Is It Judgment or Judgement? | Spelling & Examples
Judgment and judgement are two ways of spelling the same noun, which means “opinion,” “the act of forming an opinion,” or “the ability to form an opinion.”
The spelling depends on whether you use British English or American English.
- In American English, “judgment” (with no “e”) is the only correct spelling.
- In British English, “judgement” (with an “e”) is the standard spelling, but “judgment” is used instead in legal contexts.
Examples: Judgment or judgement in a sentence
Myron faced judgment/judgement for his unconventional choices.
I don’t want to make a hasty judgment/judgement of someone’s parenting style.
We would have expected better judgment/judgement from you, Latifa.
Myron faced judgment/judgement for his unconventional choices.
I don’t want to make a hasty judgment/judgement of someone’s parenting style.
We would have expected better judgment/judgement from you, Latifa.
Against my better judgment or judgement
The phrase against my better judgment or judgement is used to state that something you did wasn’t smart or wasn’t in line with your principles. The phrase can also be modified to refer to other people (e.g., “her better judgment”). The same spelling difference applies.
- In American English, “against my better judgment” (with no “e”) is correct.
- In British English, “against my better judgement” (with an “e”) is standard.
Examples: Against my better judgment or judgement in a sentence
He joined the risky venture against his better judgment/judgement.
Against my better judgment/judgement, I lent him my car.
Sam started dating her again, against her better judgment/judgement.
He joined the risky venture against his better judgment/judgement.
Against my better judgment/judgement, I lent him my car.
Sam started dating her again, against her better judgment/judgement.
Note
If it’s used at the start of a sentence, the phrase “Against my better judg(e)ment” should be followed by a comma, like other introductory phrases.
If it’s used at the start of a sentence, the phrase “Against my better judg(e)ment” should be followed by a comma, like other introductory phrases.
Exception (British English): Judgment in legal contexts
Judgement is the standard spelling in British English, but in legal contexts, judgment (with no “e”) is used (i.e., to refer to the decision of a court or judge). This is recommended by style authorities such as Oxford style.
In American English, the latter spelling is always used, so no distinction is made between legal contexts and other uses.
In American English, the latter spelling is always used, so no distinction is made between legal contexts and other uses.
Examples: Judgment in legal contexts (British English)
The final judgment in the case was delivered after consideration of all evidence.
The appellate court’s judgment overturned the previous ruling.
A judgment in a civil case may result in financial compensation for the injured party.
The final judgment in the case was delivered after consideration of all evidence.
The appellate court’s judgment overturned the previous ruling.
A judgment in a civil case may result in financial compensation for the injured party.
Main differences between American and British English
American and British English are very similar, but there are a few main differences in spelling. Five important differences are:
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Frequently asked questions about judgment or judgement
Is it judgement or judgment in AP style?
Judgment and judgement are two spellings of the same noun. The spelling depends on the type of English.
- In American English, you use “judgment” (with no “e”).
- In British English, you use “judgement” (with an “e”).
AP style follows American English guidelines, so judgment (without an “e”) is correct.
It's important touse one spelling consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.
Is it judgement-free or judgment-free?
Judgment and judgement are two spellings of the same noun. The spelling depends on the type of English.
- In American English, you use “judgment” (no “e”), so judgment-free is correct.
- In British English, you use “judgement” (with an “e”), so judgement-free is correct.
It's important to choose one and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.