English spelling can be tricky, and some word pairs cause more confusion than others. Targetted vs targeted is one of those pairs that frequently makes writers pause, especially in professional, academic, and writing. You may have seen both spellings used online, in ads, or even in official documents — which only adds to the confusion.
At first glance, they look almost identical and seem interchangeable. Many people assume both are correct spellings of the same word. However, that assumption leads to mistakes, especially in formal writing.
Although they look similar, they serve completely different purposes. Let’s clear this up once and for all 🎯✍️
What Is “Targeted”? (Correct Form)
Targeted is the standard, correct spelling in modern English.
Meaning
➡️ Targeted means aimed at a specific person, group, audience, or goal.
It comes from the noun target, and the verb to target, which means to aim or direct something intentionally.
How It’s Used
- Used as the past tense or past participle of the verb target
- Commonly used as an adjective
- Extremely frequent in marketing, business, education, technology, and everyday English
Where “Targeted” Is Used
✔️ American English
✔️ British English
✔️ Global English (formal and informal writing)
There are no regional restrictions.
Examples in Sentences
- “The company launched a targeted marketing campaign.”
- “Police targeted the main suspect.”
- “She created targeted ads for social media.”
Short Usage Note
In English spelling rules, when a verb ends in -et, you do not double the final consonant unless the stress pattern requires it (which it doesn’t here). That’s why target → targeted has only one t in the middle.
What Is “Targetted”? (Nonstandard Form)
Targetted is a nonstandard or incorrect spelling in modern English.
Meaning
➡️ It is often intended to mean the same thing as targeted, but it is not accepted in standard grammar.
How It’s Used
- Occasionally appears in informal writing
- Sometimes used by non-native speakers
- Rarely seen in outdated or inconsistent texts
Where “Targetted” Is Used
❌ Not standard in American English
❌ Not standard in British English
❌ Not recommended in professional, academic, or writing
Examples (Incorrect Usage)
- ❌ “This program is targetted toward students.”
✔️ Corrected versions:
- “This program is targeted toward students.”
Why People Use It
The confusion comes from verbs like:
- admit → admitted
- commit → committed
People assume target follows the same doubling rule — but it doesn’t.
Key Differences Between Targetted and Targeted
Quick Summary
- Targeted is correct and standard
- Targetted is incorrect in modern English
Comparison Table
| Feature | Targeted | Targetted |
|---|---|---|
| Correct spelling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Modern English usage | Standard | Nonstandard |
| Dictionary accepted | ✔️ Yes | ❌ Rare/obsolete |
| Used in US English | ✔️ Always | ❌ Never |
| Used in UK English | ✔️ Always | ❌ Never |
| professional writing | ✔️ Recommended | ❌ Avoid |
| Example | “Targeted ads work well.” | ❌ “Targetted ads work well.” |
Real-Life Conversation Examples
Dialogue 1
A: “Is it spelled targeted or targetted?”
B: “Always targeted — one T in the middle.”
🎯 Lesson: Modern English only accepts targeted.
Dialogue 2
A: “My editor corrected targetted to targeted.”
B: “That’s because the double-T version isn’t standard.”
🎯 Lesson: Editors and style guides prefer targeted.
Dialogue 3
A: “Why doesn’t target double the T?”
B: “Because the stress isn’t on the last syllable.”
🎯 Lesson: Stress rules affect spelling.
Dialogue 4
A: “Can I use targetted for British English?”
B: “No, British English also uses targeted.”
🎯 Lesson: Both US and UK English use the same spelling.
When to Use Targeted vs Targetted
Use “Targeted” When:
✔️ Writing any form of English
✔️ Creating content
✔️ Writing marketing, academic, or business material
✔️ You want grammatically correct text
Examples:
- “They ran a targeted email campaign.”
Avoid “Targetted” When:
❌ Writing professionally
❌ Publishing online
❌ Submitting academic work
❌ Creating content
Easy Memory Trick
➡️ Target + ed = Targeted
➡️ No extra letters needed 🎯
Fun Facts & History
1. Why “Targeted” Has One T
English spelling rules only double consonants when:
- The stress is on the last syllable
- The verb ends in consonant–vowel–consonant
Target fails the stress rule, so no doubling happens.
2. Tools Flag “Targetted”
Most grammar checkers, tools, and editors automatically flag targetted as a spelling error.
Conclusion
The difference between targetted and targeted is simpler than it looks. Targeted is the correct, standard spelling used in both American and British English. Targetted, while sometimes seen online, is considered incorrect or outdated in modern usage. The meaning never changes — only the spelling accuracy does. If you want clear, professional, and friendly writing, always choose targeted. Remember the simple rule: target + ed = targeted. Next time someone uses these two words, you’ll know exactly what they mean! ✅📘
Discover More Articles
Metric or Imperial: Units, Examples, and Real-World Uses
Fulfilment or Fulfillment: UK and US English Differences Explained
Blow or Blow: Complete Guide to Their Difference
