English spelling can be tricky, especially when a single word has multiple variations.
Combating and combatting are two spellings of the same verb, but which one is correct? The answer depends on English dialects, spelling conventions, and grammatical rules.
This article will break down the differences, explain why both spellings exist, and help you choose the right one based on your audience.
Should you use “combating” or “combatting”? The answer depends on American vs. British spelling rules. Learn when to use each and how to choose the right form for your writing!
Understanding the Basics: Combat as a Root Word
Before diving into the variations, let’s first understand the root word: combat.
- Combat (noun) – Refers to a battle, fight, or struggle.
- Example: “The soldiers engaged in fierce combat.”
- Combat (verb) – Means to fight against or take action to prevent something.
- Example: “The government is combatting crime with new policies.”
Since combat is a verb, it follows standard English spelling rules when forming its present participle (-ing form) or gerund.
The Battle of Variants: Combatting vs. Combating
The spelling difference arises when adding -ing to the verb combat. Some words double their final consonant, while others do not. The result is two accepted forms:
- Combating – More common in American English.
- Combatting – Used more often in British English.
But why does this variation exist? It all comes down to consonant doubling rules in English.
American English and Consonant Doubling
In American English, verbs generally follow these rules when adding -ing:
- If the verb has one syllable and ends in a consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) pattern, the final consonant is doubled before adding -ing.
- Examples: Run → Running, Sit → Sitting
- If the verb has more than one syllable, the final consonant is not doubled unless the stress falls on the last syllable.
- Examples: Visit → Visiting, Develop → Developing
Since combat has two syllables and the stress falls on the first syllable (COM-bat), the final ‘t’ is not doubled in American English. This is why combating is the preferred spelling in the U.S.
British English: When Two Ts Are Preferred
In British English, consonant doubling rules differ slightly. British spelling often favors doubling the final consonant when a verb ends in a single consonant, even if the stress is not on the last syllable.
This means that in British English, both combating and combatting are acceptable, though combatting is the more traditional form.
- Example: “The UK is combatting climate change through strict policies.”
However, even in British English, combating is still widely used and understood.
Choosing Based on Your Audience
Your choice of spelling should depend on your audience. Here’s a simple guide:
| Audience/Context | Preferred Spelling |
|---|---|
| American English | Combating |
| British English | Combatting (but Combating is also accepted) |
| International (Neutral) | Combating |
| Academic/Professional | Follow regional guidelines |
For general use, combating is the safer option because it is widely recognized across English dialects.
The Influence of Pronunciation on Spelling
Although pronunciation doesn’t change between combating and combatting, it plays a role in how people perceive spelling. In spoken English, both versions sound the same, so many writers naturally assume both are correct. This phonetic consistency can lead to spelling confusion, especially for non-native speakers.
The Verb “Combat”: Present Participle and Gerunds
A present participle is the -ing form of a verb used in continuous tenses:
- “She is combating misinformation online.”
- “They are combatting the rise in crime.”
A gerund is the -ing form of a verb used as a noun:
- “Combating climate change is a global effort.”
- “Combatting corruption requires strong policies.”
In both cases, either spelling is grammatically correct, as long as you are consistent within your writing.
When Verbs Become Nouns: The Role of Gerunds
Verbs like combat often transition into gerunds, functioning as nouns in a sentence:
- “The combating of diseases has been a priority for decades.”
- “The combatting of misinformation requires critical thinking.”
Because gerunds and present participles share the same spelling, the same rules apply regarding combating vs. combatting.
Combatting Climate Change or Combating Inefficiency?
Certain phrases are more commonly associated with one spelling over the other.
- “Combating climate change” is widely used in environmental discourse.
- “Combatting corruption” appears frequently in UK government reports.
This is mostly a matter of regional preference rather than correctness.
A Historical Perspective: American vs. British English
The difference between combating and combatting is part of the broader divergence between American and British English spelling conventions:
- Noah Webster simplified American spellings in the 19th century (e.g., color vs. colour, traveler vs. traveller).
- British English retained older spellings, favoring doubled consonants more often.
This historical split is why American English prefers “combating” while British English allows both spellings.
Selecting the Correct Spelling for Your Writing Context
If you’re unsure which spelling to use, follow these practical tips:
- Know Your Audience – If writing for Americans, use combating; for British readers, combatting is acceptable.
- Follow Style Guides – Academic and journalistic writing may have specific guidelines. The AP Stylebook and Chicago Manual of Style recommend combating.
- Be Consistent – Pick one spelling and stick with it throughout your writing.
FAQs
1. Which spelling is correct: combating or combatting?
Both are correct, but combating is preferred in American English, while combatting is more common in British English.
2. Why do some words double the final consonant before adding -ing?
In American English, verbs double the last consonant only if the stress falls on the last syllable. Since “combat” has stress on the first syllable, the final “t” is not doubled.
3. Is “combatting” wrong in American English?
While combatting is not commonly used in the U.S., it is not technically incorrect. However, “combating” is the preferred spelling in American writing.
4. Which spelling should I use for international audiences?
If writing for a global audience or academic purposes, “combating” is the safer choice because it is widely accepted across English dialects.
5. Do British and American English have other spelling differences like this?
Yes! Other examples include traveling (US) vs. travelling (UK) and labeling (US) vs. labelling (UK).
6. How do I know whether to double a consonant in other words?
Check where the stress falls in the word. If the stress is on the last syllable, double the consonant before adding -ing (begin → beginning). If not, don’t double it (combat → combating).
Conclusion
So, is it combating or combatting? The answer depends on regional spelling conventions and your intended audience. While American English favors combating, British English accepts both forms, with combatting being slightly more common.
To avoid confusion, use combating in general writing, as it is widely understood across all English-speaking regions. Regardless of which form you choose, consistency is key in maintaining clarity and professionalism in your writing.
Need help with other tricky English spellings? Let us know in the comments!
