spelled and spelt
If you're following US writing conventions, use spelled.
If you're following UK writing conventions, use spelt.
(If you're referring to the wheat, use spelt.)
If you're following UK writing conventions, use spelt.
(If you're referring to the wheat, use spelt.)
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, especially in the US.
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 Prefer Spelt
Outside America, spelt is more common, but spelled is generally accepted. (This is almost certainly a result of American influence spreading.)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 |
| hang | hung also hanged | hung also hanged |
| smell | smelled OR smelt | smelled OR smelt |
| spell | spelled OR spelt | spelled OR spelt |
As with spelt, the second form (e.g., learnt, dreamt) is more common in British English.
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