Targetted or Targeted: The Simple Guide to Getting It Right

Ever stopped mid-sentence wondering if you should write targeted or targetted? You’re not alone in this confusion. Many people think targetted might be correct in British English, just like “colour” is used instead of “color.”

But here’s the good news: there’s only one right way to spell it. The answer works everywhere, whether you’re in London or New York. Once you understand the simple grammar rule, you’ll never hesitate again when writing this word.

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Targeted vs. Targetted: Which Spelling is Correct?

The Simple Answer

Targeted is the only correct way to spell this word. It doesn’t matter if you write in American English or British English. The Oxford English Dictionary and every major dictionary agrees on this spelling.

Targetted is just wrong. It’s a common misspelling that many people make. No official source accepts it as proper. This mistake happens because people mix up spelling rules that work for other words.

What You Need to Remember

When you want to write the past tense of target, always use targeted with one ‘t’. The same goes for “targeting” it also keeps just one ‘t’. This stays the same no matter what you’re writing about.

Whether you’re talking about targeted advertising, medical treatments, or anything else, the spelling never changes. Learn it once, and you’re set for life.

What Does Targeted Mean According to Dictionaries?

The Official Definition

The dictionary tells us that targeted is the past tense form of the verb “target.” It means you picked something specific to focus on or attack. You can use it in many different ways.

When a business focuses on young parents for their ads, they’ve targeted that group. When doctors treat a specific type of cancer cell, they use targeted therapy. The word fits into lots of everyday situations.

All Dictionaries Agree

Every trusted dictionary says the same thing about the correct spelling. Merriam-Webster, Cambridge, and Collins all list only targeted. You won’t find targetted listed as acceptable anywhere official.

This agreement across all sources makes things simple. Unlike some words that have real differences between countries, targeted stays the same worldwide. You can write with confidence knowing every expert agrees.

Why Targeted Uses Only One ‘T’: The Easy Grammar Rule

Understanding When to Double Letters

English has a spelling rule about when to double the last letter before adding endings like -ed or -ing. We double it when the last part of the word gets the strongest emphasis when you say it out loud.

For example, “stop” becomes “stopped” because the whole word is stressed. But this only happens when certain conditions are met. The word needs to end with consonant-vowel-consonant, and that last syllable needs to be the strongest.

How Stress Changes Spelling

Stress means which part of a word you emphasize when speaking. Take “refer”—you say re-FER with stress on the second part. That’s why it becomes “referred” with double consonants.

Words with just one syllable like “beg” always double their last letter. That’s because the whole word gets emphasized. So “beg” becomes “begged.” This pattern helps you predict how words change.

Examples of Words That Double

Plan → Planned (one syllable, gets full stress)
Stop → Stopped (one syllable, consonant-vowel-consonant pattern)
Shop → Shopped (follows the doubling rule perfectly)
Prefer → Preferred (stress on second syllable: pre-FER)
Commit → Committed (stress on final part: com-MIT)
Wrap → Wrapped (one syllable word)
Beg → Begged (single syllable requires doubling)

Where the Stress Falls in Target

“Target” has two syllables: TAR-get. The important part is where you put emphasis when saying it. You say TAR-get, stressing the first part, not the second.

Because the stress lands on TAR, not “get,” we don’t double the ‘t’. This isn’t breaking the rule, it’s actually following it perfectly. We only add -ed to make targeted without changing anything else.

Comparing Target to Other Words

Look at “refer” you say re-FER with emphasis at the end. That’s why it needs double consonants to become “referred.” “Target” works differently because TAR-get puts emphasis at the start.

This difference explains why similar-looking words behave differently. “Market” works like “target” (MAR-ket), so we write “marketed.” “Budget” does too, giving us “budgeted.” The stress pattern is the key.

All Forms of Target

The basic form is “target” for present tense. Add an ‘s’ for third person: “targets.” For ongoing actions, use “targeting” as the present participle.

Both past tense and past participle use targeted. Notice how none of these forms add an extra ‘t’. This consistency makes the pattern easy to remember.

The British English Myth About Targetted

Why This Confusion Exists

Many people think targetted is the British spelling, like how Brits write “colour” instead of “color.” This assumption makes sense but it’s completely wrong. No version of English uses targetted.

British dictionaries clearly state the spelling is targeted with one ‘t’. The confusion comes from seeing patterns in other words and applying them incorrectly here. Understanding real British English rules clears this up.

The Truth About US vs UK Spelling

There is no difference between American and British use of this word. Both write targeted exactly the same way. Oxford Dictionaries, which sets British English standards, confirms this completely.

This means you can write the same way for any audience. Whether your readers are in America, Britain, or anywhere else, targeted is always right.

Why the Wrong Spelling Keeps Appearing

People see “committed” and “referred” and think “target” should work the same way. Also, some spell checkers don’t always catch targetted, so the mistake spreads.

When you see wrong spellings online repeatedly, they start looking normal. But knowing the actual rule protects you from copying these errors.

