Modelling vs Modeling | Meaning, Spelling & Examples

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.

Modelled or modeled

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 noun modeller 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
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 modelling vs modeling

Is it 3D modelling or modeling?

Modelling and modeling are two spellings of the same verb. The spelling depends on the type of English you use:

  • 3D modelling is more common in British English.
  • 3D modeling is more common in American English.

It’s important to choose one and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.

Is it data modeling or modelling?

Modelling and modeling are two spellings of the same verb. The spelling depends on the type of English you use:

  • Data modelling is more common in British English.
  • Data modeling is more common in American English.

It’s important to choose one and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.

Is it financial modeling or modelling?

Modelling and modeling are two spellings of the same verb. The spelling depends on the type of English you use:

  • Financial modelling is more common in British English.
  • Financial modeling is more common in American English.

It’s important to choose one and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.

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Julia Merkus, MA

Julia has a bachelor in Dutch language and culture and two masters in Linguistics and Language and speech pathology. After a few years as an editor, researcher, and teacher, she now writes articles about her specialist topics: grammar, linguistics, methodology, and statistics.