Totalling or Totaling: Which Spelling Should you use?

In its various dialects, the English language often brings about confusion, especially regarding spelling variations. One such confusion arises with the words “totalling” and “totaling”. Both forms are used in different parts of the world, but understanding these variations empowers you to use the correct spelling. In this article, we’ll explore the regional variations in spelling, the influence of British and American English, and how to decide which spelling to use depending on the context. We’ll also delve into examples, linguistic norms, and how to avoid the confusion caused by these spelling differences.

Understanding Totalling and Totaling

To get to the heart of this issue, we first need to understand the nature of the words themselves. Both “totalling” and “totaling” are present participles derived from the verb “to the total.” They represent a continuous action of summing up or calculating the total of something.

What Does “Total” Mean?

In everyday use, “total” means to sum up or add up figures, resulting in the final figure. It’s commonly used in UK and US English when discussing mathematics, accounting, or adding numbers. The confusion arises when we use the word in its present participle form.

The Difference Between Totalling and Totaling

The distinction between “totalling” and “totaling” is a spelling difference based on which form of English you use.

British English: Totalling

In British English, verbs that end in a vowel followed by a single consonant usually double the consonant before adding “-ing” or “-ed” to form the past or present participle. This is why the British spelling of this word is “totalling”.

For example:

• “He spent the afternoon totalling the sales figures from the previous month.”
• “The number of people totalling their expenses increased during tax season.”

American English: Totaling

In US English, the rule is slightly different. For verbs with a single consonant following a vowel, do not double the consonant before adding “-ing.” Therefore, the American spelling is “totaling”.

For example:

• “She spent hours totaling the receipts from the event.”
• “The students were totaling the votes for class president.”

Why the Spelling Difference?

This is where regional variations and dialect norms come into play. British and American spellings often differ due to the historical development of the English language in these regions. When English spread from Britain to the Americas, new spelling forms emerged based on regional linguistic preferences. Let’s dive into the reasons behind this spelling difference.

Historical Context

English-speaking regions like the UK, the US, Canada, and Australia have developed linguistic differences, particularly in spelling and grammar. The American tendency to simplify spelling, such as omitting doubled consonants or changing “-re” to “-er” (as in “centre” vs “center”), has resulted in distinct spelling conventions.

In British spelling, there’s a tendency to maintain the original linguistic structure of words. This reflects orthographic conventions that date back to Old English, favouring preserving the original form of words. In contrast, US grammar tends to simplify where possible, so the consonant in “totaling” isn’t doubled.

Spelling and Style Guides: Which One Should You Use?

Depending on your location or the audience you’re writing for, you may need to adhere to specific style guides or editorial guidelines to ensure you’re using the correct spelling. Publications often rely on style manuals such as:

• The Chicago Manual of Style (US)
• The Associated Press Stylebook (US)
• The Oxford Style Manual (UK)
• The Guardian and Observer Style Guide (UK)

Each style guide may favour a different spelling based on regional spelling norms and grammar standards. For instance, US grammar standards almost always recommend “totaling”, while UK grammar guidelines suggest “totalling”.

When to Use Totalling

If you’re writing for a British or European audience or following a UK-based writing standard, you should use the British spelling of “totalling”.

• Example: “The accountant was totalling all the invoices for the month.”

When to Use Totaling

When writing for an American audience or adhering to US-based publication standards, “totaling” is the accurate spelling.

• Example: “The machine kept totaling the daily sales figures.”

Scenario Examples of Totalling and Totaling in Context

To clarify when to use “totalling” and “totaling”, here are some practical examples.

Business Context

• British spelling: “After a long meeting, the finance team was totalling the budget proposals for next quarter.”
• American spelling: “She spent the entire afternoon totaling the company’s revenue for the fiscal year.”

Educational Context

• British spelling: “The students are totalling their test scores to see who achieved the highest marks.”
• American spelling: “We were totaling all the grades to calculate the class average.”

Everyday Use

• British spelling: “I was exhausted after totalling up all the receipts from the weekend.”
• American spelling: “He kept totaling the costs to ensure we stayed within the budget.”

The Influence of Regional Linguistic Norms

Why do these linguistic differences persist, even though English is widely spoken? The answer lies in the dialect norms of different regions. Each version of English, whether it’s UK English or US English, has developed language conventions that reflect that region’s cultural and historical context. Understanding these influences not only enlightens you but also makes you culturally aware.

For example, in British English, many words follow older, more traditional spellings because of the influence of historical events like the Norman Conquest, which brought a variety of linguistic rules to the language. On the other hand, US English has embraced more simplified spellings due to early spelling reform movements aimed at making English more accessible to learn and use.

Adding Numbers: Totalling vs. Totaling

 “totalling” and “totaling” refers to the ongoing process of summing up, calculating, or aggregating numbers. You’ll encounter these words whether you’re an accountant, a student, or just someone adding up a bill. Understanding the spelling rules in these contexts is not just important. It’s a sign of your competence and skill in the English language.

For example:

• British spelling: “After carefully reviewing the documents, she was finally done totalling the expenses for the event.”
• American spelling: “We finished totaling the donations by the end of the day.”

Persistent Procedure or Continuous Action?

 “totalling” and “totaling” imply an ongoing process or perpetual action, depending on the sentence structure. The difference in spelling does not change the meaning, but it may alter the reader’s perception of the sentence based on their linguistic standards.

For example:

• In a continuous process: “They kept totalling the results, making sure nothing was left out.”
• In an ongoing action: “As the day progressed, the team was busy totaling the votes from all precincts.”

Conclusion

In the debate of “totalling” versus “totaling”, the correct form depends on the region and audience you’re writing for. In British English, the proper spelling is “totalling”, while in American English, it’s “totaling”. Both forms are correct in their respective English dialects, and both adhere to the language conventions of their regions.

When deciding which form to use, consider the writing standards or editorial guidelines you’re following and your target audience. If in doubt, consult a style guide to clarify the correct spelling based on regional conventions.

By understanding these linguistic differences, you can avoid misunderstandings caused by incorrect usage and ensure that your writing remains clear, professional, and accurate across all contexts.