Totaled Or Totalled: What Is The Big Difference?

637

I have mentioned this multiple times that one single word can have different spellings, but that does not mean one is correct and the other is not.  

So, if you are wondering which is the correct spelling, totaled or totalled, both are correct, but in two separate countries. 

Totaled is the right spelling if you are a resident of the United States or writing in US English. If you write totalled in US English, it would be a misspelling of the word. However, in UK English, the right spelling is totalled. 

Totaled or Totalled: Which One Is Correct?

The accurate spelling of totaled is all about who you are writing for and the English style you are using. If you are new to this world, you may be unaware that there are two distinct English styles: British (UK) and American (US). 

Moreover, some of the words are spelled differently in these two styles. So, focus on your target audience and refer to the style guides to make sure you are always using the correct spelling. 

Otherwise, your audience might perceive you as unprofessional and dissatisfied with your work.  

Definition of Totaled

Going by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the past tense of the verb total is totaled. This means: 

1. To sum up a number 

2. To add up or compute 

3. Destroying or making a complete mess of 

Similar Words and Synonyms of “Totaled”

Here are some of the synonyms of the words that can be used in its place. 

1. Numbered 

2. Amounted to 

3. Comprised 

4. Equaled 

5. Averaged 

6. Measured 

7. Summed 

8. Added 

9. Added up to 

10. Subtracted 

11. Constituted 

12. Came to 

13. Divided 

14. Wrecked 

15. Tallied 

16. Totalized 

17. Destroyed 

18. Calculated 

19. Shattered 

20. Smashed 

21. Ruined 

22. Demolished 

23. Broke 

24. Damaged 

25. Decimated 

26. Crushed 

27. Ravaged 

28. Blasted 

29. Pulverized 

30. Vaporized  

Totaled or Totalled: Pronunciation

When considering pronunciation, ‘totaled’ or ‘totalled’ are pronounced the same. The UK and US pronunciations are rarely different. Here is how ‘totaled’ and ‘totalled’ are pronounced.

1. The phonetic spelling of ‘totaled’ is: tow-tlld 

2. The phonetic spelling of ‘totalled’ is: tow-tlld 

Tips to Remember When to Use ‘Totaled’ vs. ‘Totalled’ 

Now that you know about the usage of ‘totaled’ or ‘totalled’, it is time to learn when and how to use it. Both mean the same, but are used in different writing styles.

1. Use ‘totaled’ when referring to a group of items or figures that have been added together. 

2. Use ‘totaled’ when you refer to an item or vehicle that has been destroyed. 

3. Moreover, you can ‘totaled’ when referring to items that are tallied or numbered. 

4. Use ‘totalled’ if you are targeting a British-speaking audience and referring to an accident that resulted in a complete loss. 

5. Also, you can use ‘totalled’ when you are referring to a figure from adding some numbers or items for a British-speaking audience. 

Examples of Sentences Using Totaled

Here are some sentences using totaled. 

1. When all the order numbers were totaled over the last three months, the total exceeded what everyone had expected. 

2. When I totaled my brother’s car, I was determined to find a high-paying job to pay him back for everything. 

3. Have you totaled everything correctly? If the numbers do not add up to a round hundred, then your calculation is incorrect. 

4. After you’ve totaled everything, submit the report and send it for approval. 

5. The environmental science project was totaled after Anne dropped it in the rain while going to school. 

6. Joe totaled just 9 points on 3-of-6 shooting. 

7. They were accumulating points throughout the tournament, and in the end, the points totaled and gave them a clear win. 

Examples of Sentences Using Totalled

Here are some of the sentences with ‘totalled’ in them. 

1. His car was totalled last year in an accident. 

2. If you have totalled it correctly, it will come to 1111. 

3. Even though the reviews were good, the car was completely totalled in the accident. 

4. Check if the totalled number matches any of the options mentioned below. 

5. Jane totalled the car last year, but managed to save herself somehow. 

6. The expense of the projects totaled $ 7 million. 

7. The team totalled eight wins this season. 

Examples of Words With Different Spelling In US and UK English

You have to familiarize yourself with the differences between these two writing styles. Here is a list that shows the same word has a different spelling in both styles. 

Serial No.	US Style	UK Style
1	Favorite	Favourite
2	Defense	Defence
3	License	licence
4	Color	Colour
5	Offense	Offence
6	Center	Centre
7	Fueling	Fuelling
8	Favor	Favour
9	Modeling	Modelling
10	Traveled	Travelled
11	Flavor	Flavour
12	Signaling	Signalling
13	Honor	Honour
14	Counselor	Counsellor
15	Equaling	Equalling

Which One Will You Use?

Now you know which one to use, totaled or totalled. It depends on your target audience and your writing style. Both spellings are correct. However, one is used in American English, and the other is used in British English.  

Young writers who are at the beginning of their careers are unsure of the differences between British and American English. If you are familiar only with American English, then avoid taking projects that require you to write in British Style.  

You will need to brush up on your skills. However, if you are confused, you can look up the term online for reference. 

LEARN MORE:

• Attain Vs Obtain: Can This be Used Interchangeably?
• Email Writing Class 12: Tips & Tricks To Make It Simple
• Weak Vs Week: What Is The Difference & How To Use It?