Dialed vs. Dialled — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 2, 2024
"Dialed" is the preferred spelling in American English, used for past tense of dial, whereas "dialled" follows British English conventions.
Difference Between Dialed and Dialled
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Dialed" is the standard past tense and past participle form of the verb "dial" in American English, commonly used when referring to operating devices like telephones or radios. Whereas, "dialled" is the preferred form in British English, showcasing a difference in spelling conventions between the two English dialects.
In American English, verbs that end in a vowel plus "l" typically retain a single "l" when suffixed with "-ed" or "-ing," thus "dialed" and "dialing" are common. On the other hand, British English often doubles the final "l" before adding these endings, resulting in "dialled" and "dialling."
The use of "dialed" in American literature and media reflects the streamlined spelling rules that are characteristic of American English. Whereas, "dialled" is seen more frequently in British publications and materials, aligning with the UK’s more traditional approach to verb conjugation.
Technology and globalization influence language practices; however, "dialed" remains consistent in American contexts, reflecting a broader trend of American English simplification. Meanwhile, "dialled" continues to hold sway in British realms, suggesting a preservation of linguistic heritage.
Educational systems and dictionaries in the U.S. typically teach "dialed" as part of standard American English curriculum. On the other hand, British English learners are taught to use "dialled," highlighting the importance of regional spelling norms in language education.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Spelling
Single 'l'
Double 'll'
Usage Context
American English
British English
Common Endings
-ed, -ing (dialed, dialing)
-ed, -ing (dialled, dialling)
Lexical Authority
American dictionaries
British dictionaries
Linguistic Trend
Simplification
Preservation of traditional forms
Compare with Definitions
Dialed
Past tense of "dial," meaning to operate a device by turning a dial or pressing buttons.
She dialed the number quickly.
Dialled
To make a phone call by pressing buttons or rotating a dial.
John dialled the office to report the issue.
Dialed
Used figuratively to denote adjusting or tuning something.
He dialed the settings to match the requirements.
Dialled
Past tense of "dial" in British English, used when operating telecommunication devices or controls.
She dialled the wrong number by mistake.
Dialed
To make a telephone call by pressing buttons or turning a dial.
I dialed 911 for immediate help.
Dialled
Employed when adjusting settings on a device or instrument.
He dialled down the brightness on his screen.
Dialed
To select or find a specific station or setting using a mechanical or digital device.
She dialed her favorite radio station.
Dialled
To begin a process or operation through device settings.
He dialled up the discussion in the meeting.
Dialed
To initiate or begin a process by setting controls.
He dialed up the heat as the room was too cold.
Dialled
Used when choosing a station or setting on a device.
She dialled into the conference call.
Dialed
A graduated surface or face on which a measurement, such as speed, is indicated by a moving needle or pointer.
Dialled
A graduated surface or face on which a measurement, such as speed, is indicated by a moving needle or pointer.
Dialed
The face of a clock.
Dialled
The face of a clock.
Dialed
A sundial.
Dialled
A sundial.
Dialed
The panel or face on a radio or television receiver on which the frequencies or channels are indicated.
Dialled
The panel or face on a radio or television receiver on which the frequencies or channels are indicated.
Dialed
A movable control knob or other device on a radio or television receiver used to change the frequency.
Dialled
A movable control knob or other device on a radio or television receiver used to change the frequency.
Dialed
A rotatable disk on a telephone with numbers and letters, used to signal the number to which a call is made.
Dialled
A rotatable disk on a telephone with numbers and letters, used to signal the number to which a call is made.
Dialed
To measure with or as if with a dial.
Dialled
To measure with or as if with a dial.
Dialed
To point to, indicate, or register by means of a dial.
Dialled
To point to, indicate, or register by means of a dial.
Dialed
To control or select by means of a dial
Dial a radio station.
Dialled
To control or select by means of a dial
Dial a radio station.
Dialed
To call (a party) on a telephone.
Dialled
To call (a party) on a telephone.
Dialed
To signal (a number) in making a telephone call
The program dials the number and then connects to the file server.
Dialled
To signal (a number) in making a telephone call
The program dials the number and then connects to the file server.
Dialed
To use a dial.
Dialled
To use a dial.
Dialed
To use a telephone.
Dialled
To use a telephone.
Dialed
Simple past tense and past participle of dial
Dialled
(British), (Canadian), dial
Common Curiosities
Why does American English prefer "dialed" over "dialled"?
American English generally favors more streamlined spellings, which often include dropping redundant letters.
Is the pronunciation of "dialed" different from "dialled"?
No, both "dialed" and "dialled" are pronounced the same way, despite the difference in spelling.
How do software spell checks handle "dialed" and "dialled"?
Software spell checks, depending on their settings for American or British English, will correct to either "dialed" or "dialled" accordingly.
Are there other verbs in English that follow the same spelling variation as "dial"?
Yes, other verbs like "cancel" follow similar variations, becoming "canceled" in American English and "cancelled" in British English.
What is the main difference between "dialed" and "dialled"?
"Dialed" uses a single 'l' and is common in American English, whereas "dialled" uses a double 'll' and is preferred in British English.
How do educational systems in other English-speaking countries besides the US and UK teach these words?
English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand tend to follow British English rules, therefore favoring "dialled," but local variations and influences can apply.
Can "dialed" and "dialled" be used interchangeably?
In contexts where American or British English is not specifically required, they can be used interchangeably, though it's best to be consistent with one style.
What are the implications of using "dialled" in American English or "dialed" in British English?
Using "dialled" in American English or "dialed" in British English might be considered incorrect in formal writing or education settings due to regional spelling conventions.
How can I remember which spelling to use for "dialed" and "dialled"?
One method is to associate the double 'l' in "dialled" with the double 'l' in "London," helping to remember it's the British form.
What historical factors contribute to the different spellings of words like "dialed" and "dialled"?
Historical factors include the standardization of spelling that varied between American and British English during the 18th and 19th centuries, influenced by lexicographers like Noah Webster who preferred simplified spellings for American English.
Do dictionaries contain both variations of words like "dialed" and "dialled"?
Yes, most comprehensive English dictionaries list both variations but will specify the regional usage for each.
Is one spelling more modern than the other?
Neither spelling is more modern; they simply reflect different regional usage norms.
What should non-native English speakers know about using "dialed" and "dialled"?
Non-native English speakers should be aware of the audience or regional preferences of their communication to choose the appropriate spelling, and consistency is key in any formal or educational writing.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Distortion vs. Warp
Next Comparison
Jetty vs. QuayAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
