Hey, I want to share something that happened to me recently involving Targetted or Targeted.
I was chatting with a friend when this word suddenly popped up, and honestly, I wasn’t sure which spelling was actually correct.
For a moment, I kept thinking, “Am I missing something here?” It was confusing, and I didn’t want to reply the wrong way or sound clueless.
So, I decided to look into Targetted or Targeted to understand the correct spelling and proper usage.
Once I figured it out, everything became clear. I realized how important it is to know these small spelling differences to avoid awkward moments in conversations.
Now, whenever I see Targetted or Targeted in chats, emails, or social media posts, I feel confident using the right form without hesitation.
Targetted or Targeted – Quick Answer
The correct spelling is “targeted” with a single t.
- ✅ Example: The company targeted young adults in its marketing campaign.
- ❌ Incorrect: The company targetted young adults in its marketing campaign.
“Targeted” is the standard spelling in both British and American English. The double “t” form is considered a mistake and rarely used in professional writing.
The Origin of Targeted
The word target comes from the Old French “targette”, meaning a small shield or mark. Over time, it evolved in English to mean “something aimed at”.
- Adding -ed forms the past tense: target → targeted.
- The extra t in “targetted” is unnecessary and does not appear in historical usage or dictionaries.
Spelling confusion sometimes arises because words ending in t (like “format”) occasionally double the final letter when adding suffixes, but target is not one of them.
Disregulated or Dysregulated: Which Spelling Is Correct(2026)
British English vs American English Spelling
Both British and American English use targeted with a single t. There is no official double “t” spelling in either form.
| Feature | British English | American English |
| Correct spelling | targeted | targeted |
| Incorrect spelling | targetted | targetted |
| Usage in past tense | The campaign targeted teenagers. | The campaign targeted teenagers. |
As you can see, this word is simple: one standard spelling for all English variants.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
- US Audience: Always use targeted.
- UK/Commonwealth Audience: Always use targeted.
- Global Audience: Use targeted to avoid confusion.
No exceptions exist in modern English dictionaries, so sticking with targeted ensures professionalism and clarity.
Common Mistakes with Targeted
- Double t: “targetted” → ❌ Always use targeted.
- Spelling confusion with “targeting”: Make sure to keep consistent verb forms.
- Correct: The ad is targeted at students.
- Incorrect: The ad is targetted at students.
- Pronunciation mismatch: Some people pronounce a double t, but it’s unnecessary in writing.
Targeted in Everyday Examples
- Emails: “We have targeted potential clients for our new service.”
- News: “The government targeted fraud schemes in its new policy.”
- Social Media: “This post is targeted at dog lovers!”
- Formal Writing: “The study targeted urban populations for data collection.”
Targeted – Google Trends & Usage Data
- Popularity: “Targeted” consistently ranks higher in Google search than “targetted.”
- Top countries: USA, UK, Canada, Australia.
- Context: Mostly found in marketing, business, and academic content.
| Variation | Popularity |
| targeted | High |
| targetted | Very low |
FAQs
- Is “targetted” ever correct?
No, it is considered a spelling mistake. - Why do some people write “targetted”?
Misunderstanding of English spelling rules and overgeneralization of doubling letters. - Which dictionaries list “targetted”?
None reputable. Only targeted appears in standard dictionaries. - Does it matter in professional writing?
Yes, using “targetted” can appear careless or unprofessional. - Is “targeted” used in British English?
Yes, it is correct for both UK and US English. - Can I use “targetted” in informal writing?
It’s better to avoid it entirely; readers may see it as incorrect. - Are there other similar words with doubled t?
Yes, some verbs like format → formatted do double the t, but target does not.
Conclusion
When in doubt, always use targeted with a single t. This spelling works across British, American, and global English, keeping your writing professional and clear. Remember that “targetted” is a common mistake caused by overgeneralization of spelling rules. By sticking to the correct form, you maintain credibility in emails, social media posts, news, and academic writing. Whether you are marketing a product, writing a report, or posting online, targeted is the one word that communicates your message effectively.
Correct spelling is a small change that makes a big difference—accuracy in writing reflects attention to detail and professionalism.
Hi, I’m Emma Caldwell, an expert author at Englaora.com. I share clear insights on language differences and provide readers with reliable, easy-to-understand content.
