You typed “model” plus “-ing” and suddenly weren’t sure how many L’s belong in the middle. That hesitation is normal, because English never settled on one rule for this word.
Both “modeling” and “modelling” are correct; the difference comes down to which country you’re writing for. American English uses one L (modeling), while British, Australian, and Canadian English use two (modelling).
Table of Contents
The Direct Answer
Modeling (one L) is the standard spelling in the United States. Modelling (two L’s) is the standard spelling in the United Kingdom, Australia, and most other English-speaking countries outside North America. Neither version is a typo. You’re not choosing between right and wrong, you’re choosing between two regional standards, the same way you’d pick “color” over “colour.”
If you’re writing for a US audience, a US company, or US-based publication, go with modeling. If your audience is British, Irish, Australian, or otherwise outside North America, use modelling.
What “Model” Actually Means
Before the spelling question makes sense, it helps to nail down the word itself. “Model,” as a verb, has three common meanings:
- To create a physical or digital representation of something (a scientist models climate data)
- To shape or form something, often with your hands (a sculptor models clay)
- To wear and display clothing or products professionally (she models for a fashion brand)
As a noun, “model” can also refer to the finished representation itself (a scale model of a bridge) or the person who displays clothing (a runway model). The “-ing” form modeling or modelling simply turns that verb into its present participle or gerund, the form you use for ongoing action (“I am modeling the data”) or as a noun (“Data modeling saved us weeks of guesswork”).
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Why the Two Spellings Exist
The confusion traces back to a small but real difference between American and British spelling conventions. In British English, when a verb ends in a single vowel followed by a single “L” (like model), and you add a suffix that starts with a vowel (like “-ing” or “-ed”), the L gets doubled. That’s the same rule that gives you traveller, cancelled, and labelling.
American English dropped that doubling rule for most two-syllable words where the stress falls on the first syllable. Since “MOD-el” is stressed on the first syllable, the L stays single when “-ing” is added, producing modeling. This isn’t a random American quirk; it follows a consistent (if imperfect) American spelling pattern that also shows up in words like traveling and canceling.
Interestingly, this wasn’t always the case. Modelled and modelling were common in American writing until the early 1900s, when US spelling gradually shifted toward the single-L forms that are standard today.
Modeling vs. Modelling: Quick Comparison
| Term | Correct? | Region | Typical Use | Example |
| Modeling | Yes | United States, Canada (sometimes) | Verb, gerund, noun | “She’s modeling for a swimwear brand.” |
| Modelling | Yes | UK, Australia, Ireland, most of the world | Verb, gerund, noun | “She’s modelling for a swimwear brand.” |
Both rows describe the identical action. The only variable is geography, not correctness.
How to Choose the Right Spelling for Your Writing
Since both spellings are grammatically valid, the real question isn’t “which is correct” but “which is correct for this piece of writing.” Use these guidelines:
- Match your audience. Writing for a US-based blog, resume, or company? Use modeling. Writing for a UK newspaper, Australian client, or British audience? Use modelling.
- Match your existing style guide. If your workplace or publication already uses American spelling (color, organize, favorite), stick with modeling for consistency. If it uses British spelling (colour, organise, favourite), use modelling.
- Stay consistent within one document. Never switch back and forth between modeling and modelling in the same article, email, or report. Pick one and use it throughout, including in related words like modeler/modeller.
- Check your spell-checker’s language setting. Most word processors flag the “wrong” spelling only because the document’s language is set to a specific English variant. Switching that setting explains a lot of unnecessary red squiggly lines.
Real-Life Examples
American English (modeling):
- “The agency signed her for a modeling contract in New York.”
- “Our team is modeling next quarter’s sales in a spreadsheet.”
- “He’s been modeling airplanes since he was a kid.”
British English (modelling):
- “The agency signed her for a modelling contract in London.”
- “Our team is modelling next quarter’s sales in a spreadsheet.”
- “He’s been modelling airplanes since he was a kid.”
Notice the sentences are word-for-word identical except for the spelling. That’s the whole story: same meaning, same grammar, different regional conventions.
Common Mistakes People Make
Mixing spellings in the same document. Incorrect: “She started modelling in 2019 and has been modeling professionally ever since.” Correct: Pick one spelling and stick with it throughout. Why it happens: Writers often copy phrases from different sources (one British, one American) without noticing the inconsistency. A quick find-and-replace before publishing catches this.
Assuming one spelling is simply wrong. Some writers correct “modelling” to “modeling” (or vice versa) automatically, assuming the other version is a spelling error. It isn’t. Both are dictionary-recognized, standard spellings just for different regions.
Forgetting the rule extends to related words. If you’re using “modeling,” stay consistent with “modeler,” “modeled,” and “role model” formatting throughout. If you’re using “modelling,” the matching forms are “modeller” and “modelled.” Mixing “modeler” with “modelling” in the same piece looks inconsistent even though each word is individually correct.
Assuming spell-check knows your intended audience. A spell-checker set to UK English will flag “modeling” as wrong, and one set to US English will flag “modelling.” The tool isn’t judging grammar, it’s just enforcing whatever regional dictionary it’s using. Set the language before you start writing to avoid confusing false flags.
Modeling and Modelling in Specialized Fields
The spelling choice isn’t limited to fashion. You’ll run into the same US/UK split in technical and academic writing:
- Data modeling / data modelling building structured representations of information for databases or analytics
- 3D modeling / 3D modelling creating digital objects in software like Blender or Maya
- Financial modeling / financial modelling building spreadsheets that forecast business performance
- Climate modeling / climate modelling using computer simulations to predict weather and climate patterns
In every one of these fields, the underlying concept is identical worldwide. Only the spelling shifts depending on whether the material is written for a US or non-US audience.
Related Forms to Know
- Model (noun/verb, base form) no spelling variation
- Modeled / Modelled (past tense) follows the same US/UK split
- Modeler / Modeller (person who models) same split
- Role model no spelling variation, since “model” here isn’t taking a suffix
Once you know the base rule American English keeps a single L, British English doubles it every related word follows the same logic automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “modeling” or “modelling” grammatically correct?
Both are grammatically correct. “Modeling” is standard American English, while “modelling” is standard British, Australian, and Canadian English. Neither spelling is a mistake; the right choice depends on which English variant your audience expects.
What is the difference between modeling and modelling besides spelling?
There is no difference in meaning, pronunciation, or grammar. Both words describe the exact same actions creating a representation, shaping something, or displaying clothing professionally. The only distinction is regional spelling convention, similar to color versus colour.
Which spelling should I use for a US resume or job application?
Use “modeling” (one L) for any US resume, cover letter, or job application, since American employers expect American spelling conventions throughout the document.
Does Canada use modeling or modelling?
Canadian English leans toward the double-L British spelling, “modelling,” though the single-L American form does appear, especially in casual or US-influenced writing. When in doubt, match whatever style guide your organization already follows.
The Bottom Line
Modeling and modelling are two correct spellings of the same word, split along American and British lines. Use modeling for US audiences and modelling everywhere else, and keep your choice consistent across an entire document including related words like modeler or modeller.
Once you match the spelling to your audience, this is one grammar decision you never have to second-guess again.
Alisha Lehmann is the founder and author of Meaninglix. She specializes in explaining word meanings, internet slang, abbreviations, grammar, and English expressions in simple, accurate language. Her goal is to help readers improve their vocabulary and communicate confidently through clear, well-researched, and easy-to-understand content.
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