How to Use Targeted Correctly in Sentences

Business Writing

The advertisement targeted parents who have kids under five years old
The email campaign targeted potential customers living in big cities
The company targeted young professionals who care about the environment
The new advertising strategy targeted a niche market of outdoor enthusiasts
Targeted marketing works better than trying to reach everyone

Technology

The virus targeted computers that hadn’t updated their security software
The cyberattack targeted financial institutions worldwide causing major disruptions
Software updates often fix specific problems that targeted bugs affecting performance
Targeted attacks in cybersecurity refer to planned intrusions
Developers release patches to improve user experience

Social Issues

The documentary targeted environmental problems in beach towns facing floods
The new law targeted plastic waste by limiting what manufacturers can use
The charity targeted low-income families who needed food and housing help
Targeted help makes real differences in communities
These programs focus resources where they’re needed most

Security

The police targeted gang members in areas with high crime rates
The military targeted enemy bases in strategic locations
Security systems work to stop unauthorized access
These protections keep people and information safe from threats

Other Words That Mean Targeted

Common Alternatives

Aimed means you pointed your efforts at something specific. Focused shows you concentrated on one particular thing. Directed suggests you guide actions toward a goal.

Intended means you planned something for a specific purpose. Each word has slightly different shades of meaning. Using variety makes your writing more interesting.

When to Use Different Words

If you’ve already used targeted twice, switch to aimed or focused. This keeps your writing fresh and engaging. Different contexts work better with different words.

Business writing might prefer “focused” while formal reports might use “directed.” Choosing the right word improves how people understand your message.

Simple Tips to Remember the Correct Spelling

Easy Memory Tricks

Think “one target, one ‘t’ at the end.” The stress falls on TAR, not “get,” so you don’t double it. Remember that “market” follows the same pattern and doesn’t double either.

These simple tricks help the correct spelling stick in your mind. After using it correctly a few times, it becomes automatic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Targetted is the biggest error, that extra ‘t’ is wrong. Similarly, “targetting” doubles when it shouldn’t. The correct form is “targeting.” Some people also write “targetter” instead of “targeter.”

Reading your work carefully catches these mistakes. Grammar tools can help, but understanding the rule is better than relying on software alone.

The Complete Grammar Rule Explained Simply

The Basic Formula

Words need three things to double their last letter: they must end in consonant-vowel-consonant, the ending you add must start with a vowel, and the stress must be on the last syllable.

When all three conditions exist, you double. If any condition is missing, you keep the single letter. This works for thousands of English words.

How to Apply This to Target

First, count the syllables: TAR-get has two. Second, notice where the stress goes: clearly on TAR. Third, check the ending: -get is consonant-vowel-consonant.

Fourth, apply the logic: since stress isn’t on the last part, don’t double. Fifth, add your ending: targeted, “targeting,” or “targeter.” Follow these steps and you’ll get it right every time.

How Targeted is Used in Real Life

In Marketing

Targeted advertising changed how businesses reach customers. Instead of showing ads to everyone, companies show them to people most likely to buy. This saves money and works better.

Businesses analyze data to understand their audience. Then they create messages that speak directly to those people’s needs and interests.

In Healthcare

Targeted therapy treats cancer by attacking specific cell problems. Unlike older treatments that harm healthy cells too, these new methods are more precise. Patients often have fewer side effects.

Screening programs target people at high risk for certain diseases. Finding problems early leads to better outcomes and lower costs.

Common Questions About Targeted vs Targetted

Is Targetted Ever Correct in British English?

No, targetted is never correct in any form of English. British English uses targeted with one ‘t’, just like American English does. The Oxford Dictionary confirms this clearly.

There’s no regional variation for this word. It’s spelled the same way everywhere in the world.

Why Do So Many People Use Targetted?

People see words like “committed” and “referred” that double their letters. They assume “target” should work the same way. But the stress pattern is different, so the rule doesn’t apply.

Also, seeing the wrong spelling online makes it seem normal. Once you understand the real rule, the mistake becomes obvious.

When Do I Use Targeted vs Targeting?

Use targeted for things that happened in the past: “We targeted customers last month.” Use “targeting” for things happening now: “We are targeting new areas.”

The timing of the action determines which form you need. Past actions need targeted, ongoing actions need “targeting.”

Can Targetted Be Right in Any Situation?

Never. Targetted is always wrong in proper English writing. It’s not a variant, not slang, not acceptable anywhere. Always use targeted no matter what you’re writing.

Professional writing requires accuracy. Using the correct spelling shows you pay attention to details.

How Can I Tell Which Words Double Their Letters?

Check where the stress falls when you say the word. If the last syllable gets emphasis and it ends in consonant-vowel-consonant, you double. If not, you don’t.

When you’re unsure, look it up in a dictionary. This takes seconds and prevents embarrassing mistakes.

Conclusion

Understanding targetted or targeted is simpler than you thought. Targeted is always the right choice, whether you write in American English or British English. The grammar rule depends on where the stress falls.

Since TAR-get emphasizes the first part, we don’t double the ‘t’. This applies to all forms like “targeting” and “targeter.” There’s no special case where targetted becomes acceptable.

Use this knowledge confidently in everything you write. Understanding spelling rules improves all your communication. Now you can help others get this word right too.