Have you ever come across the word targetted and wondered if it’s a typo or an accepted variant? You’re not alone. English can be tricky, especially when it comes to spelling. If you’ve spent any time writing, whether professionally or personally, you’ve probably found yourself second-guessing certain words. “Targetted” versus “Targeted” is one such pair that causes confusion, especially since “targetted” seems to pop up more often than it should. But don’t worry – we’ve got your back. This article will dive deep into the differences between “targetted” and “targeted,” explain which one is correct, and explore some of the rules around spelling in English. By the end, you’ll never doubt the correct spelling again!
Targetted or Targeted? Which One Is Correct?
When you’re writing and wondering whether to use targetted or targeted, here’s the bottom line: targeted is the only correct spelling. Targetted may seem like a legitimate option, but it’s not considered standard English. Although it appears frequently in some texts, it’s an error that results from a misunderstanding of spelling conventions.
Let’s break it down:
- Targeted is the proper form of the verb “target” when used in the past tense or as an adjective. It follows standard English spelling rules.
- Targetted simply doesn’t align with these rules and is not accepted by modern dictionaries or grammar authorities.
In fact, targetted doesn’t have any standing in either American or British English, despite what some may think. It’s a product of incorrect spelling that has surfaced over time due to confusion with other similar words.
Why Is “Targetted” Incorrect?
Spelling Rules in English One of the most common spelling rules in English involves doubling the consonant when adding suffixes like -ed or -ing. For example:
- Hop → Hopped
- Plan → Planned
- Stop → Stopped
This rule applies when the base word has a single stressed vowel followed by a consonant. However, target doesn’t follow this pattern.
Why? Because target has only one stressed syllable. Therefore, when you add the -ed suffix, you don’t need to double the t. It’s simply targeted.
Here’s an example of how the doubling rule works with other words:
- Cuddle → Cuddled
- Referred → Referred But because target is a one-syllable word, doubling the t isn’t necessary. Therefore, “targetted” becomes an incorrect form.
Definition of “Targeted”
Understanding the correct spelling of targeted is just one part of mastering the word. To use it properly, it’s crucial to know its meaning.
Targeted can be:
- A verb (past tense)
- To aim or direct something toward a specific target. Example: “The charity targeted high-income households for donations.”
- An adjective
- Something that has been specifically chosen, aimed at, or intended for a particular group or purpose. Example: “The targeted marketing campaign led to increased sales.”
Essentially, targeted means focused on a specific objective or person.
Examples of “Targeted” in Sentences
Let’s explore how to use targeted in a variety of contexts. Whether you’re writing a business report, a marketing email, or simply explaining something in casual conversation, knowing how to use targeted correctly will help you sound more professional and clear.
As a verb (past tense)
- “The company targeted young adults for its new tech product.”
- “They targeted specific regions for expansion based on market research.”
- “The government has targeted healthcare reform as a key priority.”
As an adjective
- “Their targeted advertising reached the most relevant audience.”
- “The charity’s targeted donations helped people in need during the holiday season.”
- “The targeted strategies improved employee retention rates.”
As you can see, targeted helps to narrow focus to specific groups, goals, or ideas. It’s an essential term, especially in marketing, management, and policy discussions.
Synonyms for “Targeted”
If you want to avoid repeating the word targeted or need variety in your writing, here are some useful synonyms:
- Aimed
- Focused
- Directed
- Pinpointed
- Designated
- Intended
- Specified
Using these synonyms in different contexts can help make your writing more dynamic and engaging. Just be mindful of the nuances each word brings to the table.
Why Do Some People Think “Targetted” Is British English?
There’s a persistent belief that targetted might be a British spelling, but that’s simply not the case. Some people mistakenly associate words like targetted with British English because they’re familiar with the rule that British English often doubles consonants when adding -ed or -ing to verbs (for instance, travelled in British English vs. traveled in American English).
However, targetted does not follow this rule in either variant of English. British and American English both use targeted. The appearance of targetted is an error, not a regional variation.
Key Takeaways on “Targetted” vs. “Targeted”
To recap:
- Targeted is the only correct form.
- Targetted is an incorrect variant that doesn’t follow English spelling rules.
- The rule for doubling consonants only applies when a word has a stressed vowel before a consonant. Target doesn’t meet that condition.
- There’s no difference in the usage of targeted between American and British English.
- Using targetted will make your writing look less polished and could confuse readers.
Conclusion
English spelling can be tricky, and there’s no shortage of commonly confused words. However, when it comes to targetted vs. targeted, the solution is simple: stick with targeted. It’s the grammatically correct form, and it will keep your writing clear, professional, and error-free.
Whether you’re writing emails, blog posts, reports, or academic papers, proper spelling makes a huge difference in the clarity and credibility of your work. So, make it a point to double-check words like targetted that tend to pop up due to common misunderstandings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between “targetted” and “targeted”?
The difference is that “targeted” is the correct spelling, while “targetted” is an incorrect form. “Targetted” arises from confusion about doubling consonants in spelling, but it’s not used in modern English.
Can you provide an example of when to use “targeted” in a sentence?
Sure! Here’s an example:
- “The team targeted young professionals in their marketing campaign.”
Why do some people mistakenly use “targetted”?
Some people assume the double t is necessary, following patterns seen in other English words like cuddled or travelled. However, this rule doesn’t apply to target.
How can I remember the correct spelling?
Remember that target has only one stressed syllable, so it doesn’t need a doubled consonant. It’s simple: just keep it as targeted!
Is “targetted” a British spelling?
No, targetted is not a British English word. Both British and American English use targeted as the correct form.
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