When it comes to spelling, English can be tricky. One common confusion involves the words “targetted” and “targeted.” While they might look similar, targetted is actually a misspelling, and the correct version is targeted.
Understanding this small yet important difference can help you write with confidence and clarity, especially in professional and academic settings. In this article, we’ll break down the spelling rules, usage, and examples of both terms, so you can avoid common mistakes and improve your writing.
Quick Summary
The primary difference between targetted and targeted is that targetted is an incorrect form, while targeted follows standard spelling rules.
English spelling conventions, particularly those dealing with consonant doubling and suffixes, dictate that targeted is the correct form.
This article will help you understand why targetted is a mistake and how you can use targeted accurately in your writing.
Understanding Targetted
The word targetted is a mistake that arises from adding an extra “t” to the word target when using the past tense. Some people mistakenly think they need to double the consonant “t” when they add the “-ed” suffix.
However, English spelling rules don’t require doubling consonants when the word ends in a single consonant preceded by a vowel unless the vowel is stressed. Since the vowel in “target” is not stressed, the correct form is targeted.
You might have seen targetted in older texts or in certain British English versions, but modern usage has moved toward targeted. Today, targetted is not considered a standard spelling in any version of English.
Understanding Targeted
On the other hand, targeted is the correct form. This word follows the spelling patterns in English, specifically the rule for adding the “-ed” suffix to verbs.
In targeted, the “t” is not doubled because the vowel before it is not stressed, making targeted the proper, widely accepted spelling. In American English, targeted is used almost exclusively, and this includes contexts like marketing, education, and other professional writing.
Understanding how to use targeted correctly is key for ensuring clarity in professional writing and avoiding common spelling mistakes.
Targetted: Definition and Usage
Targetted is technically incorrect, but it may still appear in some informal or outdated texts. When it does appear, it is often due to a misunderstanding of the doubling consonant rule.
The word “target” already ends in a single consonant and is followed by a vowel, so there is no need for an extra “t.” For example, using targetted in a sentence like “The company targetted a specific group” is incorrect.
The correct sentence would be: “The company targeted a specific group.” It’s important to remember that targetted should be avoided in any professional or academic writing to maintain linguistic accuracy.
5 Synonyms for Targetted
- Directed
- Aimed
- Focused
- Geared
- Intended
By using the proper form, targeted, in your writing, you ensure your work aligns with accepted grammar and spelling norms, avoiding the incorrect forms like targetted.
Targeted: Definition and Usage
Targeted is the correct past tense of the verb “to target.” It is used to describe actions that were directed toward a specific goal, person, or audience.
Whether in marketing and advertising, or when referring to educational efforts or business strategies, targeted is the go-to word.
For example, you might say, “The campaign was targeted at young professionals,” or “They targeted their resources to areas of high need.” These examples show the proper use of the word and highlight how targeted helps make your writing more precise.
5 Synonyms for Choosing
- Selecting
- Deciding
- Picking
- Opting
- Electing
When you use targeted in your writing, you align with language conventions and enhance your message’s clarity.
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Side-by-Side Comparison
Here is a table to help you visually compare targetted and targeted:
| Aspect | Targetted | Targeted |
| Correct Spelling | Incorrect | Correct |
| Consonant Doubling | Double “t” (incorrect) | Single “t” (correct) |
| Standard Usage | Outdated and incorrect | Commonly used in all forms of English |
| Context | Rarely used in formal settings | Used in marketing, business, and education |
| British English | Sometimes seen, but incorrect | Correct and accepted |
| American English | Not used | Standard form |
This comparison should help you see why targetted is wrong and how targeted is the proper choice.
Grammar Rules and Examples
The correct usage of targeted follows the general spelling rules for verbs ending in a consonant and preceded by a vowel. The consonant doubling rule applies only when the vowel is stressed. In the case of “target,” the vowel is not stressed, so no doubling of the consonant is necessary. For example:
- Target + “-ed” = Targeted
- Hit + “-ed” = Hit
- Plan + “-ed” = Planned
These examples illustrate how suffix rules in grammar are applied correctly, making your writing clear and accurate.
By focusing on spelling accuracy in English and using the correct form of words like targeted, you’ll enhance your writing skills and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
Everyday Usage Examples
Targetted
In everyday writing, you may occasionally see people mistakenly use targetted. This often happens in informal emails, blogs, or even marketing materials.
For example, you might come across a sentence like, “The ad campaign targetted millennials,” which should instead be written as: “The ad campaign targeted millennials.”
Targeted
On the other hand, targeted is the word you’ll want to use in all professional and formal writing. For instance, a well-written marketing strategy might say, “We targeted key demographics with precision.”
By using the correct spelling, you not only avoid spelling mistakes but also ensure your writing aligns with standard English rules.
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FAQs: Targetted or Targeted?
What is the difference between “targetted” and “targeted”?
The difference lies in spelling. Targetted is incorrect because it improperly doubles the consonant “t.” The correct form is targeted, which follows the proper spelling rules for adding suffixes to verbs.
Can you provide an example of when to use “targeted” in a sentence?
Certainly! For example: “The company targeted specific groups to improve customer engagement.”
When should one use “targetted” instead of “targeted”?
You should never use targetted in modern writing. It is an outdated form and should be replaced with targeted in all professional contexts.
How can one determine which spelling of “targeted” to use in a document?
Always use targeted in both formal and casual writing. You can check with a grammar-checking tool or dictionary to confirm the spelling.
Is “targetted” a standard British English spelling?
No, even in British English, targetted is considered incorrect. Targeted is the accepted form in all variations of English.
Conclusion
The correct form is targeted and not targetted. Understanding this difference is essential for correct spelling and maintaining clarity in professional writing. By following standard spelling rules and avoiding common mistakes, such as the unnecessary doubling of consonants, you can improve your writing confidence.
Whether you’re working on marketing campaigns, academic writing, or any other form of communication, using targeted instead of targetted ensures you align with accepted grammar and language conventions. Always double-check your spelling to maintain linguistic accuracy and effective communication.
