Is It Fulfil or Fulfill? | Spelling, Difference & Examples
Fulfil and fulfill are two ways of spelling the same verb, which means “achieve something” or “carry out a duty as required.”
The spelling depends on whether you use British English or American English.
- In British English, “fulfil” (with one “l”) is correct.
- In American English, “fulfill” (with a double “l”) is most common.
It’s important to choose one spelling and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.
Lee’s dream was to fulfil/fulfill his lifelong ambition of becoming a principal.
A teacher’s aide must fulfil/fulfill a number of classroom-related duties.
Fulfilment or fulfillment
The related noun fulfilment or fulfillment has the same spelling distinction. It refers to the achievement of something.
- In British English, “fulfilment” (with one “l”) is correct.
- In American English, “fulfillment” (with a double “l”) is most common.
The company’s mission is to help employees find fulfilment/fulfillment in their careers.
For some, traveling provides a unique sense of fulfilment/fulfillment.
Other forms of fulfil or fulfill
The spelling difference does not apply to the simple past tense, past participle, and present participle forms of the verb. You use fulfilled and fulfilling (with a double “l”) in both British and American English.
Many people find volunteering their time a fulfilling way to give back to the community.
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 Organisation or organization 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 |
Frequently asked questions about fulfil or fulfill
- Is it fulfil or fulfill in Australia?
-
Fulfil and fulfill are two spellings of the same verb. The spelling depends on the type of English.
- In American English, you use “fulfill” (with a double “l”).
- In British English, you use “fulfil” (with one “l”).
Australian English mostly follows British English guidelines, so “fulfil” with one “l” is most common.
It’s important to choose one and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.
- Is it fulfil or fulfill in Canada?
-
Fulfil and fulfill are two spellings of the same verb. The spelling depends on the type of English.
- In American English, you use “fulfill” (with a double “l”).
- In British English, you use “fulfil” (with one “l”).
While Canadian English mostly follows British English guidelines, both forms of the word are commonly used.
It’s important to choose one and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.
