British English, these same words end in -our. | ||
| -er vs -re | In American English, some French, Latin, or Greek words end in -er. | Center or centre Fiber or fibre Theater or theatre |
| In British English, these same words end in -re. | ||
| -ize vs -ise | In American English, many Greek-derived words end in -yze or -ize. | Analyze or analyse Organization or organisation Realize or realise Recognize or recognise |
| In British English, these words end in -yse or -ise. | ||
| -ed vs -t | In American English, most verbs are regular and form their past tense with the suffix -ed. | Burned or burnt Dreamed or dreamt Kneeled or knelt Learned or learnt Smelled or smelt Spelled or spelt Spilled or spilt |
| In British English, some of these verbs are irregular and form their past tense with the suffix -t. | ||
| Single vs double consonant | In American English, many words are spelled with a single consonant. | Buses or busses Canceled or cancelled Counselor or counsellor Focused or focussed Labeled or labelled Modeling or modelling Traveling or travelling |
| In British English, these same words are often spelled with a double consonant. | ||
| Dropping vs retaining the “e” | In American English, “e” is often dropped when forming a noun from a verb | Acknowledgment or acknowledgement Aging or ageing Judgment or judgement |
| In British English, the “e” is often retained. | ||
| Different verb and noun spellings | In American English, most words have identical verb and noun spellings. | License or licence Practice or practise |
| In British English, some words have different spellings for the verb and noun forms. | ||
| Other spelling differences | There are many other spelling differences between the two English variants. | Airplane or aeroplane Aluminum or aluminium Check or cheque Cozy or cosy Defense or defence Dependent or dependant Enrollment or enrolment Fulfil or fulfill Gray or grey Jewelry or jewellery Karat or carat Mold or mould Offense or offence Pajamas or pyjamas Program or programme Skeptical or sceptical Tire or tyre |
Other interesting articles
If you want to know more about job applications, research, or idioms, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
Job applications
Research
Frequently asked questions about modelling vs modeling
- Is it 3D modelling or modeling?
-
Modelling and modeling are two spellings of the same verb. The spelling depends on the type of English you use:
- 3D modelling is more common in British English.
- 3D modeling is more common in American English.
It’s important to choose one and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.
- Is it data modeling or modelling?
-
Modelling and modeling are two spellings of the same verb. The spelling depends on the type of English you use:
- Data modelling is more common in British English.
- Data modeling is more common in American English.
It’s important to choose one and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.
- Is it financial modeling or modelling?
-
Modelling and modeling are two spellings of the same verb. The spelling depends on the type of English you use:
- Financial modelling is more common in British English.
- Financial modeling is more common in American English.
It’s important to choose one and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.
