Cancelling vs. Canceling: What is the Difference?

In the English language, even a single letter can make a significant difference. Today, we delve into the subtle yet impactful disparities between “cancelling” and “canceling.” Join us as we unravel the mysteries of these seemingly similar words and discover the proper usage of each.

The Main Difference Between Cancelling and Canceling

Cancelling vs. Canceling: Key Takeaways

• British English:聽Uses ‘cancelling’ with double ‘l’.
• American English:聽Prefers ‘canceling’ with a single ‘l’.

Cancelling vs. Canceling: The Definition

Before we dive into the differences between cancelling and canceling, let’s first define what each word means.

What Does Cancelling Mean?

“Cancelling” is the present participle form of the verb “cancel.” It is used to indicate the ongoing or continuous action of canceling something. When we use “cancelling,” we are referring to the act of rendering something null and void, typically an event, a reservation, a subscription, or an arrangement. This action involves putting an end to a previously planned or scheduled activity.

• For example: 聽“I am cancelling my subscription to the magazine” indicates the ongoing action of discontinuing the subscription.

The term “cancelling” is widely used in both formal and informal contexts to convey the act of revoking or nullifying a prior decision or commitment.

What Does Canceling Mean?

‘Canceling‘ is the American English spelling of the same action, the process of terminating or annulling a scheduled event.

• For example: “The event organizers are canceling the concert due to the weather forecast.”

In American English, “canceling” is the preferred spelling for the present participle and gerund forms of the verb “cancel.” I

Tips to Remember the Difference

If you’re still having trouble remembering when to use cancelling or canceling, here are a few tips to help you:

• If you are from the United States, use “canceling” with one “L.”
• If you are from the United Kingdom or another country that uses British English, use “cancelling” with two “Ls.”
• Remember that both words have the same meaning, so you can use either one depending on your preference or location.

Cancelling vs. Canceling: Examples

In this section, we will provide you with examples of how to use “cancelling” and “canceling” correctly.

Example Sentences Using Cancelling

• She is cancelling her subscription to the magazine.
• They are cancelling the concert due to bad weather.
• The hotel is cancelling all reservations for the upcoming week.
• The airline is聽cancelling聽all flights due to the severe storm.
• We are聽cancelling聽our picnic because of the unexpected rain.
• The school is聽cancelling聽the field trip due to low enrollment.
• They are聽cancelling聽the meeting to accommodate everyone’s schedules.
• The company is聽cancelling聽the project to focus on more profitable ventures.

Example Sentences Using Canceling

• He is canceling his order for the new phone.
• They are canceling the meeting due to a lack of attendees.
• The restaurant is canceling all reservations for the night due to a power outage.
• The company is聽canceling聽the scheduled meeting due to unforeseen circumstances.
• They are聽canceling聽their subscription to the magazine because they no longer read it.
• We are聽canceling聽our vacation plans in light of the recent travel restrictions.
• The airline is聽canceling聽numerous flights because of the inclement weather.
• The school is聽canceling聽the after-school program for the upcoming week.

Related Confused Words

Traveling vs. Travelling

Like cancelling vs. canceling, traveling vs. travelling is another spelling difference between American and British English. In American English, the word is spelled with only one “l” (traveling), while in British English, it is spelled with two “l’s” (travelling).

Focusing vs. Focussing

Focusing vs. focussing is another example of a spelling difference between American and British English. In American English, the word is spelled with only one “s” (focusing), while in British English, it is spelled with two “s’s” (focussing).

Judgment vs. Judgement

Judgment vs. judgement is yet another example of a spelling difference between American and British English. In American English, the word is spelled with only one “e” (judgment), while in British English, it is spelled with two “e’s” (judgement).

Gray vs. Grey

Gray vs. grey is a spelling difference that is not specific to American and British English. Both spellings are correct, but gray is the preferred spelling in American English, while grey is the preferred spelling in British English.

In conclusion, spelling differences like cancelling vs. canceling are just one example of the many spelling differences between American and British English. By keeping these differences in mind, you can avoid common spelling mistakes and communicate more effectively with people from different regions.

Related:

• Can vs. Could
• Learnt vs. Learned