Totaling vs Totalling: When And How Can You Use Each One?

Have you ever found yourself confused over whether to use “totaling” or “totalling” in your writing? This seemingly small difference in spelling can cause a lot of uncertainty, but fear not! We’re here to clear up any confusion and provide you with the proper usage of these two words.

In short, both “totaling” and “totalling” are acceptable spellings of the same word, which means to add up a series of numbers. However, “totaling” is the preferred spelling in American English, while “totalling” is more commonly used in British English.

Regardless of which spelling you choose, the meaning remains the same. To “total” is to calculate the sum of a set of numbers. This can be done manually or with the help of a calculator or spreadsheet program. The resulting number is the “total.”

Now that we’ve cleared up any confusion surrounding the proper spelling and meaning of “totaling” and “totalling,” let’s dive deeper into the topic and explore some common usage scenarios.

Define Totaling

Totaling, also spelled as “totalising” in British English, is the act of adding up a set of numbers or values to determine the sum or total. It is a mathematical process used in various fields, such as finance, accounting, and statistics. The result of totaling is the sum of all the numbers or values being added together.

For example, if you have a list of expenses for a month, totaling those expenses would give you the total amount spent for that month. Similarly, totaling the sales figures for a particular quarter would give you the total revenue generated during that period.

Define Totalling

Totalling is the British English spelling of the word “totaling”. It has the same meaning and refers to the act of adding up a set of numbers or values to determine the sum or total. The only difference between the two spellings is the use of a double “l” in the British English version.

It is important to note that while the spelling may differ, the meaning and usage of the word “totalling” is the same as “totaling”. Both words can be used interchangeably, depending on the context and the writer’s preference for spelling.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to using words in a sentence, it is important to understand their correct spelling and usage. This is especially true for words that are commonly confused, such as “totaling” and “totalling”. In this section, we will explore how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Totaling” In A Sentence

“Totaling” is the present participle of the verb “total”. It is used to indicate the act of adding up a series of numbers or amounts to arrive at a final sum. Here are some examples:

• The cost of the project is totaling $10,000.
• He is currently totaling his expenses for the month.
• The sales for the quarter are totaling $500,000.

As you can see, “totaling” is used when referring to the actual process of adding up numbers or amounts. It is a verb that is often used in the present tense to describe an ongoing action.

How To Use “Totalling” In A Sentence

“Totalling” is the present participle of the verb “total” in British English. It is used in the same way as “totaling” in American English, to indicate the act of adding up a series of numbers or amounts to arrive at a final sum. Here are some examples:

• The cost of the project is totalling £10,000.
• He is currently totalling his expenses for the month.
• The sales for the quarter are totalling £500,000.

Although “totalling” is spelled differently from “totaling”, the two words have the same meaning and are used interchangeably. The only difference is that “totalling” is the preferred spelling in British English, while “totaling” is the preferred spelling in American English.

More Examples Of Totaling & Totalling Used In Sentences

In this section, we will explore more examples of how to use “totaling” and “totalling” in sentences. These examples will help you understand the differences between the two spellings and how to use them correctly in your writing.

Examples Of Using “Totaling” In A Sentence

• The cost of the project is totaling $10,000.
• The number of attendees is totaling 500.
• The company’s revenue for the year is totaling $1 million.
• The weight of the shipment is totaling 2,000 pounds.
• The amount of the donation is totaling $5,000.
• The value of the assets is totaling $100,000.
• The time spent on the project is totaling 50 hours.
• The size of the crowd is totaling 1,000 people.
• The length of the race is totaling 10 kilometers.
• The number of pages in the report is totaling 50.

Examples Of Using “Totalling” In A Sentence

• The expenses for the month are totalling $5,000.
• The number of hours worked is totalling 160.
• The weight of the shipment is totalling 2,000 kilograms.
• The length of the project is totalling six months.
• The number of items in the inventory is totalling 1,000.
• The size of the building is totalling 10,000 square feet.
• The amount of rainfall is totalling 20 inches.
• The number of students in the class is totalling 30.
• The value of the investment is totalling $50,000.
• The time spent on the task is totalling 20 hours.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to the usage of “totaling” and “totalling”, people often make mistakes by using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should not be used in place of one another. Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words and why they are incorrect:

Using “Totaling” Instead Of “Totalling”

One common mistake people make is using “totaling” instead of “totalling”. While “totaling” is a word, it is not the correct spelling of the word when used in the context of adding up numbers. “Totalling” is the correct spelling, and it is important to use it to ensure clarity in your writing.

