Leveled vs Levelled: When To Use Each One? What To Consider

Are you confused about whether to use leveled or levelled in your writing? It’s a common dilemma for many writers, but fear not, we’re here to help clear things up for you.

The proper word to use depends on where you are located. In American English, the correct spelling is “leveled,” while in British English, “levelled” is the preferred spelling.

Now, what do these words actually mean? Well, both words are past tense forms of the verb “level,” which means to make something flat or even. “Leveled” and “levelled” both refer to the act of making something level in the past tense.

So, whether you use “leveled” or “levelled” depends on your location and the style guide you are following. It’s important to be consistent in your usage throughout your writing to avoid confusion for your readers.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s dive deeper into the nuances of these two spellings and explore some examples of how to use them in different contexts.

Define Leveled

Leveled is the American English spelling of the past tense and past participle of the verb “level”. It means to make something even or flat, to knock something down or demolish it, or to reduce something to a particular level or standard.

For example:

• The construction workers leveled the ground before building the foundation.
• The tornado leveled the entire town, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake.
• The teacher leveled the playing field by giving everyone the same amount of extra credit.

Define Levelled

Levelled is the British English spelling of the past tense and past participle of the verb “level”. It has the same meaning as “leveled”, but is spelled with two “l’s” instead of one.

For example:

• The builders levelled the ground before laying the foundation.
• The earthquake levelled several buildings, leaving the city in ruins.
• The professor levelled criticism at the student’s poor performance on the exam.

It’s important to note that while “leveled” and “levelled” are both correct spellings of the past tense and past participle of “level”, their usage can depend on the dialect of English being used. American English tends to use “leveled”, while British English tends to use “levelled”.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

As a writer, it is important to have a strong command of the English language and to use words correctly in order to convey your message effectively. One common source of confusion for many writers is the difference between “leveled” and “levelled”.

How To Use “Leveled” In A Sentence

“Leveled” is the more commonly used spelling of the word, particularly in American English. It is the past tense and past participle form of the verb “level”. Here are some examples of how to use “leveled” in a sentence:

• The construction crew leveled the ground before building the foundation.
• After the earthquake, many buildings were leveled.
• The athlete leveled the competition with her impressive performance.

As you can see, “leveled” is used to describe the act of making something even or flat, or to describe a situation where something has been destroyed or brought down to the same level as the ground.

How To Use “Levelled” In A Sentence

“Levelled” is the spelling more commonly used in British English. It is also the past tense and past participle form of the verb “level”. Here are some examples of how to use “levelled” in a sentence:

• The teacher levelled criticism at the student’s work.
• The company leveled accusations of fraud against its competitor.
• The politician leveled a threat at his opponent.

As you can see, “levelled” is used to describe the act of directing criticism, accusations, or threats towards someone or something.

It is important to note that while the two spellings have slightly different connotations, they can often be used interchangeably depending on the context and preference of the writer or speaker. However, it is always best to double-check your spelling and usage to ensure that your writing is clear and accurate.

More Examples Of Leveled & Levelled Used In Sentences

In order to gain a better understanding of the difference between “leveled” and “levelled,” let’s take a look at some examples of how each word can be used in a sentence.

Examples Of Using “Leveled” In A Sentence

• The construction crew leveled the ground before laying the foundation.
• The teacher leveled the playing field by giving the struggling students extra help.
• The earthquake leveled the entire city, leaving nothing but rubble in its wake.
• The athlete leveled his opponent with a powerful punch.
• The company leveled charges of embezzlement against the former CEO.
• The chef leveled the measuring cup to ensure an accurate amount of flour.
• The storm leveled trees and power lines, causing widespread damage.
• The politician leveled criticism at her opponent’s policies during the debate.
• The gymnast leveled up to the advanced class after mastering the basics.
• The student leveled up in the video game after completing a challenging level.

Examples Of Using “Levelled” In A Sentence

• The carpenter levelled the shelf before attaching it to the wall.
• The soccer coach levelled a penalty against the opposing team for a foul.
• The landscaper levelled the soil to create a smooth surface for planting.
• The musician levelled criticism at the industry for not supporting independent artists.
• The writer levelled accusations of plagiarism against the bestselling author.
• The surveyor levelled the instrument to get an accurate measurement of the land.
• The artist levelled the paintbrush to create a straight line in the artwork.
• The teacher levelled the test to ensure fairness for all students.
• The engineer levelled the machine to prevent it from vibrating during operation.
• The doctor levelled with the patient about the seriousness of their condition.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Using words interchangeably without understanding their subtle differences can lead to embarrassing mistakes in writing. One such pair of words that often confuses writers is “leveled” and “levelled.” Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:

Mistake #1: Using “Leveled” When You Mean “Levelled”

While “leveled” and “levelled” are both past tense forms of the verb “level,” they are not interchangeable. “Leveled” is the American English spelling, while “levelled” is the British English spelling. If you’re writing for an American audience, use “leveled”; if you’re writing for a British audience, use “levelled.” Using the wrong spelling can make you appear careless or ignorant.

Mistake #2: Using “Levelled” As An Adjective

“Levelled” is a verb, not an adjective. If you want to describe something that has been made level, use “level” as an adjective. For example, “The ground was level after we had finished grading it.” Using “levelled” as an adjective is incorrect and can confuse readers.

Mistake #3: Adding Unnecessary Suffixes

Some writers add unnecessary suffixes to “level” to make it sound more sophisticated. For example, “The ground was levelled to perfection.” However, adding “-ed” to “level” is sufficient to indicate the past tense. Adding “-led” or other suffixes is incorrect and can make your writing sound awkward.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

• Know your audience and use the appropriate spelling of “leveled” or “levelled.”
• Remember that “levelled” is a verb, not an adjective.
• Avoid adding unnecessary suffixes to “level.”

