Modelling Or Modeling – British vs. American English

01.01.24 British English vs. American English Time to read: 6min

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Maintaining consistency in academic writing is paramount to ensuring that your work is coherent and easy to understand. However, many students struggle with identifying the differences between British English vs. American English, which can lead to confusion when deciding on the appropriate spelling of certain words, such as “modelling” or “modeling.” If you are looking to enhance your comprehension of these two styles of English, please read on.

“Modelling” or “modeling”

“Modelling/modeling” can be a verb or a noun and has numerous meanings depending on the context in which it is used.

The meaning of “modelling/modeling” as a verb varies based on the specific field or context in which it is used, and is the present participle form of “to model.” The word is used to create a representation or simulation of something, often using a physical or virtual model. This can be common in fields such as architecture, engineering, or science. Additionally, in the context of fashion or art, it refers to posing for artists, photographers, or designers to serve as a subject for artistic work. The verb also means to serve as a standard for emulation or comparison. Lastly, in behavioral or educational contexts, it can mean demonstrating or exemplifying a particular behavior or skill for others to learn from.

In English, many verbs can be turned into nouns by adding “-ing” at the end. This form is known as a gerund. Gerunds function as nouns even though they originate from verbs. They can act as the subject, the object, or the complement in a sentence, just like regular nouns. “Modelling/modeling” as a noun refers to creating a representation or simulation of something, typically to analyze, simulate, or demonstrate a process or system. It can also mean the profession of posing for artists or photographers. The term varies in meaning depending on context. For example, in science, engineering, or computer programming, “modelling/modeling” involves creating simulations to understand, analyze, or predict system behavior.

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British English

modelling

Modelling-or-modeling-US flag

American English

modeling

As you can see above, “modelling” is the standard and more common spelling in the UK, while “modeling” with one “l” is the common spelling in the US.

The use of “modelling” with two “l” in British English follows traditional English spelling conventions. The double “l” reflects the way certain words are inflected in British English, particularly when adding suffixes like “-ing” to the base form of a word.

Note: In British English, when a verb ends in a vowel followed by a consonant, and the stress is on the last syllable, the final consonant is usually doubled before adding “-ing.” This doubling indicates that the preceding vowel is short, and the stress is on the last syllable.

Examples of using “modelling” and “modeling” as a verb

The following examples will illustrate the difference in the spelling of the verb “modelling/modeling” in British and American English.

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  • She is currently modelling for a renowned fashion brand in Paris.
  • The scientist is modelling the behavior of particles.
  • As an architect, he spends his time modelling designs for buildings.
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  • She is currently modeling for a renowned fashion brand in Paris.
  • The scientist is modeling the behavior of particles.
  • As an architect, he spends his time modeling designs for buildings.

Examples of using “modelling” and “modeling” as a noun

The following examples will illustrate the difference in the spelling of the gerund and noun “modelling/modeling” in British and American English.

  • Her dream was to pursue a career in modelling and work for Chanel.
  • Modelling of the solar system aids in astronomical studies.
  • The art school offers courses in figure modelling for aspiring artists.
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  • Her dream was to pursue a career in modeling and work for Chanel.
  • Modeling of the solar system aids in astronomical studies.
  • The art school offers courses in figure modeling for aspiring artists.
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“Modelling” or “modeling” in the “-ed” form

The past tense or past participle form of “modelling/modeling” is “modelled” and “modeled” in the respective English variant.

  • British English: modelled
  • American English: modeled
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  • The architect modelled the new city skyline using 3D software.
  • The team successfully modelled the effects of climate change.
  • She modelled the latest collection for a well-known designer.
Modelling-or-modeling-ed-form-US-flag
  • The architect modeled the new city skyline using 3D software.
  • The team successfully modeled the effects of climate change.
  • She modeled the latest collection for a well-known designer.

“Modelling” or “modeling” in the simple present

The simple present form of the verb “modelling/modeling” remains the same in both British English and American English.

  • British English: model
  • American English: model
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Examples

  • She models for a fashion magazine.
  • The artist likes to model sculptures.
  • The program is designed to model equations.
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“Modeller” or “modeler”

“Modeller/modeler” is a term that typically refers to a person who engages in the activity of creating models. The term can be used in various contexts. In the context of the fashion industry, a “modeller/modeler” could refer to a fashion model. A “modeller/modeler” in art and sculpture might be someone skilled in creating models or three-dimensional representations. Furthermore, in a scientific or engineering context, the term could be someone who creates mathematical or computer models for simulation and analysis.

The spelling of “modeller/modeler” depends on the preferred spelling conventions of English:

  • British English: modeller
  • American English: modeler
  • The software engineer is a skilled 3D modeller.
  • As a hobby, she became a proficient modeller.
  • The fashion show coordinator hired a professional modeller.
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  • The software engineer is a skilled 3D modeler.
  • As a hobby, she became a proficient modeler.
  • The fashion show coordinator hired a professional modeler.
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“Model” as a noun

There is also another noun form of “modelling/modeling,” which is more common knowledge. It’s the noun “model.” A “model” can refer to a representation or example used to emulate or imitate something, often serving as a standard or template. It also refers to a person in the fashion industry who displays and promotes clothing by walking the runway or participating in photoshoots. Furthermore, the term can be used more broadly to refer to an exemplary person or thing that is considered a standard or ideal. Lastly, a “model” in mathematics and science can be a mathematical representation or simulation used to analyze and understand complex systems.

The spelling of “model” does not differ, regardless of what English variant is being used.

  • British English: model
  • American English: model
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  • The architect created a model.
  • She aspires to be a fashion model.
  • The scientist used a new computer model.
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FAQs

Yes, both “modelling” (British English) and “modeling” (American English) are correct spellings. The choice between them depends on the preferred spelling conventions of the English variant you are using.

In the United Kingdom, the preferred spelling is “modelling.”

In Canada, the preferred spelling is often consistent with British English, so “modelling” is commonly used. However, due to influences from American English, you might encounter both spellings. The use of “modeling” is also acceptable in Canadian English.

Here are examples using both spellings:

Examples of “modelling” (British English)

  • She is passionate about modelling for art classes.
  • The company specializes in the modelling of sustainable urban development.

Examples of “modeling” (American English)

  • She dreams of modeling for top fashion brands.
  • The software allows for detailed 3D modeling of complex structures.
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