Shovelled vs. Shoveled: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 30, 2023
"Shovelled" and "shoveled" both refer to the past action of using a shovel, but the former is British English spelling, while the latter is American English spelling.
Difference Between Shovelled and Shoveled
"Shovelled" and "shoveled" are both forms of the verb "to shovel", which primarily means to move or lift something using a shovel. The distinction between the two lies not in their fundamental meanings but in regional linguistic preferences. The use of "shovelled" with a double "l" is prevalent in British English. When someone in the UK talks about having "shovelled the snow", they're referring to the act of using a shovel to clear or move the snow.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
On the other hand, "shoveled" with a single "l" is the spelling that one would typically encounter in American English. If someone in the US mentions that they "shoveled the driveway", they mean they used a shovel to remove something, likely snow, from their driveway. The distinction in spelling reflects broader patterns in the English language, where British and American English have different conventions for words ending in "-el" or "-le".
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
Moreover, the divergence isn't unique to "shovelled" and "shoveled". There are other verbs in English that showcase this difference in British and American English spellings, such as "cancelled" (British) vs. "canceled" (American) or "travelled" (British) vs. "traveled" (American).
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
In essence, while "shovelled" and "shoveled" carry the same meaning and refer to the same action, the spelling you opt for should align with the form of English you're aiming to use, be it British or American.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Shovelled vs. Shoveled Comparison Chart
Meaning
Past tense of moving/lifting with a shovel
Past tense of moving/lifting with a shovel
Leo
Sep 30, 2023
Shovelled vs. Shoveled Definitions
◉Shovelled
Moved or lifted something with a shovel.
She shovelled snow off the sidewalk.
Kaitlyn
Sep 30, 2023
◉Shoveled
Lifted or shifted something using a shovel.
She shoveled sand into the sandbox.
Henry
Sep 30, 2023
◉Shovelled
Removed or scooped out with a shovel.
They shovelled the debris after the storm.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
◉Shoveled
Loaded or filled something using a shovel.
The farmer shoveled grain into the silo.
Henry
Sep 30, 2023
◉Shovelled
Past tense action of using a shovel.
He shovelled the coal into the furnace.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
◉Shoveled
Dug out or created space using a shovel.
He shoveled a hole for the new plant.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
◉Shovelled
Loaded or unloaded using a shovel.
The gardener shovelled the mulch onto the flower bed.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
◉Shoveled
A tool with a handle and a broad scoop or blade for digging and moving material, such as dirt or snow.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Shovelled
A tool with a handle and a broad scoop or blade for digging and moving material, such as dirt or snow.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Shoveled
A large mechanical device or vehicle for heavy digging or excavation.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Shovelled
A large mechanical device or vehicle for heavy digging or excavation.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Shoveled
The amount that a shovel can hold; a shovelful
One shovel of dirt.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Shovelled
The amount that a shovel can hold; a shovelful
One shovel of dirt.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Shoveled
To convey or throw in a rough or hasty way, as if with a shovel
He shoveled the food into his mouth.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Shovelled
To convey or throw in a rough or hasty way, as if with a shovel
He shoveled the food into his mouth.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Shoveled
To clear or excavate with or as if with a shovel
shoveling off the driveway after the snowstorm.
shovels out the hall closet once a year.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Shovelled
To clear or excavate with or as if with a shovel
shoveling off the driveway after the snowstorm.
shovels out the hall closet once a year.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Shoveled
simple past tense and past participle of shovel
I shoveled the snow off of my sidewalk.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Shovelled
simple past tense and past participle of shovel
I shovelled the snow off of my sidewalk.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Shoveled
Took away or cleared using a shovel.
The kids shoveled mud to create a path.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Shovelled vs. Shoveled Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use "shoveled" in the UK?
While it's understood, "shovelled" is the standard spelling in the UK.
Leo
Sep 30, 2023
Is "shovelled" a British English spelling?
Yes, "shovelled" with a double "l" is British English spelling.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
Is there a difference in meaning between "shovelled" and "shoveled"?
No, both words refer to the past action of using a shovel; the difference is only in regional spelling.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Why do American and British English have these spelling differences?
Historical, cultural, and linguistic factors have led to variations in spelling conventions over time.
Elijah
Sep 30, 2023
Is one spelling considered more "correct" than the other?
No, the correctness depends on the form of English being used.
Henry
Sep 30, 2023
What's the base form of both "shovelled" and "shoveled"?
Both derive from the verb "to shovel".
Jonathan
Sep 30, 2023
Are there other words with similar British-American spelling differences?
Yes, words like "travelled" (British) and "traveled" (American) follow the same pattern.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Which spelling is used in Canada, "shovelled" or "shoveled"?
"Shovelled" with a double "l" is commonly used in Canada.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Which spelling is more common globally?
Both are common, but "shovelled" might be more widespread due to British English influences in many countries.
Elijah
Sep 30, 2023
Does the spelling difference affect pronunciation?
Generally, no. Both words are pronounced similarly.
Henry
Sep 30, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
