5 Best “Totalling” vs. “Totaling”: Navigating the Spelling Dilemma

Introduction:

Have you ever paused while writing, unsure whether to use “totalling” or “totaling”? If so, you’re not alone. This small but persistent spelling question has tripped up everyone from beginners to experienced writers. In this article, we’ll explore the details behind these spellings to clear up any confusion and help you use them with confidence.

English, with its rich history and global reach, can be tricky. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, a word like “totalling” (or is it “totaling”?) can throw you off. The good news? Both spellings are correct—it all comes down to regional preferences. So, let’s dive into the world of double consonants, regional spelling habits, and the ever-changing nature of the English language.

What Do “Totalling” and “Totaling” Mean?

Defining the Terms

Before we tackle the spelling differences, let’s clarify what “totalling” and “totaling” actually mean. Both are forms of the present participle of the verb “to total,” which involves adding up amounts or describing something as being totaled. Here’s a breakdown of their meanings:

1. Calculating the Sum: When you’re totaling something, you’re adding up a series of numbers. For example, a cashier totals your grocery bill by adding the cost of each item.
2. Amounting to a Figure: This usage refers to reaching a specific amount. For instance, you might say, “The repairs totaled $500,”meaningthefinalcostwas$500.
3. Wrecking or Destroying: In a more dramatic sense, especially with vehicles, “totaling” means completely destroying something. If a car is severely damaged in an accident, it might be declared “totaled,” meaning it’s beyond repair.

Real-World Examples

• At the Supermarket: Imagine you’re at the checkout with a cart full of groceries. As the cashier scans each item, they’re totaling your purchases to determine what you owe. Here, “totaling” means adding up the costs.
• Planning an Event: If you’re organizing a party and need to figure out how many chairs to rent, you might total the number of guests. For example, “With 10 family members, 15 friends, and 5 colleagues, the total number of guests is 30.”
• Car Accident: Picture this: you’re driving when a deer suddenly jumps in front of your car, causing you to crash into a tree. If the damage is so severe that the car can’t be repaired, you’d say it’s “totaled.”

Understanding these meanings helps explain why the spelling matters and why the choice between “totalling” and “totaling” is more about convention than meaning.

“Totalling” vs. “Totaling”: What’s the Difference?

Regional Preferences

• American English: “Totaling”
  In American English, “totaling” is the preferred spelling. Americans tend to simplify spellings, which is why they use a single “l” in this case. If you’re writing for a U.S. audience or in an American context, “totaling” is the standard choice.
• British English: “Totalling”
  In British English and other regions that follow British spelling conventions, “totalling” with a double “l” is the norm. This aligns with a broader trend in British English, where final consonants are often doubled when adding suffixes. So, if you’re writing for a UK, Canadian, or Australian audience, “totalling” is the way to go.

A Broader Pattern

This spelling difference isn’t unique to “totalling” and “totaling.” It’s part of a larger pattern in English. British English often doubles the final consonant in words that end with an unstressed vowel plus a consonant, while American English typically does not. Here are a few more examples:

• Travel: British English uses “travelling,” while American English uses “traveling.”
• Model: British English spells it “modelling,” and American English uses “modeling.”
• Cancel: British English writes “cancelling,” while American English prefers “canceling.”

Recognizing this pattern can help you understand why English spelling varies and give you a clearer sense of when to use each spelling.

Why the Confusion Between “Totalling” and “Totaling”?

Historical Factors

The confusion between “totalling” and “totaling” can be traced back to the historical evolution of the English language. As English spread across the globe, different regions began developing their own spelling conventions. The divide between American and British English became particularly noticeable in the 19th century, thanks in large part to Noah Webster. Webster, an American lexicographer, sought to simplify and standardize American spelling. His reforms led to many of the spelling differences we see today, including the single “l” in “totaling” versus the double “l” in “totalling.”

Globalization

In today’s interconnected world, we’re constantly exposed to various forms of English, whether through international media, global business, or online communication. This frequent exposure to both British and American English can create confusion, especially when you’re writing for an audience that spans multiple English-speaking regions. For example, you might read a British article that uses “totalling” and then come across an American report that uses “totaling,” leaving you unsure which one to use.

Inconsistent Rules

English spelling rules are famously inconsistent, and this inconsistency only adds to the confusion. For every rule, there seems to be an exception, which can make it difficult to predict the correct spelling. This is especially true with words like “totalling” and “totaling,” where both spellings are technically correct but depend on regional preferences. Even native English speakers can find themselves second-guessing which version to use.

The Digital Age

The rise of digital technology has introduced another layer of complexity. Spell-checkers and auto-correct features, which are supposed to help, often base their suggestions on the regional settings of your device or software. For instance, if your spell-checker is set to British English, it might flag “totaling” as incorrect, while an American English setting might do the same for “totalling.” This can lead to frustration, especially if you’re unaware of the regional differences.

Personal Preference

Sometimes, the choice between “totalling” and “totaling” comes down to personal preference. Some writers might simply prefer the look of one spelling over the other, regardless of regional conventions. In informal writing, people often use the two interchangeably without worrying too much about sticking to specific rules. While this flexibility reflects the dynamic nature of language, it can also contribute to the overall confusion.

Real-World Examples

• Sarah’s Dilemma: Sarah is an American writer working for a British company. She’s totaling up her expenses for a trip to Canada, where she also attended a conference focused on totalling global sales figures. This situation puts her in a tricky spot, as she has to navigate between American and British spelling conventions, leading to potential inconsistencies in her work.
• Tom’s Experience: Tom, an Australian student studying in the U.S., faces a similar challenge. He’s writing a paper on global economic trends, totalling up data from various sources. However, his American professor insists on “totaling,” marking Tom’s spelling as incorrect. This example highlights how regional spelling preferences can lead to misunderstandings and even affect academic performance.

These scenarios show how spelling differences can have real-world implications, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adapting to regional conventions.

Synonyms for “Totalling” and “Totaling”

If you’d rather avoid the “totalling” vs. “totaling” debate altogether, using synonyms can be a great solution. Here are some alternatives that convey the same meaning without the spelling headache:

1. Summing Up: A straightforward option. For example, “I’m summing up the day’s sales” clearly communicates the idea of adding up amounts.
2. Adding: Simple and direct. For instance, “We’re adding the costs of all departments” gets the point across without any fuss.
3. Calculating: Ideal for more complex situations. “She’s calculating the total expenses for the year” suggests a detailed and thorough process.
4. Tallying: A great way to avoid the double “l” dilemma. For example, “He’s tallying the votes from each precinct” works well for counting or recording.
5. Amounting To: Useful for expressing a final sum. “The damages are amounting to thousands of dollars” effectively communicates the total cost.
6. Aggregating: A more formal term for combining data. “We’re aggregating data from multiple sources” fits well in analytical or data-related contexts.
7. Compiling: Works well when bringing together various elements. “The accountant is compiling all the receipts” indicates the process of gathering and organizing information.
8. Racking Up: A casual, colloquial option. “They’re racking up quite a bill at the bar!” uses informal language to describe accumulating costs.
9. Accumulating: Ideal for describing gradual increases. “The interest is accumulating on her savings account” reflects a steady build-up over time.
10. Totting Up: A British English favorite. “I’m totting up the scores from the quiz” is a region-specific term that avoids the double “l” debate.

By using these synonyms, you can sidestep the spelling confusion altogether while still conveying your message clearly and effectively.