Maintaining consistency is essential when writing an academic paper like a research paper, dissertation, or academic essay. It involves ensuring coherence and clarity in vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and punctuation throughout the paper. However, some students find it challenging to distinguish between British English vs. American English, such as determining whether to use “labelled” or “labeled”. If you want to learn more about distinguishing between these two styles of English, keep reading.
“Labelled” or “labeled”
“Labelled” and “labeled” are the past tense form of the verb “to label”, which means to attach a descriptive tag or marker to something, often for identification or clarification.
British English
labelled
American English
labeled
As you can see above, both spellings are correct in their respective regions, and you should use the appropriate spelling based on the English variant you are using. Do not mix these around as this can greatly affect the quality of your paper. Maintaining consistency is crucial when it comes to academic writing.
Examples of using “labelled” and “labeled””
The following examples will illustrate the difference in spelling of the word “labelled/labeled” in British and American English.
- The scientist carefully labelled each test tube to avoid confusion.
- The artist labelled her sketches with the date they were created.
- The boxes were neatly labelled with their contents.
- The scientist carefully labeled each test tube to avoid confusion.
- The artist labeled her sketches with the date they were created.
- The boxes were neatly labeled with their contents.
“Labelled” or “labeled” in the “-ing” form
When using the verb “labelled/labeled” in its “-ing” form, the proper spelling of the word is “labelling” for British English and “labeling” for American English, as illustrated below.
- British English: “Labelling”
- American English: “Labeling”
The following examples will illustrate the use of the word “labelling/labeling.”
- The teacher was labelling the different parts of the microscope.
- The company is diligent about labelling its products.
- The conservationists were labelling the various species of plants.
- The teacher was labeling the different parts of the microscope.
- The company is diligent about labeling its products.
- The conservationists were labeling the various species of plants.
“Labelled” or “labeled” as a noun
The noun form of “labelled” or “labeled” is spelled the same way in both British and American English regardless of whether the past tense forms are spelled “labelled” or “labeled”. The noun “label” refers to a tag or marker attached to something to provide information or identification.
- British English: “Label”
- American English: “Label”
The following examples will illustrate the use of the word “label.”
Examples
- Check the label before purchasing it.
- The label shows the ingredients of the cereal.
- Her name is on the label on her t-shirt.
FAQs
In the UK, the correct spelling is “labelled”. This is the standard spelling in British English for the past tense and past participle form of the verb “to label”.
Both “labelled” and “labeled” are correct spellings, but their usage depends on the English variant you are using.
- “Labelled” is the standard spelling in British English.
- “Labeled” is the standard spelling in American English.
In Canada, both “labelled” and “labeled” are used, but the preferred spelling tends to align with British English. This means that “labelled” is more commonly used in Canada, like how it is used in British English. However, due to the influence of American media and communication, you might also encounter the spelling “labelled” in some contexts.
The correct spelling depends on the English variant you are using:
- In British English, the correct spelling is “labelled”.
- In American English, the correct spelling is “labeled”.
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