Shovelling vs. Shoveling: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 30, 2023
"Shovelling" and "shoveling" mean the same act of lifting and moving material with a shovel but differ in spelling: the former is British English and the latter is American English.
Difference Between Shovelling and Shoveling
"Shovelling" and "shoveling" both describe the act of using a shovel - a tool typically with a broad scoop or blade - to lift and move material from one place to another. The spelling variation, "shovelling" with two 'l's, is utilized in British English, aligning with the common practice in British spelling to double consonants when adding suffixes to words ending in a vowel plus a consonant. On the other side, "shoveling" with a single 'l', follows the American English spelling convention.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
In the context of regional language variation, the distinction between "shovelling" and "shoveling" remains consistent with other similar English word pairs such as "travelling" versus "traveling". While the action described by "shovelling" and "shoveling" is identical, individuals in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and other Commonwealth countries are likely to use the double 'l' spelling, aligning with the British English norm.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
Even in the digital realm, the discrepancy in spelling is evident in tools like word processors or online platforms, which may automatically correct the spelling based on the language setting. So, "shovelling" might be auto-corrected to "shoveling" if the language is set to American English, while the opposite would occur under a British English setting, maintaining the linguistic consistency in respective regions.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Shovelling vs. Shoveling Comparison Chart
Following Rule
Doubling consonant when adding suffixes
Not doubling consonant when adding suffixes
Nolan
Sep 30, 2023
Auto-Correct Tendency
May be corrected in American English settings
May be corrected in British English settings
Jonathan
Sep 30, 2023
Shovelling vs. Shoveling Definitions
◉Shovelling
Shovelling refers to using a shovel to move material.
The man spent hours shovelling snow from his driveway.
Kaitlyn
Sep 30, 2023
◉Shoveling
Shoveling can refer to the act of digging using a shovel.
The children were shoveling in the sandbox, building small mounds.
Elijah
Sep 30, 2023
◉Shovelling
Shovelling also implies working with a shovel.
Shovelling all day gave him a backache.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
◉Shoveling
Shoveling involves working with or employing a shovel.
His morning involved shoveling in the garden.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
◉Shovelling
Shovelling may indicate transferring substances, often in bulk, using a shovel.
He was shovelling coal into the furnace continuously.
Kaitlyn
Sep 30, 2023
◉Shoveling
Shoveling also means the act of lifting and moving with a shovel.
Shoveling mulch into the wheelbarrow, she worked diligently.
Levi
Sep 30, 2023
◉Shovelling
Shovelling means the process of removing or lifting with a shovel.
She was shovelling the dirt out of the hole efficiently.
Henry
Sep 30, 2023
◉Shoveling
Shoveling means using a shovel to transfer materials.
After the storm, shoveling the sidewalk was necessary.
Jonathan
Sep 30, 2023
◉Shovelling
Shovelling denotes the act of digging with a shovel.
The dog was shovelling the ground with its paws trying to hide the bone.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
◉Shoveling
Shoveling denotes the action of transferring large quantities with a shovel.
Shoveling grain into the storage unit took him several hours.
Nolan
Sep 30, 2023
◉Shovelling
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
◉Shoveling
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
◉Shovelling
A large mechanical device or vehicle for heavy digging or excavation.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Shoveling
A large mechanical device or vehicle for heavy digging or excavation.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Shovelling
The amount that a shovel can hold; a shovelful
One shovel of dirt.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Shoveling
The amount that a shovel can hold; a shovelful
One shovel of dirt.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Shovelling
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
◉Shoveling
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
◉Shovelling
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
◉Shoveling
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
Shovelling vs. Shoveling Frequently Asked Questions
Is it incorrect to use shovelling in American English
It is not incorrect but shoveling is the standard spelling in American English.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Can shovelling and shoveling be used interchangeably in international communication
Yes, they can be used interchangeably as the context makes the meaning clear, though regional spelling preferences exist.
William
Sep 30, 2023
Is there a difference in meaning between shovelling and shoveling
No, both words mean the same but have different spelling based on regional English variations.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
Will a word processor correct the spelling of shovelling or shoveling
Word processors might auto-correct the spelling based on the language setting (American or British English).
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Why is shovelling spelled with two 'l's
Shovelling follows British English spelling rules which often double consonants when adding suffixes.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Is it wrong to use shoveling in British English
It is not wrong but shovelling is the conventional spelling in British English.
William
Sep 30, 2023
What is the primary context in which shovelling and shoveling are used
Both words predominantly pertain to the act of using a shovel to move, lift, or clear material.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
How does shovelling/shoveling relate to using a shovel
Shovelling and shoveling describe the act or process of using a shovel to perform a task.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Why does shoveling use one 'l'
Shoveling adheres to American English spelling conventions which typically do not double consonants when adding suffixes.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Is there a significant difference in the pronunciation of shovelling and shoveling
No, both words are pronounced the same despite the spelling difference.
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.
