When writing in English, small spelling differences can sometimes create big confusion. One common example is Targetted or Targeted.
Many people wonder which version is correct because both forms appear online, in emails, and even in published content. If you’ve ever paused while typing this word, you’re not alone. English spelling can be tricky, especially when double letters are involved, making it easy to second-guess yourself.
In this guide, you’ll learn the difference between Targetted and Targeted, discover which spelling is considered correct in standard English, and understand why the confusion happens in the first place.
Quick Answer
Which Is Correct: Targetted or Targeted?
Targeted is the correct spelling.
- Targeted = Standard past tense and past participle of target.
- Targetted = Nonstandard or incorrect spelling in modern English.
For school, business, academic writing, and professional communication, always use targeted.
What Does “Targeted” Mean?
Definition of Targeted
Targeted is the past tense and past participle of the verb target.
It means:
- Directed at a specific person, group, or goal.
- Selected for a particular purpose.
- Focused on achieving a certain result.
Examples of “Targeted”
The company launched a targeted advertising campaign.
Police targeted known fraud suspects.
The teacher provided targeted support for struggling students.
The vaccine was targeted at high-risk groups.
The marketing team targeted younger customers.
What Does “Targetted” Mean?
Is Targetted a Real Word?
Targetted is not the standard spelling in modern English.
Although you may occasionally find it in older publications, online posts, or typing errors, major dictionaries and style guides recommend targeted.
Incorrect Examples
❌ The campaign was targetted at teenagers.
The campaign was targeted at teenagers.
❌ They targetted the wrong audience.
They targeted the wrong audience.
Targetted vs Targeted
Comparison Table
| Feature | Targeted | Targetted |
| Spelling | Correct | ❌ Nonstandard/Incorrect |
| Part of Speech | Verb (past tense/past participle), adjective | Nonstandard spelling |
| Used in Dictionaries | Yes | ❌ Rarely |
| Formal Writing | Yes | ❌ No |
| British English | Yes | ❌ No |
| American English | Yes | ❌ No |
Key Differences
The difference is simple:
- Targeted is the accepted spelling worldwide.
- Targetted is generally considered a spelling mistake.
Why Do People Confuse Targetted and Targeted?
Double-Consonant Rules
Many English words double the final consonant before adding -ed, such as:
- Stop → Stopped
- Plan → Planned
This leads some writers to assume target → targetted.
Spelling Patterns
Because English spelling rules vary, it’s easy to overapply the consonant-doubling rule.
When Should You Use “Targeted”?
Correct Situations
Use targeted in:
- Business writing
- Marketing
- News articles
- Academic papers
- Medical research
- Everyday English
Correct Examples
The organization targeted vulnerable communities.
We created a targeted marketing strategy.
The police targeted organized crime groups.
The campaign targeted first-time buyers.
Why Isn’t It “Targetted”?
The Spelling Rule
The verb target ends with -et, but standard English does not double the t before adding -ed.
Correct:
- Target → Targeted
- Target → Targeting
Not:
- ❌ Targetted
- ❌ Targetting
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Doubling the Final “T”
❌ The company targetted students.
The company targeted students.
Mistake 2: Writing “Targetting”
❌ We are targetting new customers.
We are targeting new customers.
Mistake 3: Assuming British English Uses “Targetted”
Some people believe British English prefers targetted, but this is incorrect.
Both British and American English use targeted.
Easy Memory Trick
One T Before “-ed”
Think:
Target + ed = Targeted
No extra t is needed.
Another Trick
Compare these forms:
- Target → Targeted
- Market → Marketed
- Budget → Budgeted
Notice that none of these words double the final t.
Real-Life Examples
Business
“The company launched a targeted email campaign.”
Education
“The school introduced targeted learning support.”
Healthcare
“The treatment targeted the infected cells.”
News
“Authorities targeted illegal activities across the city.”
Social Media
“Our latest ad is targeted at fitness enthusiasts. 💪”
Everyday Conversation
“They targeted the wrong customer by mistake.”
Marketing
“A targeted advertising strategy increased sales.”
British vs American English
Is There a Difference?
No.
Both British English and American English use:
Targeted
Neither variety considers targetted the preferred spelling.
Usage Trends
Targeted Is Common In
- Marketing
- Advertising
- Business
- Journalism
- Education
- Medicine
- Government reports
Targetted Is Rare
Most uses of targetted are spelling mistakes or outdated forms.
Grammar Tips
Targeted as a Verb
Examples:
The campaign targeted young adults.
Police targeted repeat offenders.
Targeted as an Adjective
Examples:
Targeted advertising improves results.
The company offers targeted training programs.
More Example Sentences
Examples Using Targeted
The campaign targeted local businesses.
Police targeted cybercriminals.
She developed a targeted study plan.
The company targeted international markets.
The charity targeted families in need.
Our marketing strategy was carefully targeted.
The treatment targeted specific symptoms.
They targeted the right audience successfully.
Incorrect Examples Using Targetted
❌ The business targetted students.
The business targeted students.
❌ The ad was targetted at parents.
The ad was targeted at parents.
❌ We are targetting teenagers.
We are targeting teenagers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it targetted or targeted?
Targeted is the correct spelling. Targetted is considered nonstandard in modern English.
Is targetted ever correct?
In modern English, targeted is the accepted spelling. Targetted is rare and generally treated as incorrect.
How do you spell targeted correctly?
The correct spelling is:
Target + ed = Targeted
Why isn’t the “t” doubled?
The verb target follows the standard spelling pattern used for words like market and budget, which also do not double the final t.
Is targeted used in British English?
Yes. Both British and American English use targeted.
Is targeted an adjective?
Yes. It can be both:
- A past tense/past participle verb.
- An adjective.
How can I remember the correct spelling?
Remember:
Target → Targeted
No extra t before -ed.
Conclusion
The difference between targetted and targeted is straightforward. Targeted is the correct and standard spelling in both British and American English, while targetted is considered a nonstandard or incorrect variant in modern usage. Whether you’re writing about targeted advertising, targeted learning, or targeted medical treatments, the correct form is always targeted.
A simple way to remember the rule is: “Target + ed = Targeted” there’s no need to add an extra t. Using the standard spelling will keep your writing professional, accurate, and grammatically correct.
Sophia Collins is a passionate English grammar writer at GrammBoost.com who loves making the English language simple and easy to understand. She creates clear, beginner-friendly guides on grammar, spelling, word differences, and common language mistakes. Her goal is to help students, writers, and English learners build confidence and improve their writing through practical, easy-to-follow explanations.
