“Targetted or Targeted” can be confusing, but understanding spelling rules and English grammar helps clarify the difference. Many writers make errors with past tense verbs, especially when dealing with doubling consonants and word stress patterns.
Some believe “targetted” follows the rule of doubling the last consonant before adding “-ed,” but this is incorrect. In both British vs. American English, the accepted spelling is “targeted.”
Learning the correct spelling is essential for business writing, professional communication, and marketing campaigns, ensuring clarity and credibility. This guide will break down the differences, explore common misspellings, and explain why “targetted” is a mistake, helping you write with confidence and accuracy.
Quick Summary
One of the most common spelling mistakes people make is using “Targetted” instead of “Targeted.” If you’ve ever found yourself second-guessing this word, you’re not alone. Many writers, especially in business communication, marketing campaigns, and professional writing, struggle with spelling rules when forming past tense verbs.
The correct spelling is “Targeted”, with a single “t.” The version with double “t” is a misspelling and does not appear in standard English dictionaries. This error often happens because of confusion around doubling consonants when adding the suffix “-ed.”
However, the structure of “Target” does not follow the rule that requires a consonant to be doubled. Understanding the logic behind English grammar, word stress patterns, and linguistic conventions will help ensure proper spelling.
Understanding Targetted or Targeted
Many people assume that “Target” should follow the same rule as words like “Commit” (Committed) or “Permit” (Permitted), where the final consonant doubled before adding “-ed.” This happens because those words have stress on the last syllable. In contrast, “Target” places stress on the first syllable, meaning that its “t” does not get doubled.
In phonetics and phonology, word stress patterns play a crucial role in determining when a consonant is doubled. When a verb has a single vowel followed by a consonant and the final syllable is stressed, the consonant is usually doubled before adding “-ed.” However, because “Target” has its stress on the first syllable, the “t” remains single in the past tense form “Targeted.”
This rule applies broadly across British vs. American English, meaning that both variations of English recognize “Targeted” as the only correct spelling. Unlike words such as “Travelling” (British) vs. “Traveling” (American), “Targetted” is incorrect in all cases.
Targetted: Definition and Usage
If you search for “Targetted” in a dictionary validation tool or a grammar checker, you’ll find that it is not a recognized word. People often mistakenly use it when they misapply spelling rules for past tense verbs.
Even in business writing or marketing terminology, using “Targetted” can damage writing professionalism because it is a spelling mistake.
Some assume “Targetted” exists because the double “t” looks natural, similar to words like “Regretted” or “Admitted.” However, it does not follow the same suffix rules, making it incorrect.
5 Synonyms for “Targetted” (Misspelling)
| Alternative Words | Definition |
| Aimed | Focused on a specific goal or audience |
| Directed | Pointed toward a certain objective |
| Pinpointed | Identified precisely |
| Marked | Noted for special attention |
| Scoped | Examined and chosen carefully |
Since “Targetted” is incorrect, it is best to use one of these words instead.
Targeted: Definition and Usage
The correct spelling, “Targeted,” is widely used in professional communication, marketing, and business writing. It is the standard form of the verb “Target” in the past tense. Whether discussing a marketing campaign, a business strategy, or a military operation, “Targeted” is the only acceptable form.
Using “Targeted” ensures writing professionalism and grammar check tools will not flag your content as incorrect. This is especially important for business communication, where credibility matters. A well-structured, error-free document reflects strong linguistic conventions and attention to detail.
5 Synonyms for “Targeted” (Correct Spelling)
| Alternative Words | Definition |
| Focused | Concentrated on a specific goal |
| Geared | Designed for a particular audience |
| Tailored | Customized for a specific need |
| Intended | Planned or meant for something |
| Strategized | Developed with a clear goal in mind |
These words can help when you want to avoid repetition in business writing or marketing campaigns.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Targetted (Incorrect) | Targeted (Correct) |
| Spelling Rule | Double “t” (incorrect) | Single “t” (correct) |
| Dictionary Validation | Not recognized | Officially recognized |
| Usage in Writing | Avoid using it | Accepted in all contexts |
| Grammar Check | Flags as incorrect | Approved spelling |
Understanding these differences ensures that you always use the correct spelling in professional and casual writing.
Everyday Usage Examples
Targetted (Incorrect Usage)
- ❌ The advertisement targetted young customers.
- ❌ The campaign targetted people interested in fitness.
- ❌ The military targetted high-risk zones.
Targeted (Correct Usage)
- ✅ The advertisement targeted young customers.
- ✅ The campaign targeted people interested in fitness.
- ✅ The military targeted high-risk zones.
FAQs: Targetted or Targeted
Which is correct: Targetted or Targeted?
The correct spelling is Targeted. “Targetted” is an incorrect spelling and does not appear in any reputable dictionary validation.
Why do people mistakenly write “Targetted”?
Because some words double their consonants when forming the past tense, people incorrectly assume “Target” follows the same spelling rules.
Does British English use “Targetted”?
No, both British and American English recognize “Targeted” as the only correct spelling.
What are some synonyms for “Targeted”?
Words like focused, strategized, tailored, and directed can replace “Targeted” in different contexts.
Grammar Rules and Examples
To understand why “Targetted” is incorrect, consider the general rule:
- If a word has a stressed final syllable before adding “-ed,” the consonant doubles. Example: Admit → Admitted.
- If the stress is on the first syllable, the consonant does not double. Example: Target → Targeted.
Since “Target” has stress on the first syllable, its past tense form remains “Targeted” with a single “t.” This is a standard rule in English grammar and applies to similar words like “Benefit → Benefited” and “Focus → Focused.”
Conclusion
Using the correct spelling is essential for business writing, marketing terminology, and professional communication. “Targeted” is the correct form, while “Targetted” is a common misspelling. Understanding word stress patterns, suffix rules, and past tense verb formation will help you avoid mistakes. Always use spell-check tools and refer to dictionaries for accuracy. Next time you’re writing, remember: “Targeted” is always right.
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