Totalling or Totaling: Which Spelling to Use?

Imagine you’re drafting an important email to a client, summarizing the costs of a project. You type out the sentence: “The total cost is currently __.” But then you pause. Should it be “totalling” or “totaling”? Does it even matter? As it turns out, this small decision can say a lot about your attention to detail and your familiarity with the nuances of English spelling. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a language enthusiast, understanding the difference between “totalling” and “totaling” is a subtle yet significant step toward mastering written communication.

In this article, we’ll explore the correct usage of these two spellings, why the confusion arises, and how to avoid common mistakes. We’ll also dive into the historical and regional factors that influence their usage, provide practical examples, and offer tips to ensure your writing is always polished and precise.

Quick Summary

Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick overview of what you need to know:

• Totalling is the preferred spelling in British English and other varieties of English influenced by British conventions (e.g., Australian, Canadian, and Indian English).
• Totaling is the preferred spelling in American English.
• Both spellings are correct, but their usage depends on the variant of English you’re writing in.
• The word means “adding up to a total” or “amounting to” and can be used as a verb or a gerund.

Key Takeaways:

• Use totalling if you’re writing for a British or international audience.
• Use totaling if you’re writing for an American audience.
• Consistency is key—stick to one spelling variant throughout your document.

Why the Confusion?

The confusion between “totalling” and “totaling” stems from the broader differences between British and American English. These two major variants of English have distinct spelling conventions, and words that end in a consonant followed by an “-l” often fall into this gray area.

In British English, when a verb ends in a single “l” and is preceded by a single vowel, the “l” is typically doubled before adding suffixes like “-ing” or “-ed.” This rule applies to words like “travel” (travelling), “cancel” (cancelling), and, of course, “total” (totalling). American English, on the other hand, simplifies this by not doubling the “l” in most cases, leading to spellings like “traveling,” “canceling,” and “totaling.”

This difference isn’t arbitrary—it reflects the historical evolution of English spelling. British English has retained many of the spellings from earlier forms of the language, while American English has undergone spelling reforms aimed at simplification. Understanding this context can help you appreciate why these variations exist and how to navigate them.

Detailed Explanation & Correct Usage

British English: Totalling

In British English, the spelling “totalling” follows the rule of doubling the final consonant when adding a suffix. This rule applies when:

1. The word ends in a single consonant (in this case, “l”).
2. The consonant is preceded by a single vowel (the “o” in “total”).
3. The stress is on the final syllable (though this is less relevant for “total,” as the stress remains the same).

Examples:

• “The expenses are totalling £1,000.”
• “She is totalling the scores from the competition.”

American English: Totaling

In American English, the spelling “totaling” reflects the simplified approach to spelling. The final “l” is not doubled, even when the above conditions are met. This is part of a broader trend in American English to streamline spelling and make it more phonetic.

Examples:

• “The costs are totaling $1,000.”
• “He is totaling the votes from the election.”

Regional Variations

While British and American English are the most widely recognized variants, other English-speaking regions may follow one convention or the other. For example:

• Canadian English: Often follows British spelling rules, so “totalling” is more common.
• Australian English: Typically uses British spelling, favoring “totalling.”
• Indian English: Generally follows British conventions, though American influence is growing.

When in doubt, consider your audience. If you’re writing for a global audience, consistency within your document is more important than adhering strictly to one variant.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

1. Mixing Variants in the Same Document

• Mistake: “The expenses are totalling £1,000, and the costs are totaling $1,000.”
• Correction: Choose one variant and stick to it. For example: “The expenses are totalling £1,000, and the costs are totalling $1,000.”

1. Overgeneralizing the Rule

• Mistake: Doubling the “l” in all cases (e.g., “totalling” in American English).
• Correction: Remember that American English typically does not double the “l.”

1. Ignoring Audience Preferences

• Mistake: Using “totaling” in a document for a British audience.
• Correction: Tailor your spelling to your audience. Use “totalling” for British readers and “totaling” for American readers.

Synonyms or Alternatives

If you want to avoid the “totalling vs. totaling” dilemma altogether, consider using synonyms or alternative phrases. Here are a few options:

• Adding up: “The costs are adding up to $1,000.”
• Amounting to: “The expenses are amounting to £1,000.”
• Summing to: “The figures are summing to the expected total.”

These alternatives can be particularly useful in informal contexts or when you want to vary your language.

Examples in Sentences

To further clarify the correct usage, here are some examples in both formal and informal contexts:

Formal Contexts

• British English: “The accountant is totalling the quarterly expenses.”
• American English: “The accountant is totaling the quarterly expenses.”

Informal Contexts

• British English: “I’m totalling the scores from last night’s game.”
• American English: “I’m totaling the scores from last night’s game.”

Mixed Contexts (Global Audience)

• “The data is currently being processed, and the results are totalling/to the expected figures.” (Choose one variant and maintain consistency.)

Origins & History

The word “total” comes from the Latin word “totalis,” meaning “whole” or “entire.” It entered the English language in the late Middle Ages and has been used as both a noun and a verb ever since. The spelling variations we see today are a result of the divergence between British and American English, which began in the 18th and 19th centuries.

American English underwent significant spelling reforms, led by figures like Noah Webster, who sought to create a distinct American identity through language. Webster’s dictionary, first published in 1828, introduced many of the simplified spellings we associate with American English today, including “totaling.”

British English, on the other hand, retained many of its traditional spellings, reflecting its historical roots. This divergence explains why “totalling” and “totaling” coexist in modern English.

Final Thoughts

The choice between “totalling” and “totaling” may seem minor, but it’s a perfect example of how language evolves and adapts to different contexts. By understanding the rules and conventions behind these spellings, you can ensure your writing is clear, consistent, and appropriate for your audience.

Here are the key takeaways to remember:

• Use totalling in British English and totaling in American English.
• Be consistent with your chosen variant throughout your document.
• When in doubt, consider your audience and the context of your writing.

Whether you’re writing an email, a report, or a social media post, paying attention to these details can elevate your communication and demonstrate your mastery of the English language. So the next time you’re faced with the “totalling vs. totaling” dilemma, you’ll know exactly what to do. Happy writing!