Traveling vs. Travelling – Which is Correct?
The choice between traveling and travelling depends on your regional dialect. Traveling, with a single ‘l’, is the standard and preferred spelling in American English. Conversely, travelling, with a double ‘l’, is the widely accepted spelling in British English and other Commonwealth nations. Both forms are grammatically correct but adhere to different national spelling conventions.
Travelling or Traveling – Which is Correct?
The primary difference between “travelling” and “traveling” lies in their geographic usage: “traveling” is the American English spelling, while “travelling” is the British English spelling. This distinction applies to the present participle and gerund form of the verb “to travel.” In American English, the ‘l’ is not doubled when adding a vowel suffix if the stress is not on the final syllable of the root word. Since the stress in “travel” is on the first syllable, the ‘l’ is not doubled. In British English, however, the ‘l’ is typically doubled regardless of stress, a rule that applies to many verbs ending in ‘l’ (e.g., “cancel” becomes “cancelling”). To remember the American usage, think “single ‘l’ for a single country” (USA).
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traveling | Verb (present participle), Adjective, Noun (gerund) | The act of going from one place to another; moving or journeying. | She enjoys traveling to new countries. |
| Travelling | Verb (present participle), Adjective, Noun (gerund) | The act of going from one place to another; moving or journeying. (British English spelling) | He’s been travelling around Europe for months. |
How to Use Traveling
“Traveling” is the accepted American English spelling for the present participle and gerund form of the verb “to travel.” It describes the action of moving from one place to another, whether for pleasure, business, or necessity. It can function as part of a verb phrase, an adjective, or a noun. Its usage is straightforward and suitable for all contexts, from casual conversation to formal academic writing, within American English speaking regions. Using “traveling” ensures consistency with other American English spellings like “canceled” and “focused.”
Example 1: The family is traveling across the country this summer.
Example 2: My dream is to have a job that involves a lot of traveling.
Example 3: The traveling salesman visited our town every month.
What are the different forms of Traveling?
“Traveling” is a form of the verb “to travel.” Here are its primary forms:
- Infinitive: to travel
- Base form: travel
- Past tense: traveled
- Past participle: traveled
- Present participle/Gerund: traveling
- Third-person singular present: travels
As an adjective, it can describe something that moves or is associated with travel, e.g., “a traveling circus.” As a gerund, it acts as a noun, e.g., “Traveling is good for the soul.”
Etymology of the word Traveling
The word “travel” comes from the Old French word travail, meaning “work, toil, suffering, painful effort.” This, in turn, derived from the Latin tripalium, a three-staked instrument of torture. The sense of “journey” evolved from the idea of difficult or arduous journeys, often associated with labor or hardship. By the 14th century, it began to take on the meaning of “to journey,” losing its earlier connotations of pain and difficulty over time to become the more general term we use today.
Related Concepts
The distinction between “traveling” and “travelling” highlights the fascinating differences in spelling conventions between American English and British English. These variations are a result of historical linguistic evolution and standardization efforts in different regions. American English, influenced by Noah Webster’s efforts to simplify spellings in the early 19th century, often features more phonetic spellings and fewer doubled consonants (e.g., “color” vs. “colour,” “center” vs. “centre”). British English tends to retain older, more traditional spellings. Understanding these regional spelling conventions is crucial for effective communication, especially in international contexts or when addressing specific audiences.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “I’m not a fan of traveling, but I love arriving.” – Attributed to various authors
- “The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy – it’s all that matters.” – This quote, often associated with Audrey Hepburn, reflects a philosophy of happiness over constant traveling.
- “It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, traveling out your door.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, though this specific quote is often paraphrased, it captures the spirit of the journey.
- “We were traveling through the desert when the car broke down.” – A common phrase found in adventure novels.
- “The art of traveling is to be there and not to be seen, to feel the pulse of the place without disturbing it.” – Often a theme in travel writing and documentaries.
Traveling Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Journeying | The action of traveling, especially over a long distance. |
| Voyaging | The action of traveling, especially by sea or through space. |
| Touring | Visiting a series of places, especially for pleasure or to perform. |
| Commuting | Traveling some distance between one’s home and place of work on a regular basis. |
| Wandering | Traveling aimlessly from place to place. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “travelled” or “traveled” correct?
Similar to “traveling,” “traveled” (single ‘l’) is the correct past tense and past participle spelling in American English, while “travelled” (double ‘l’) is correct in British English.
Question 2: Does this spelling rule apply to other words ending in ‘l’?
Yes, the American English rule of not doubling the ‘l’ if the stress is not on the final syllable applies to many other words, such as “canceled” (American) vs. “cancelled” (British), “fueled” (American) vs. “fuelled” (British), and “modeled” (American) vs. “modelled” (British).
Question 3: Which spelling should I use for international communication?
For international communication, it’s best to consider your audience. If you’re writing for a predominantly American audience or publication, use “traveling.” If your audience is primarily British or from Commonwealth countries, use “travelling.” For a truly global audience, consistency within your document is key, but often American English spellings are widely understood.
Conclusion
In summary, both “traveling” and “travelling” are correct spellings, with their usage determined by regional English dialects. “Traveling” (single ‘l’) is the standard in American English, while “travelling” (double ‘l’) is preferred in British English. When writing, choose the spelling that aligns with your target audience or the style guide you are following. Maintaining consistency throughout your text is paramount, regardless of the chosen variant.
Pro Tip: Always be mindful of your audience when choosing between American and British English spellings. Using the incorrect regional variant can subtly undermine your professional credibility, especially in formal writing or publishing. A quick check can save you from an easily avoidable error.
