Mastering English spelling can be challenging for students. In academic writing, consistency is key to maintaining clarity and logic. Nonetheless, many students find it challenging to differentiate between British English vs. American English, especially when deciding on the correct spelling for words like “distill” or “distil.” For a more in-depth insight into these two English variants, please continue reading.
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“Distil” or “Distill”
The word “distil/distill” functions solely as a verb, and can refer to the purifying process of liquid, the extraction of the essence of something, or making something more concentrated or stronger by distillation.
The small spelling difference between the two variants, is that in British English, you write it with only one L. Whereas, in American English, you write it with two Ls at the end.
British English
distil
American English
distill
In British English and other English-speaking countries, the more common spelling is “distil.” In American English, the more common spelling is “distill.”
Examples of using “distil” and “distill” as a verb
The following examples will illustrate the difference in the spelling of the verb “distil/distill” in British and American English.
- British English: Distil
- American English: Distill
- The winemaker worked traditionally to distil the grape juice.
- It takes precision to distil the essence of an idea into a statement.
- The scientist used a process to distil the components of the liquid.
- The winemaker used traditional methods to distill the grape juice.
- It takes precision to distill the essence of an idea into a statement.
- The scientist used a process to distill the components of the liquid.
“Distil” or “Distill” in the “-ed” form
The past tense or past participle form of “distil/distill” is “distilled” in both English variants. Below, you’ll find an overview with examples.
- British English: Distilled
- American English: Distilled
- The bartender served whiskey, carefully distilled for years.
- She added distilled water to the mixture for purity.
- Whiskey is distilled from a fermented mash of grains.
- The bartender served whiskey, carefully distilled for years.
- She added distilled water to the mixture for purity.
- Whiskey is distilled from a fermented mash of grains.
“Distil” or “Distill” in the “-ing” form
The “-ing” form of the verb, which is also called gerund and present participle, “distil/distill” is “distilling” for both English variants.
- British English: Distilling
- American English: Distilling
- The master distiller oversees the process of distilling fine spirits.
- Distilling demands temperature control for separating vapors.
- The art of distilling involves carefully selecting and blending.
- The master distiller oversees the process of distilling fine spirits.
- Distilling demands temperature control for separating vapors.
- The art of distilling involves carefully selecting and blending.
Exceptions
There are several exceptions where the British and Americans share one spelling, as seen above. The noun distillation is one of them.
- The distillation process removes impurities.
- Distillation is used in making essential oils.
- The distillation of crude oil separates it.
FAQs
In American English, you use “distill” with two L. In other English-speaking countries, you use “distil.”
In the US, “distill” is written with two Ls.
“Distil into” typically means to separate or transform something into its essential or most important components through the process of distillation. It implies refining or concentrating a substance by removing impurities or extracting valuable elements.
In writing, “distil” typically means to condense or refine information, ideas, or language into its most essential or important elements. It involves simplifying complex concepts or details to make them clearer and more accessible to the reader.
