If you are a frequent traveller or traveler, you might have wondered about the correct spelling of this word. Is it travelling or traveling? Does it matter where you are or who you are writing for? In this article, we will explore the history, usage, and alternatives of these two variants of the same word.
What is the History of Travelling and Traveling?
The word travel comes from the Middle English word travailen, which means to toil or labor. It also has roots in the Old French word travailler, which means to work strenuously or torture. The word travel has more than one syllable, so it is a multisyllabic word.
In British English, when a multisyllabic word ends in a vowel and a consonant, you usually double the consonant when adding a suffix. For example, cancel becomes cancelled and canceling, and travel becomes travelled and travelling. This rule helps to preserve the pronunciation of the word.
In American English, however, the spelling was simplified by Noah Webster, a famous lexicographer and reformer. He believed that English spelling should be more logical and consistent. He decided that travel needed only one l when adding a suffix. He also applied this rule to other words, such as color, honor, and humor, which are spelled with a u in British English.
How to Use of Travelling and Traveling?
The usage of travelling and traveling depends on where you are and who you are writing for. In general, travelling is the preferred spelling in British English and other Commonwealth countries, such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Traveling is the preferred spelling in American English.
| Spelling | Origin | Example Countries | Example Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travelling | British English | UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand | The Guardian, Bristol Post, The Sydney Morning Herald |
| Traveling | American English | USA | The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN |
What are The Grammatical Aspects?
We can use travelling or traveling as a noun, verb, or adjective depending on the context and the meaning. Here are some examples:
As a noun, travelling or traveling can mean the action or activity of moving from one place to another, especially over a long distance.
For example:
- I love travelling around the world. (British English)
- He is interested in the history of traveling in America. (American English)
As a verb, travelling or traveling can mean to go or move from one place to another, especially over a long distance.
For example:
- She is travelling to Paris next week. (British English)
- They are traveling by train across the country. (American English)
As an adjective, travelling or traveling can mean relating to or used for travelling.
For example:
- He bought a new travelling bag for his trip. (British English)
- She works as a traveling nurse in different states. (American English)
| Word | Noun | Verb | Adjective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travelling | The action or activity of moving from one place to another | To go or move from one place to another | Relating to or used for travelling |
| Traveling | The action or activity of moving from one place to another | To go or move from one place to another | Relating to or used for travelling |
Travelling or Traveling: Which One is Correct?
The correct spelling depends on the English variety. In British English, it’s “travelling,” while in American English, it’s “traveling.” Both are acceptable. Noah Webster’s spelling reforms influenced the American preference, leading to the divergence.
What are the Alternatives to Travelling and Traveling
If you are not sure which spelling to use, or if you want to avoid the confusion altogether, you can use some alternatives to travelling and traveling. Here are some synonyms that you can use instead:
- journeying
- voyaging
- touring
- visiting
- exploring
- wandering
- roaming
- globetrotting
- backpacking
These words have similar meanings to travelling and traveling, but they do not have the same spelling issue. You can use them to add variety and interest to your writing.
Conclusion
Travelling and traveling are both correct spellings of the same word, but they have different meanings and usage depending on the variety of English. Travelling is more common in British English and other Commonwealth countries, while traveling is more common in American English.
