Modelling Or Modeling – British vs. American English

Maintaining consistency in academic writing is paramount to ensuring that your work is coherent and easy to understand. However, many students struggle with identifying the differences between British English vs. American English, which can lead to confusion when deciding on the appropriate spelling of certain words, such as “modelling” or “modeling.” If you are looking to enhance your comprehension of these two styles of English, please read on.

“Modelling” or “modeling”

“Modelling/modeling” can be a verb or a noun and has numerous meanings depending on the context in which it is used.

The meaning of “modelling/modeling” as a verb varies based on the specific field or context in which it is used, and is the present participle form of “to model.” The word is used to create a representation or simulation of something, often using a physical or virtual model. This can be common in fields such as architecture, engineering, or science. Additionally, in the context of fashion or art, it refers to posing for artists, photographers, or designers to serve as a subject for artistic work. The verb also means to serve as a standard for emulation or comparison. Lastly, in behavioral or educational contexts, it can mean demonstrating or exemplifying a particular behavior or skill for others to learn from.

In English, many verbs can be turned into nouns by adding “-ing” at the end. This form is known as a gerund. Gerunds function as nouns even though they originate from verbs. They can act as the subject, the object, or the complement in a sentence, just like regular nouns. “Modelling/modeling” as a noun refers to creating a representation or simulation of something, typically to analyze, simulate, or demonstrate a process or system. It can also mean the profession of posing for artists or photographers. The term varies in meaning depending on context. For example, in science, engineering, or computer programming, “modelling/modeling” involves creating simulations to understand, analyze, or predict system behavior.

As you can see above, “modelling” is the standard and more common spelling in the UK, while “modeling” with one “l” is the common spelling in the US.

The use of “modelling” with two “l” in British English follows traditional English spelling conventions. The double “l” reflects the way certain words are inflected in British English, particularly when adding suffixes like “-ing” to the base form of a word.

Examples of using “modelling” and “modeling” as a verb

The following examples will illustrate the difference in the spelling of the verb “modelling/modeling” in British and American English.

Examples of using “modelling” and “modeling” as a noun

The following examples will illustrate the difference in the spelling of the gerund and noun “modelling/modeling” in British and American English.

“Modelling” or “modeling” in the “-ed” form

The past tense or past participle form of “modelling/modeling” is “modelled” and “modeled” in the respective English variant.

• British English: modelled
• American English: modeled

“Modelling” or “modeling” in the simple present

The simple present form of the verb “modelling/modeling” remains the same in both British English and American English.

• British English: model
• American English: model

“Modeller” or “modeler”

“Modeller/modeler” is a term that typically refers to a person who engages in the activity of creating models. The term can be used in various contexts. In the context of the fashion industry, a “modeller/modeler” could refer to a fashion model. A “modeller/modeler” in art and sculpture might be someone skilled in creating models or three-dimensional representations. Furthermore, in a scientific or engineering context, the term could be someone who creates mathematical or computer models for simulation and analysis.

The spelling of “modeller/modeler” depends on the preferred spelling conventions of English:

• British English: modeller
• American English: modeler

“Model” as a noun

There is also another noun form of “modelling/modeling,” which is more common knowledge. It’s the noun “model.” A “model” can refer to a representation or example used to emulate or imitate something, often serving as a standard or template. It also refers to a person in the fashion industry who displays and promotes clothing by walking the runway or participating in photoshoots. Furthermore, the term can be used more broadly to refer to an exemplary person or thing that is considered a standard or ideal. Lastly, a “model” in mathematics and science can be a mathematical representation or simulation used to analyze and understand complex systems.

The spelling of “model” does not differ, regardless of what English variant is being used.

• British English: model
• American English: model