Enrol Or Enroll – British vs. American English

02/10/2023 Language rules Time to read: 4min
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Maintaining consistency in academic writing is crucial. It requires coherence and clarity in spelling throughout the paper. However, many students encounter difficulties in distinguishing between British English vs. American English, leading to confusion when deciding which spelling to use, such as β€œenrol” or β€œenroll”. In this article, we will explain the difference, how to remember it, and provide examples.

β€œEnrol” or β€œenroll”

β€œEnrol” and β€œenroll” both function as a verb in the English language. They are used to describe the action of registering, entering a list or catalog, or inserting someone or something. The word can be used transitively, so it needs a direct object to complete its meaning. In other words, it’s an action verb that transfers the action to a receiver or object.

British English

enrol

American English

enroll

As you can see above, both forms are correct, but you should always use the word that aligns with the variant of English you are using. If you’re writing in British English or some other varieties of English, β€œenrol” is more commonly used, while β€œenroll” is preferred in American English.

Examples of using β€œenrol” and β€œenroll”

The following examples will illustrate the difference in the spelling of the verb β€œenrol/enroll” in British and American English.

Enrol-or-enroll-examples-UK-flag
  • The parents encouraged their children to enrol in this college.
  • I need to enrol in a cooking class to strengthen my skills.
  • The university allows students to enrol in courses online.
Enrol-or-enroll-examples-US-flag
  • Her parents encouraged their children to enroll in this college.
  • I need to enroll in a cooking class to strengthen my skills.
  • The university allows students to enroll in courses online.

β€œEnrol” or β€œenroll” in the β€œ-ing” form

When using the verb β€œenrol/enroll” in its β€œ-ing” form, the correct spelling is β€œenrolling” in both British and American English.

  • British English: β€œEnrolling”
  • American English: β€œEnrolling”

The following examples will illustrate the use of the word β€œenrolling”.

Enrol-vs-enroll-examples-enroling-or-enrolling-UK-flag
  • We are enrolling new members.
  • The school is currently enrolling students.
  • She is enrolling in a photography course.
Enrol-vs-enroll-examples-enroling-or-enrolling-US-flag

β€œEnrol” or β€œenroll” in the β€œ-ed” form

When using the verb β€œenrol/enroll” in its β€œ-ed” form, the correct spelling is β€œenrolled” in both British and American English.

  • British English: β€œEnrolled”
  • American English: β€œEnrolled”

The following examples will illustrate the use of the word β€œenrolled”.

Enrol-vs-enroll-examples-enrolled-UK-flag
  • She successfully enrolled in the university.
  • They enrolled their child in a daycare center.
  • He enrolled in a language class.
Enrol-vs-enroll-examples-enrolled-US-flag

β€œEnrol” or β€œenroll” as a noun

The noun form of β€œenrol” or β€œenroll” is spelled β€œenrolment” and β€œenrollment” in British and American English, respectively. The noun β€œenrolment/enrollment” refers to the act or process of registering for something, such as a course or program. It’s typically used in educational, administrative, and organizational contexts.

  • British English: β€œEnrolment”
  • American English: β€œEnrollment”

The following examples will illustrate the use of the word β€œenrolment/enrollment”.

Enrol-vs-enroll-examples-noun-UK-flag
  • The enrolment for the new dance class is now open.
  • Parents were reminded to complete the enrolment forms.
  • The university saw an increase in enrolment this year.
Enrol-vs-enroll-examples-noun-US-flag
  • The enrollment for the new dance class is now open.
  • Parents were reminded to complete the enrollment forms.
  • The university saw an increase in enrollment this year.

FAQs

The preferred spelling in British English is β€œenrol”, while in American English β€œenroll” is more commonly used. Both words are correct but they are used in different regions.

In Australia, the preferred spelling is β€œenrol” rather than β€œenroll”. While both spellings are understood, β€œenrol” is the standard spelling in Australian English. So, if you are writing to an Australian audience, it is recommended to use β€œenrol” instead of β€œenroll”.

In Canada, both β€œenrol” and β€œenroll” are used, but β€œenrol” is the more common spelling. The Canadian Oxford Dictionary lists β€œenrol” as the headword with β€œenroll” as a variant. However, it’s worth noting that there may be some regional variations in usage.

The word β€œenrol/enroll” is a verb that means to sign up, register, or officially join a course, program, organization, or similar entity. It refers to the action of enlisting or becoming a member of something.

The British spelling is β€œenrol”, while the American spelling is β€œenroll”. Both spellings are correct and widely understood, but their usage may vary depending on the region.

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Cite This Article

Bibliography

Neumann, L. (2023, October 02). Enrol Or Enroll – British vs. American English. BachelorPrint. https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/british-english-vs-american-english/enrol-or-enroll/ (retrieved 26/05/2026)

In-text citation

Parenthetical
(Neumann , 2023)
Narrative
Neumann (2023)

Bibliography

Neumann, Leo. 2023. "Enrol Or Enroll – British vs. American English." BachelorPrint, Retrieved May 27, 2026. https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/british-english-vs-american-english/enrol-or-enroll/.

In-text citation

Parenthetical
(Neumann 2023)

Bibliography

Leo Neumann, "Enrol Or Enroll – British vs. American English," BachelorPrint, October 02, 2023, https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/british-english-vs-american-english/enrol-or-enroll/ (retrieved May 27, 2026).

Footnotes

Short note
Neumann, "Shortened title."

Bibliography

Neumann, Leo: Enrol Or Enroll – British vs. American English, in: BachelorPrint, 02/10/2023, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/british-english-vs-american-english/enrol-or-enroll/ (retrieved 26/05/2026).

Footnotes

Full note
Neumann, Leo: Enrol Or Enroll – British vs. American English, in: BachelorPrint, 02/10/2023, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/british-english-vs-american-english/enrol-or-enroll/ (retrieved 26/05/2026).
Direct quote
Neumann, 2023.
Indirect quote
Neumann, 2023.

Bibliography

Neumann, Leo (2023): Enrol Or Enroll – British vs. American English, in: BachelorPrint, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/british-english-vs-american-english/enrol-or-enroll/ (retrieved 26/05/2026).

In-text citation

Direct quote
(Neumann, 2023)
Indirect quote
(Neumann, 2023)
Narrative
Neumann (2023)

Bibliography

Neumann, Leo. "Enrol Or Enroll – British vs. American English." BachelorPrint, 02/10/2023, https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/british-english-vs-american-english/enrol-or-enroll/ (retrieved 26/05/2026).

In-text citation

Parenthetical
(Neumann)
Narrative
Neumann

Bibliography

Number. Neumann L. Enrol Or Enroll – British vs. American English [Internet]. BachelorPrint. 2023 [cited 26/05/2026]. Available from: https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/british-english-vs-american-english/enrol-or-enroll/


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