Using “Totalling” Instead Of “Totaling”

On the other hand, some people may use “totalling” instead of “totaling”. While this is not necessarily incorrect, it is not the preferred spelling in American English. “Totaling” is the more commonly used spelling in American English, while “totalling” is more commonly used in British English. It is important to be aware of these differences in spelling and use the appropriate one for your intended audience.

Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes

To avoid making these common mistakes, here are some tips:

• Double-check your spelling when using these words in your writing
• Be aware of the differences in spelling between American and British English
• If you are unsure of which spelling to use, consult a reputable dictionary or style guide

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “totaling” and “totalling,” context plays a crucial role. Depending on the context in which they are used, either word may be more appropriate than the other. Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between totaling and totalling might change:

Financial Context

In a financial context, such as when preparing a balance sheet or income statement, the word “totaling” is more commonly used. This is because it is a more formal and precise term that accurately conveys the summing up of multiple values. For example:

• The total assets of the company were $1,000,000.
• The total expenses for the quarter were $500,000.

Using “totalling” in this context may be seen as less professional and could potentially lead to confusion or misunderstandings.

Everyday Context

In everyday contexts, such as when making a grocery list or calculating the cost of a meal, the word “totalling” is more commonly used. This is because it is a more casual and colloquial term that conveys the act of adding up values in a more informal manner. For example:

• I need to total up the items on my grocery list before heading to the store.
• The bill for our meal came to a total of $50.

Using “totaling” in this context may be seen as overly formal and could potentially create a sense of distance between the speaker and their audience.

Overall, the choice between “totaling” and “totalling” ultimately depends on the context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of each word and the specific context in which they are being used, writers can ensure that they are using the most appropriate term for their audience and purpose.

Exceptions To The Rules

Even though there are specific rules to follow when using “totaling” and “totalling,” there are some exceptions to these rules. Here are some cases where the rules might not apply:

1. Regional Differences

It’s important to note that there might be regional differences in the usage of “totaling” and “totalling.” While “totaling” is the preferred spelling in American English, “totalling” is more commonly used in British English. Therefore, if you’re writing for a British audience, it might be more appropriate to use “totalling” instead of “totaling.”

2. Technical Terms

In technical contexts, the rules for using “totaling” and “totalling” might not apply. For instance, in accounting, the term “totaling” is commonly used to refer to the process of adding up a column of numbers. Similarly, in computer programming, the term “totaling” might be used to refer to the process of accumulating a sum of values. In such cases, it’s acceptable to use “totaling” instead of “totalling.”

3. Personal Preference

Finally, it’s worth noting that the choice between “totaling” and “totalling” might come down to personal preference in some cases. While there are specific rules to follow, some people might prefer one spelling over the other. However, it’s important to be consistent in your usage throughout your writing to avoid confusion for your readers.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have learned the difference between “totaling” and “totalling,” it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:

1. The __________ amount of the bill was $50.
2. She spent the afternoon __________ up her receipts.
3. The __________ cost of the project was higher than expected.
4. He was __________ the numbers in his head.

Answer Key:

1. total
2. totalling
3. totaling
4. totalling

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite the following sentences using either “totaling” or “totalling” in the correct form:

1. The cashier was adding up the receipts.
2. The total amount of the bill was $100.
3. She spent the afternoon adding up her receipts.
4. The total cost of the project was $10,000.

Answer Key:

1. The cashier was totalling the receipts.
2. The amount totaling on the bill was $100.
3. She spent the afternoon totalling her receipts.
4. The cost of the project totaled $10,000.

By practicing these exercises, you will become more comfortable and confident in your use of “totaling” and “totalling” in your writing.

Conclusion

After exploring the difference between totaling and totalling, it is clear that the spelling of these words depends on the region and style guide being used. In American English, the correct spelling is totaling, while in British English, the correct spelling is totalling.

It is important to pay attention to the spelling of words, especially when writing professionally. Incorrect spelling can lead to confusion and detract from the credibility of the writer. By using the correct spelling, writers can ensure that their message is clear and effective.

Key Takeaways:

• The spelling of totaling and totalling depends on the region and style guide being used.
• In American English, the correct spelling is totaling.
• In British English, the correct spelling is totalling.
• Correct spelling is important for clear and effective writing.

As language and grammar continue to evolve, it is important for writers to stay informed and up-to-date on best practices. By continuing to learn and improve their skills, writers can communicate their message with clarity and authority.