Instil Or Instill – British vs. American English

The widespread dissemination of the English language has led to the emergence of diverse regional variations, particularly evident in spelling and pronunciation. Ensuring a coherent and academically sound discourse necessitates a commitment to linguistic consistency. Among the most prominent variants are the British English vs. American English dialects. This article aims to show the distinction between “instil” and “instill” with respective examples.

“Instil” or “instill”

“Instil” and “instill” are both different spelling variations of the same transitive verb referring to the progressive integration and introduction of something, such as a belief, idea, or quality, into someone’s consciousness. Which spelling to use depends on the English variant of your choice.

In British English, “instil” is spelled with a single “L”, while in American English, it is common to use a doubled “L.” The occurrence of spelling variations in English dialects has historical reasons, such as the recent standardization of the English language. American English changed numerous words and modified their phonetics, while in British English, many old spelling and phonetics variations are kept. In academic writing, it is integral to stick to one version of English to keep academic integrity and credibility throughout.

Examples of using “instil” and “instill” as a verb

The following example sentences highlight the different spelling ways of the verb “instil/instill” in British and American English.

• British English: “Instil”
• American English: “Instill”

“Instil” or “instill” in the “-ing” form

The “-ing” form inflection of the verb “to instil/instill” implies the present participle or a gerund. Though the word has different spelling variations in its infinitive form, it has the same spelling when used in the present participle or gerund form “instilling.”

“Instil” or “instill” in the “-ed” form

The “-ed” form inflection of the verb “to instil/instill” implies the past tense or past participle of the verb. Both English variants use the same spelling for the “-ed” inflection “instilled.”

“Instil” or “instill” as a noun

“Instil” or “instill” can also act as a noun. In both English variants, it is spelled as “instillation” referring to the act or process of introduction of an idea, a belief, or quality into the consciousness of someone.