Funnelling vs. Funneling — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 23, 2024
Funnelling, the British English spelling, emphasizes double 'l', whereas Funneling, in American English, uses a single 'l'.
Difference Between Funnelling and Funneling
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In British English, the spelling "funnelling" adheres to the rule of doubling the consonant before adding a suffix when the final syllable is stressed, such as in "travelling" or "cancelling". On the other hand, American English typically does not double the consonant in similar contexts, leading to the spelling "funneling".
"Funnelling" is commonly seen in UK-based publications and formal writing within the UK and other countries that follow British English norms. Conversely, "funneling" is prevalent in American publications and is the standard form in the United States.
The use of "funnelling" in a document can signal to the reader that the writer is either from a British English-speaking country or is adhering to British style guidelines, whereas "funneling" indicates American English usage.
In educational settings, British English speakers are taught to spell words like "funnelling" with double 'l', reinforcing this style in schools across the UK, Australia, and Canada. Meanwhile, American schools teach the single 'l' spelling in "funneling", reflecting and reinforcing the American English standard.
When using automated spell-checkers, the spelling "funnelling" might be flagged as incorrect in an American English setting, while "funneling" could be marked as wrong in software set to British English, illustrating the technological influence on spelling reinforcement.
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Comparison Chart
Consonant Doubling
Double 'l' before suffix
Single 'l' before suffix
Common Usage
UK, Australia, Canada
United States
Dictionary Examples
Oxford, Cambridge
Merriam-Webster, American Heritage
Spell-check Preference
Correct in British settings
Correct in American settings
Educational Standard
Taught in UK-based schools
Taught in US-based schools
Compare with Definitions
Funnelling
A technique in sales and marketing to guide potential customers.
The marketing strategy involved funnelling leads to the sales team.
Funneling
To channel resources to a targeted initiative.
They were funneling efforts into research and development.
Funnelling
The act of directing or channelling something through a narrow space.
The crowd was funnelling through the narrow gate.
Funneling
A method used to progress leads in a marketing context.
Their new funneling approach boosted conversion rates.
Funnelling
To move or pour liquid through a funnel.
He was funnelling the oil into the engine.
Funneling
To pour a substance using a funnel.
She was funneling juice into bottles for the event.
Funnelling
The process of narrowing down options or candidates.
The company was funnelling down the applicants to just a few.
Funneling
The process of sifting through choices or people.
The audition process was funneling talent effectively.
Funnelling
To concentrate resources into a particular area.
They were funnelling funds into the new project.
Funneling
The act of directing something through a restricted section.
The water was funneling through the hose.
Funnelling
A conical utensil having a small hole or narrow tube at the apex and used to channel the flow of a substance, as into a small-mouthed container.
Funneling
A conical utensil having a small hole or narrow tube at the apex and used to channel the flow of a substance, as into a small-mouthed container.
Funnelling
Something resembling this utensil in shape.
Funneling
Something resembling this utensil in shape.
Funnelling
A shaft, flue, or stack for ventilation or the passage of smoke, especially the smokestack of a ship or locomotive.
Funneling
A shaft, flue, or stack for ventilation or the passage of smoke, especially the smokestack of a ship or locomotive.
Funnelling
To take the shape of a funnel.
Funneling
To take the shape of a funnel.
Funnelling
To move through or as if through a funnel
Tourists funneling slowly through customs.
Funneling
To move through or as if through a funnel
Tourists funneling slowly through customs.
Funnelling
To cause to take the shape of a funnel.
Funneling
To cause to take the shape of a funnel.
Funnelling
To cause to move through or as if through a funnel.
Funneling
To cause to move through or as if through a funnel.
Funnelling
(British spelling) funnel
Funneling
(American spelling) funnel
Funnelling
The process of passing something through a funnel.
Funneling
The process of passing something through a funnel.
Common Curiosities
Can 'funnelling' and 'funneling' be used interchangeably in global English?
While technically understandable, using the spelling preferred by the regional variant of English you are communicating in is advisable.
What impact does using the wrong spelling variant have in professional documents?
Using the incorrect variant can be perceived as a lack of attention to detail or unfamiliarity with the regional language norms.
What is the origin of the different spellings between British and American English?
The different spellings arose from a movement in the 1800s where American English adopted simplified spellings to distinguish itself from British English.
Do English language exams differentiate between American and British spelling?
Most English language proficiency exams, such as the IELTS and TOEFL, accept both American and British spellings.
Is 'funnelling' more common in certain English-speaking countries besides the UK?
Yes, 'funnelling' is also commonly used in other countries that follow British English norms, such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Why does British English often double the last consonant when adding a suffix?
British English rules state that if the last syllable of a word is stressed and ends in a consonant with a single vowel before it, the consonant is doubled when adding a suffix.
Are there dictionaries that include both British and American spellings?
Many modern dictionaries, especially online ones, list both British and American spellings along with usage notes.
Are there other words that follow the same spelling pattern as 'funnelling' and 'funneling'?
Yes, similar patterns are observed in words like "travelling/traveling" and "labelling/labeling".
How does the digital era affect the usage of American and British spellings?
Digital communication and global media exposure have increased awareness and usage of both spelling forms, leading to more flexibility in informal contexts.
Do online platforms and social media favor American spelling over British?
American spellings are often more prevalent on international platforms due to the large influence of American media and technology companies.
Does the media influence the preferred spelling of words like 'funnelling' and 'funneling'?
Yes, media and publishing houses typically adhere to the spelling norms of their primary audience, influencing public preference and usage.
Are there tools that can automatically adjust spelling based on American or British preferences?
Yes, most word processors and text editing software offer settings to adjust spell-check according to American or British English norms.
Will using 'funneling' in the UK be considered incorrect?
In formal writing, using 'funneling' in the UK is generally considered incorrect, though it may be accepted in less formal contexts.
How can non-native speakers know which spelling to use?
Non-native speakers can choose the spelling variant based on the regional form of English they are learning or using most frequently.
How should teachers approach teaching these spelling differences?
Teachers should inform students about both spelling conventions, especially in regions where English is taught as a second language, to prepare them for diverse linguistic contexts.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
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.