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “leveled” and “levelled,” context plays a crucial role. While both spellings are considered correct, they are used differently depending on the context. Below are some examples of how the choice between “leveled” and “levelled” might change depending on the context:

1. American English Vs. British English

The first factor to consider is the variant of English being used. In American English, “leveled” is the more commonly used spelling, while in British English, “levelled” is preferred. Therefore, if you are writing for an American audience, it would be appropriate to use “leveled,” while “levelled” would be more suitable for a British audience.

2. Verb Tense

The choice between “leveled” and “levelled” can also depend on the verb tense being used. For example, in the past tense, “leveled” is the more commonly used spelling. For instance:

• The construction crew leveled the ground before building the house.

On the other hand, “levelled” is often used in the present tense, as in:

• The landscaper is levelled the yard before planting the new grass.

3. Noun Vs. Verb

Another factor to consider is whether “leveled” or “levelled” is being used as a noun or a verb. As a verb, both spellings are acceptable and interchangeable. However, as a noun, “levelled” is the more commonly used spelling. For example:

• The carpenter used a level to ensure the boards were straight and levelled.

In this case, “levelled” is used as a noun to describe the state of being level.

4. Formal Vs. Informal Writing

The choice between “leveled” and “levelled” can also depend on the tone of the writing. In formal writing, it is generally better to use “leveled,” as it is the more widely recognized and accepted spelling. In informal writing, either spelling can be used, depending on personal preference or the context of the writing.

Overall, the choice between “leveled” and “levelled” can depend on a variety of factors, including the variant of English being used, the verb tense, whether it is being used as a noun or a verb, and the tone of the writing. By understanding these factors, you can choose the appropriate spelling for your writing and ensure that it is clear and effective.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “leveled” and “levelled” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to be aware of. Here are a few cases where the standard rules might not apply:

1. British English Usage

In British English, “levelled” is the preferred spelling for all uses of the word. This means that the American English distinction between “leveled” and “levelled” does not apply in British English. If you are writing for a British audience, it is important to consistently use “levelled” throughout your writing.

2. Irregular Verbs

There are some irregular verbs that use “leveled” as the past tense form, rather than “levelled.” For example, “he reveled in the attention” is correct, while “he levelled the playing field” would be incorrect. Other irregular verbs that use “leveled” include “traveled” and “canceled.”

3. Technical Writing

In technical writing, it is common to use “leveled” as a verb to describe the process of making something level. For example, “the construction crew leveled the ground before building the foundation.” In this context, “leveled” is used as a verb rather than an adjective, so the standard rules for using “leveled” and “levelled” as adjectives do not apply.

4. Colloquial Usage

In some cases, colloquial usage may override the standard rules for using “leveled” and “levelled.” For example, in some regions of the United States, it is common to use “leveled” as the past tense form of the verb “level” in all contexts. In these cases, it may be acceptable to use “leveled” even if it does not strictly adhere to the standard rules.

Summary of Exceptions to the Rules for Using “Leveled” and “Levelled”

Exception	Explanation	Example
British English Usage	“Levelled” is the preferred spelling in British English	“She levelled the playing field”
Irregular Verbs	Some irregular verbs use “leveled” as the past tense form	“He reveled in the attention”
Technical Writing	“Leveled” can be used as a verb to describe the process of making something level	“The construction crew leveled the ground”
Colloquial Usage	Colloquial usage may override the standard rules	“He leveled the playing field”

Practice Exercises

Now that we have a better understanding of the differences between leveled and levelled, it’s time to put our knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences.

Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Spelling

Choose the correct spelling of the word to fill in the blank in each sentence below.

Sentence	Leveled or Levelled?
The playing field was _______ before the game.	Leveled
The teacher __________ the playing field.	Levelled
The students ___________ up to the teacher’s expectations.	Leveled
The carpenter ___________ the surface of the wood.	Levelled

Answer Key: Leveled, Levelled, Leveled, Levelled

Exercise 2: Write A Sentence

Write a sentence using either leveled or levelled that demonstrates your understanding of the correct usage.

Example: The construction crew __________ the ground before building the foundation.

Answer: The construction crew leveled the ground before building the foundation.

Exercise 3: Identify The Correct Form

Identify whether the correct form of the word is leveled or levelled in each sentence below.

• The teacher __________ the test scores to determine the average.
• The students’ grades were ____________ out of 100 points.
• The carpenter ___________ the surface of the wood with a sander.
• The construction crew __________ the land before building the new shopping center.

Answer Key: Leveled, Leveled, Levelled, Leveled

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of leveled and levelled in your writing. Remember to pay attention to context and use the correct spelling for the appropriate situation.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “leveled” and “levelled,” it is clear that the choice of spelling depends on the writer’s location and audience. While “leveled” is the preferred spelling in American English, “levelled” is more commonly used in British English and other parts of the world.

It is important to note that both spellings are considered correct and acceptable in their respective contexts. However, it is crucial for writers to be consistent in their use of spelling throughout their work to avoid confusion and maintain credibility.

Key Takeaways

• The spelling of “leveled” vs “levelled” depends on the writer’s location and audience.
• “Leveled” is the preferred spelling in American English, while “levelled” is more commonly used in British English and other parts of the world.
• Both spellings are considered correct and acceptable in their respective contexts.
• Consistency in spelling is crucial for maintaining credibility and avoiding confusion in writing.

Overall, understanding the nuances of grammar and language use is essential for effective communication. By continuing to learn and improve our writing skills, we can better connect with our audiences and convey our ideas with clarity and precision.