The English language has expanded with time and is now the official language of 67 countries. With this expansion, comes diversity in dialects and how certain words are spelled. One such variation is in the use of the words “labelled vs labeled.”
Here is how they are different.
| Labelled | Labeled | |
| Spelling | Australia | US |
| Examples | – He labelled the package. | – She labeled the folder. |
| – The bottles were labelled correctly. | – The cans were labeled properly. | |
| – The labelling process is important. | – Proper labeling ensures clarity. |
Let’s explore this difference in detail.
US Vs Australia
The core difference between labelled and labeled lies in their regional usage. Here’s the breakdown:
Labeled:
This spelling reigns supreme in American English. It reflects a general tendency in American English to favour simpler spellings, dropping extra letters where possible (e.g., center vs. centre, color vs. colour).
- The scientists labeled the new compound X-23.
- The teacher labeled each student’s paper with a grade.
- We shouldn’t be so quick to label someone without understanding their situation.
Labelled:
This version finds its home in British and Australian English and other dialects that follow similar spelling conventions. The double “l” aligns with the verb form “to label” and maintains consistency with other words that follow the “-el” + consonant + “le” pattern (e.g., cancelled, travelled).
- The box was clearly labelled “Fragile.” (Here, “labelled” maintains consistency with the verb form.)
- The historian labelled the period as a golden age.
- Despite being labelled an outsider, he eventually rose to become a leader.
While the regional distinction is the primary factor, there can be some overlap in usage. Here are some additional points to consider:
- Formal vs. Informal Writing: In formal writing, especially academic papers or publications with a global readership, it’s safer to stick with “labeled” as it’s more widely understood. In informal contexts, either spelling might be acceptable depending on the intended audience.
- Style Guides and Consistency: If you are following a specific style guide (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago), it will usually dictate the preferred spelling. Consistency within your writing is crucial, so choose one spelling and stick to it throughout the piece.
- Label vs lable: “Label” is the correct spelling. “Lable” is a misspelling and not a recognised word.
Professional Assignment Help!
From dissertation and essays to literature review and analysis, we can help you with all types of assignments.
- Original Work
- Grammar and Punctuation
- Precision and Clarity
- Zero Plagiarism
- Excellent Customer Service
Examples Of Labelled Vs Labeled
Here are some examples to showcase the difference between labelled and labeled.
- The bottles were accurately labelled with their contents.
- He labelled each folder before organising them.
- The products were carefully labelled for shipping.
- The instructions clearly labeled the steps to follow.
- The folders were neatly labelled for easy access.
- She labelled the jars with grey stickers.
- The scientist labeled each sample for identification.
- The packages were properly labelled for delivery.
- The designer labelled the different components.
- He labeled the map with important landmarks.
- The data was incorrectly labeled in the spreadsheet.
- The file was incorrectly labeled in the system.
- They labelled the boxes with permanent markers.
- The products were incorrectly labelled with the wrong names.
- She labelled the envelopes with addresses.
- The machine labelled the bottles automatically.
- The teacher labeled the diagrams with annotations.
- The boxes were labeled according to their contents.
- He labelled the buttons for easy identification.
- The samples were labelled with serial numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both “labelled” and “labeled” are correct spellings, with “labelled” being more commonly used in Australian English, while “labeled” is preferred in American English. They both refer to the past tense and past participle form of the verb “to label,” meaning to attach a tag or designation to something for identification or categorisation.
In Canada, both “labelled” and “labeled” are accepted spellings. Canadian English often follows British and Australian English conventions, favouring “labelled” with a double ‘l’. However, due to the influence of American English, “labeled” with a single ‘l’ is also commonly used and understood in Canadian writing.
In Australia, the preferred spelling is “labelled.” Australian English tends to follow British English conventions in spelling, hence “labelled” is more commonly used, consistent with British spelling conventions.
The word “label” is a noun or a verb, referring to a tag or designation used for identification. “Labelled” is the past tense and past participle form of the verb “to label,” indicating that something has been marked or designated with a label.
“Labelled” means that something has been marked or designated with a label, tag, or identifier. It indicates that an object, item, or concept has been given a specific name, category, or description for the purpose of identification or organisation.
Examples of labelled items include labelled jars in a pantry indicating their contents (e.g., “flour,” “sugar”), labelled folders in a filing cabinet with names or categories, and labelled diagrams in textbooks providing annotations or descriptions for clarity and understanding.
A labelled diagram is a visual representation, such as a drawing or illustration, that includes annotations or labels to identify and explain the various parts, components, or features of the depicted object, system, process, or concept.
