In the ever-evolving world of language, few things spark as much debate as spelling variations. One such battleground is the word “total” and its present participle form. Should it be totaling or totalling? This comprehensive guide will dive deep into the linguistic norms regarding “Totaling Vs Totalling”, regional differences, and practical applications of these spellings. Whether you’re an accountant crunching numbers, a student tallying study hours, or simply a word enthusiast, this article will help you navigate the nuances of this tricky term.
The Root of It All: Understanding “Total”
Before we dive into the spelling debate, let’s break down the word “total” itself.
Total as a Verb, Noun, and Adjective
“Total” is a versatile word that can function as multiple parts of speech:
- Verb: To add up or calculate the sum of something
- Noun: The sum or aggregate amount
- Adjective: Complete or absolute
As a Noun“Totalling” or “totaling” refers to the sum or final amount obtained by adding numbers together. |
As an Adjective“Totalling” or “totaling” describes something that pertains to or involves the process of adding numbers to find a total. |
Etymology and Usage
The word “total” comes from the Medieval Latin “totalis,” meaning “entire” or “complete.” It entered the English language in the 16th century and has been a staple in our vocabulary ever since.
Examples of usage:
- Verb: “Let’s total the expenses for this quarter.”
- Noun: “The total of our sales exceeded expectations.”
- Adjective: “The project was a total success.”
Totaling vs. Totalling: The Great Spelling Showdown
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: why do we have two spellings for the present participle of “total”?
American English: Totaling
In American English, the preferred spelling is “totaling.” This aligns with the general American tendency to simplify spellings. The reasoning behind this is to make the language more phonetic and easier to learn.
British English: Totalling
British English, on the other hand, favours “totalling” with two L’s. This follows the British rule of doubling the final consonant when adding suffixes to words ending in a single vowel followed by a single consonant. The idea is to maintain the short vowel sound in the original word.
The Historical Divergence
The spelling difference between American and British English isn’t a recent phenomenon. It traces back to the early 19th century when Noah Webster, the American lexicographer, embarked on a mission to distinguish American English and simplify spellings.
Noah Webster’s Influence
Webster believed that American English should have its own identity, separate from British English. His efforts led to many spelling changes, including the simplification of words like “totaling.” Webster’s 1828 “An American Dictionary of the English Language” was instrumental in codifying these changes.
Gradual Shift in Preferences
Over time, these spelling differences became ingrained in their respective regions. However, with globalisation and the rise of digital communication, the lines are increasingly blurring. Many American publications now accept British spellings, and vice versa, especially in quotes or when referring to British entities.
Global Usage Patterns
While the American-British divide is clear, what about the rest of the world?
Commonwealth Countries
Most Commonwealth countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, tend to follow British spelling conventions. However, American influence is growing, especially in business and technology sectors.
- Canada: Often uses a mix of British and American spellings
- Australia and New Zealand: Predominantly use British spellings
- India: Typically follows British conventions but with increasing American influence
International Business English
In the realm of international business, American English spellings are often preferred due to the global influence of American corporations and the tech industry. This trend is particularly noticeable in:
- Software and technology documentation
- International business reports
- Global marketing materials
The Grammar Geek’s Corner: Rules and Exceptions
To understand the “totaling/totalling” debate better, let’s look at the underlying grammatical rules.
British Rule for Doubling Consonants
In British English, when a word ends with a single vowel followed by a single consonant, the final consonant is doubled before adding suffixes beginning with a vowel. This rule applies when:
- The word has one syllable (e.g., fat → fattest)
- The word has more than one syllable, and the stress is on the final syllable (e.g., begin → beginning)
Examples:
- travel → travelling
- cancel → cancelling
- total → totalling
American Simplification
American English typically doesn’t double the final consonant unless the stress falls on the last syllable of the root word. This simplification was part of Webster’s reforms to make American English more distinct and easier to learn.
Examples:
- travel → traveling
- cancel → canceling
- total → totaling
But:
- admit → admitting (stress on last syllable)
- occur → occurring (stress on last syllable)
Exceptions to the Rule
Like all good language rules, there are exceptions. Words ending in ‘l’ often double the ‘l’ in both American and British English when the stress is on the final syllable:
- compel → compelling
- repel → repelling
- excel → excelling
This inconsistency can add to the confusion surrounding words like “total.”
Real-world Examples: Totaling in Action
Let’s look at how these spellings are used in various contexts:
British Usage
“The company is totalling up its quarterly earnings, and the accountants are working overtime to ensure accuracy.” – The Guardian (UK newspaper)
“After totalling the repairs needed, the mechanic gave us a hefty estimate.” – BBC News
American Usage
“After totaling the expenses for the wedding, the couple decided to simplify their plans and opt for a more budget-friendly celebration.” – The New York Times
“Researchers are totaling the study hours required for mastering a new language.” – Scientific American
Mixed Usage in International Publications
“Global corporations are totaling their profits from various regions, while local branches are totalling up individual market performances.” – International Business Review
“The United Nations report is totalling the evidence of climate change impacts worldwide.” – UN Climate Change Report
Beyond Totaling: Synonyms and Alternatives
Sometimes, to avoid confusion or for stylistic variety, you might want to use alternatives to “totaling” or “totalling.” Here are some options:
- Summing up
- Tallying
- Counting
- Tabulating
- Aggregating
- Computing
Each of these words has its own nuances, so choose wisely based on your context. For example:
- “Summing up” might be more appropriate for a conclusion or final analysis
- “Tallying” often implies counting individual items or votes
- “Tabulating” suggests organising data into a table or chart
Mastering the Art: Tips for Correct Usage
Here are some practical tips to help you navigate the “totaling/totalling” dilemma:
- Know your audience: Use “totaling” for primarily American audiences and “totalling” for British or Commonwealth readers.
