Targetted or Targeted: Understand The Correct Spelling

Deciding between targetted or targeted for the correct spelling can be puzzling for you.

You might think that “targetted” is the correct way to spell something in British English. But in any form of English, “targetted” is not the right word.

The correct spelling is “targeted,” whether you’re writing in English or American English.

Targeted vs. Targetted

“Targeted” is universally recognized as the past tense of ‘target.’

Yet, this word often stirs up confusion in your mind. This is because of a complicated rule in English grammar about adding endings like -ed to words.

Meaning and correct spelling according to the dictionary

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) defines ‘targeted’ as the past tense and past participle of the verb ‘target,’ which means to select, as an object of attention or attack.

According to the same dictionary, the correct spelling of the word is with a single ‘t’: ‘targeted’. It confirms that the addition of an extra ‘t’ is an incorrect form. 

Why Targeted is the Correct Spelling

When words change form, they sometimes alter their spelling. When the word target is written in the past tense, its spelling changes and an -ed suffix is added to the end. 

Sometimes we have seen that words with -ed have double consonants before that suffix. 

Examples of words following that rule:

Plan	Planned
Stop	Stopped
Shop	Shopped
Beg	Begged
Wrap	Wrapped
Prefer	Preferred

However, “target” does not follow this pattern. The correct spelling of the past tense of “target” is “targeted” with a single ‘t’.

Why targeted does not have double ‘ts’ like some other past tense words

When adding endings that begin with vowels, like “-ing” (targeting) or “-ed” (targeted), we usually double the last letter.

But this rule applies on one condition: If the final syllable (part of the word you can say in one breath) of the word is the part we put the most voice/stress on when saying it.  

Eg: 

“Beg” is a one-syllable word(i.e., we can say it in one breath) so it becomes “begging” or “begged.”

“Refer” has two syllables, Re and Fer, and the second(Fer) syllable is stressed. so it becomes “referring”or ‘referred 

Target as an exception

“Target,” is also made of two syllables. “Tar” and “Get.”  However, we do not stress the second part. So, we don’t need to double the ‘t’. 

This is why we spell the word as “targeting” in the present tense and “targeted” in the past tense.

Examples of Sentences Using the Word “Targeted”

“The advertisement targeted parents with young children.” 

“The email campaign targeted potential customers in the area.” 

“The virus targeted computers running outdated operating systems.” 

“The documentary targeted environmental issues facing coastal communities.” 

“The new law targeted reducing plastic waste in the oceans.” 

“The new advertising strategy targeted a niche market of outdoor enthusiasts.” 

“The police targeted known gang members in the city’s crackdown on crime.” 

“The charity organization targeted low-income families for assistance.” 

“The military operation targeted enemy strongholds in the region.” 

“The company targeted a specific demographic with its latest product release.” 

Difference between the US and UK for the word ‘targeted’?

You might come across some resources that incorrectly propose ‘targetted’ as a British English version. But it’s important for you to know that the word “targetted” is not a standard form and is often used incorrectly, even in British English.

No matter if you’re writing in American or British English, you should always use “targeted” when you need to be clear and correct. The reason people keep using “targetted” is because they don’t understand the spelling rule.

Frequently Asked Questions