Modelling and modeling are both correct spellings of the present participle and gerund of the verb “model,” meaning “create a representation of something,” “shape something (like clay),” or “display something by wearing it.”
The spelling depends on whether you use British English or American English.
In British English, “modelling” with a double “l” is the most common.
In American English, “modeling” with one “l” is standard.
It’s important to choose one spelling and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.
Examples: Modelling or modeling in a sentence Scientist use climate modelling/modeling to predict the effects of global warming.
My big dream is modelling/modeling for Lancôme.
Destiny has been modelling/modeling for years before trying a career in theater.
The difference in spelling is also true for similar verbs, such as labelling or labeling and travelling or traveling.
The spelling difference also applies to the past tense verb modelled or modeled.
In British English, “modelled” with a double “l” is the most common.
In American English, “modeled" with one “l” is standard.
Examples: Modelled or modeled in a sentence
I modelled/modeled for five years in college, so I can give you some advice.
Rayleigh modelled/modeled the behavior of molecules in a computer simulation.
The teacher modelled/modeled problem-solving techniques for the students.
The difference in spelling is also true for similar verbs, such as cancelled or canceled, levelled or leveled, and travelled or traveled.
Modeller or modeler
The same spelling difference applies to the related nounmodeller or modeler, which refers to someone who creates abstract or physical models or someone who employs models to draw conclusions from.
In British English, “modeller” with a double “l” is the most common.
In American English, “modeler" with one “l” is standard.
Examples: Modeller or modeler in a sentence
The 3D modeller/modeler used software to create a representation of the product.
Soleil is a car modeller/modeler who designs intricate scale models of classic cars.
The modeller/modeler spent hours painting miniature aircrafts in the right color.
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:
Difference
Rule
Examples
-or vs -our
In American English, many Latin-derived words end in -or.
In British English, these same words end in -our.
Behavior or behaviour Labor or labour Favor or favour Favorite or favourite Color or colour Honor or honour
-er vs -re
In American English, some French, Latin, or Greek words end in -er.
In British English, these same words end in -re.
Theater or theatre Center or centre Meter or metre Liter or litre Saber or sabre Fiber or fibre
-ize vs -ise
In American English, many Greek-derived words end in -yze or -ize.
In British English, these words end in -yse or -ise.
Realize or realise Recognize or recognise Analyze or analyse Organize or organise Minimize or minimise Finalize or finalise
-ed vs -t
In American English, most verbs are regular and form their past tense with the suffix -ed.
In British English, some of these verbs are irregular and form their past tense with the suffix -t.
Learned or learnt Burned or burnt Kneeled or knelt Dreamed or dreamt Smelled or smelt Spelled or spelt
Single vs double consonant
In American English, many words are spelled with a single consonant.
In British English, these same words are spelled with a double consonant.
Modeling or modelling Traveling or travelling Canceled or cancelled Labeled or labelled Buses or busses Focused or focussed
Recommended language articles
Do you want to know more about common mistakes, commonly confused words, or other language topics? Check out some of our other language articles full of examples and quizzes.
Julia has master's degrees in Linguistics and Language and speech pathology. Her expertise lies in grammar, language and speech disorders, foreign language learning, and child language acquisition.