- Check style guides: If writing for a specific publication or organisation, consult their style guide.
- Be consistent: Whatever spelling you choose, stick with it throughout your document.
- Context matters: In financial or technical documents, clarity is key. If in doubt, spell out the full phrase (e.g., “adding up the total”).
- Consider the formality: In more formal writing, using the full form “calculating the total” might be more appropriate.
- Use software wisely: Be aware that spell-check software may default to one spelling based on your region settings.
Case Study: The Impact of Spelling on SEO
A digital marketing agency conducted a study on the impact of spelling variations on search engine optimisation (SEO). They created two identical web pages about financial advice, one using “totaling” and the other “totalling.”
Results:
- The “totaling” page ranked higher in US-based searches
- The “totalling” page performed better in UK and Australian searches
- Overall, the “totaling” page had a slightly wider reach due to the dominance of US-based internet users
This case study highlights the importance of considering your target audience and region when choosing between spelling variations. It also underscores the potential SEO implications of spelling choices in digital content.
The Future of Spelling: Trends and Predictions
As language continues to evolve, what can we expect for the future of “totaling/totalling”?
Digital Influence
With the rise of social media and instant messaging, there’s a trend towards more simplified spellings. This could potentially favour the American “totaling” in the long run. The character limits on platforms like Twitter have also encouraged brevity, which might influence spelling choices.
Globalisation Effect
As English continues to be the lingua franca of international business, we might see a convergence of spelling norms. However, it’s equally likely that regional variations will persist as a form of cultural identity. Some linguists predict a “mid-Atlantic” English might emerge, blending American and British conventions.
Artificial Intelligence and Auto correct
As AI becomes more sophisticated, auto correct and predictive text features might adapt to regional preferences, potentially reinforcing existing spelling differences. However, AI might also lead to more personalised language experiences, where users can set their preferred spelling conventions.
Educational Trends
The way English is taught as a second language globally could influence future spelling trends. Currently, both American and British English are taught worldwide, but shifts in educational policies or global influence could tip the scales.
The Role of Style Guides and Dictionaries
Style guides and dictionaries play a crucial role in codifying and perpetuating spelling conventions. Let’s look at how some major references handle the “totaling/totalling” question:
Oxford English Dictionary (OED)
The OED, considered the premier dictionary of the English language, lists both spellings but notes “totalling” as the primary British variant.
Merriam-Webster
This American dictionary lists “totaling” as the main entry, reflecting its preference in American English.
The Chicago Manual of Style
Widely used in American publishing, in case of totaling vs totalling it recommends “totaling” for consistency with other American spellings.
The Economist Style Guide
This British publication actually prefers the single-L “totaling,” showing that even within British English, there’s some variation.
Industry-Specific Considerations
Different industries may have their own preferences or standards when it comes to spelling:
Finance and Accounting
In financial reports and accounting documents, consistency and clarity are paramount. Many international firms opt for American spellings due to the global influence of American financial markets.
Academia
Academic writing often follows the conventions of the country where the research is being conducted or published. However, many international journals accept both spellings.
Technology and Software
The tech industry, largely dominated by American companies, tends to favour American spellings in user interfaces, documentation, and marketing materials.
Cultural Implications of Spelling Choices
Spelling can be more than just a matter of correctness; it can also be a marker of cultural identity. Some writers and publications deliberately choose one spelling over another to align themselves with a particular cultural or national identity.
For example, a Canadian author might choose to use “totalling” in totaling vs totalling to emphasise their non-American identity, even though Canadian English often blends American and British conventions.
Wrapping Up: The Bottom Line on Totaling/Totalling
In the grand scheme of Totaling Vs Totalling, whether you choose “totaling” or “totalling” isn’t going to make or break your writing. The key is to:
- Understand your audience
- Be consistent in your usage
- Prioritise clarity and effective communication
Remember, language is a tool for conveying meaning. As long as your message is clear, you’re on the right track. Whether you’re an accountant totaling quarterly earnings, a wedding planner tallying expenses, or a student computing study hours, the most important thing is that your calculations are accurate, not whether you’ve doubled your L’s.
Quick Reference Table: Totaling vs. Totalling
| Aspect | Totaling | Totalling |
|---|---|---|
| Region | American English | British English |
| Rule | Simplify spellings | Double final ‘l’ before vowel suffixes |
| Common in | US, international business | UK, Commonwealth countries |
| Example | “The accountant is totaling the quarterly earnings.” | “The wedding planner is totalling the expenses.” |
| SEO Impact | Higher ranking in US searches | Better performance in UK/AU searches |
| Industry Preference | Common in tech, global finance | Prevalent in British publications, some academia |
Final Thoughts
The “totaling” vs. “totalling” debate is just one example of the rich tapestry of English language variations. While it might seem like a minor detail, these spelling differences reflect broader linguistic and cultural trends.
As a writer, editor, or simply someone who cares about language, being aware of these nuances can help you communicate more effectively with diverse audiences. It’s not just about being “right” or “wrong,” but about understanding the context and implications of your language choices.
Whether you’re summing up profits, calculating repair costs, or simply adding up numbers, understanding the nuances of “totaling” and “totalling” can add a touch of linguistic precision to your work. So the next time you’re tallying up your study hours or computing sales figures, you’ll know exactly which spelling to use!
Remember, language is alive and constantly evolving. Today’s oddity might be tomorrow’s norm. Stay curious, keep learning, and most importantly, keep communicating!
Freck John is a passionate linguist and dedicated English educator with over a decade of experience. At English Twinkle, he shares his expertise on grammar intricacies, language evolution, and practical writing tips. Freck’s engaging style makes complex language concepts accessible to learners of all levels.
