Totaling or Totalling : Learn The Right Spelling
There can be a heated debate among English speakers over the words “Totaling or Totalling “. They both mean the same thing but there’s a twist in how they are spelled depending on where you are in the world.
Let’s dig into these differences between “totalling or totaling “ despite the regional divide and discover how mastering this spelling can enhance your writing clarity and explore why understanding this nuance is important for effective communication.
What does “Totalling or Totaling” Mean?
“Totaling or totalling” serves as the present participle of the verb “total,” meaning to add numbers together.“ Despite these spelling differences, both terms “totaling vs totalling “ convey the same message ,showing ongoing action in the process of calculating sums.
As a noun, “totaling” refers to the process of summing up figures or amounts, often seen in contexts like finance or accounting.This term encapsulates not just the act of calculation but also the importance of clarity and accuracy in financial reporting
In contrast, “totalling” as an adjective often describes something that encompasses all elements or is comprehensive. For Example , one might use it to refer to a “totalling assessment” , highlighting its thoroughness by evaluating all aspects of a project.
“Totalling” or “Totaling”: What’s the Difference?
The difference between “totaling or totalling” basically lies in their spelling,
In British English → you’ll often find “totalling” ,the double ‘l’ is standard.
while American English → opts for a single ‘l ‘ ,favors “totaling.”
Despite these spelling differences, both terms mean the same thing “showing ongoing action in the process of calculating sums. “Whether in a financial report or you’re doing the math, the choice between these spellings can reflect your linguistic preferences and geographical location .We can say that these variations also serve as a window into cultural identity
Why is there Confusion Between “Totaling or Totalling”?
The difference between “totalling vs totaling” stems from early 20th-century efforts to simplify and transform American English spelling .
Words like “cancelling ” morphed into “canceling,”
turning “totalling” into “totaling”
reflecting a trend where double consonants were often dropped in favor of streamlined versions.
There are some other words that make people double minded and cause confusion in spelling like Trailor vs Trailer , Tying or Tieing .
Synonyms of “Totalling or Totaling”
Here are synonyms along with their meanings for “totaling or totalling”:
Summing – Adding numbers or quantities together to find the total.
Example: We got the final budget idea by summing all the expenses .
Calculating – Determining a numerical result using mathematical methods, often involves complex operations rather than simple addition .
Example: He is calculating the overall cost of the project.
Aggregating – Combining multiple numbers, items, or data points into a single total or whole.
Example: He was asked to prepare a report focusing on aggregating data from various sources.
Tallying – Counting items and keeping a record.
Example: The volunteers are tallying the votes from the election.
Enumerating – Listing items one by one, often in a systematic way, ideal for contexts where every detail matters
Example: He is enumerating all the expenses for the monthly report.
SOURCES: Thesaurus.com (54 Synonyms & Antonyms for TOTALING).
Using “Totaling or Totalling” in Sentences
Totaling:
- The final invoice came in, totaling $200.
- She bought groceries totaling $75 for the week.
- My new project expenses are totaling more than we anticipated.
- The event that she organized had attendees totaling over 500 people.
- They processed orders totaling thousands of dollars in sales.
Totalling:
- Her shopping receipt showed items totalling £150.
- She received multiple job offers, totalling five in just one month.
- The damages from the flood were quite severe, totalling thousands of pounds.
- They packed supplies totalling over 100 kilograms for the trip.
- Her company faced legal claims totalling millions after the incident.
A Final Look
In British English, the double ‘l’ is preferred, while American English uses just one. Despite these spelling differences, both terms mean the same thing “showing ongoing action in the process of calculating sums. Whether you’re totaling up project costs, totalling sales figures, or summing up expenses, the choice between “totaling or totalling “can reflect your geographical location and linguistic preference .
Sources: Cambridge Dictionary (TOTALLING | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary), Grammarist (Totaled/totaling vs. totalled/totalling)
FAQ,S
How do you use totalling?
Her shopping receipt showed items totalling £150.
She received multiple job offers, totalling five in just one month.
What do you mean by totalling?
“Totaling or totalling” serves as the present participle of the verb “total,” meaning to add numbers together.
Is it totaling or totalling in English?
In British English → you’ll often find “totalling” ,the double ‘l’ is standard.
while American English → opts for a single ‘l ‘ ,favors “totaling.”Despite these spelling differences, both terms mean the same thing “showing ongoing action in the process of calculating sums.
What is the meaning of totalling amount?
A total is a whole or complete amount, and “to total” is to add numbers or to destroy something. In math, you total numbers by adding them: the result is the total.
How do you use totaling?
The event that she organized had attendees totaling over 500 people.
They processed orders totaling thousands of dollars in sales.
