If you are writing about a warning, gesture, traffic movement, or communication system, you may hesitate over signalling and signaling. The two forms look different because British and American English use different spelling conventions for the verb signal when adding -ing. Both forms are legitimate English spellings, and neither changes the meaning of the word. The main question is which English variety you are following.
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Quick Answer
Signalling and signaling are both correct. The difference is mainly regional spelling.
| Form | Correct? | English variety | Meaning |
| Signalling | Yes | British English and other varieties that follow British spelling | Giving or communicating a signal |
| Signaling | Yes | American English | Giving or communicating a signal |
Use signalling when following British spelling conventions and signaling when following American spelling conventions. Oxford lists signalling as the standard -ing form and gives signaling as the US English form.
The pronunciation and meaning are essentially the same. The difference is in the spelling convention.
Meaning and Definition
Meaning of Signalling
Signalling means giving, sending, or communicating a signal. A signal can be a movement, sound, light, gesture, or other indication that communicates information.
For example, a driver may be signalling before turning, a person may be signalling for help, or a device may be signalling that something is wrong.
In British English, signalling is the usual spelling of the present participle and gerund of signal. Cambridge identifies signalling as the present participle of signal.
Definition of Signalling
Signalling is the -ing form of the verb signal, meaning to make a movement, sound, flash, or other indication that communicates information or gives an instruction.
It can also mean indicating that something exists, is happening, or is likely to happen. For example, a change in sales may be signalling a shift in customer demand.
Meaning of Signaling
Signaling has exactly the same basic meaning as signalling. It means communicating information or indicating something through a signal, gesture, action, sound, light, or other sign.
The spelling signaling is standard in American English. Oxford’s American English dictionary lists signaling as the US English -ing form of signal.
Definition of Signaling
Signaling is the American English spelling of the -ing form of signal. It refers to the act of giving a signal or indicating information, an instruction, a warning, a change, or an intention.
For example:
The warning light is signaling a problem.
Here, signaling means indicating or communicating that a problem exists.
Main Difference
The main difference between signalling and signaling is spelling convention, not meaning.
British English generally uses signalling, while American English generally uses signaling. Cambridge’s dictionary explicitly shows the verb as -ll- in UK usage and -l- in US usage.
| Feature | Signalling | Signaling |
| Spelling | Double l | Single l |
| Meaning | Giving or communicating a signal | Giving or communicating a signal |
| Part of speech | Verb form | Verb form |
| Base verb | Signal | Signal |
| Common variety | British English | American English |
| powerful similes for pain | Essentially the same | Essentially the same |
| Example | She was signalling for help. | She was signaling for help. |
There is therefore no difference in meaning between the two spellings.
The distinction becomes important when you are expected to follow a particular style of English.
Which One Is Correct?
Both signalling and signaling are correct.
The appropriate choice depends on the variety of English you are using.
When to Use Signalling
Use signalling when your writing follows British English conventions.
Examples include:
The driver was signalling before turning.
The flashing light was signalling a warning.
The new data is signalling a change in demand.
British spelling is also commonly encountered in publications and organizations that follow British-based spelling systems.
When to Use Signaling
Use signaling when your writing follows American English conventions.
Examples include:
The driver was signaling before turning.
The warning light was signaling a problem.
The latest figures are signaling a change in demand.
Oxford’s American English dictionary specifically lists signaling as the American -ing form.
What About Other English Varieties?
English spelling is not divided into only two completely rigid systems. Countries and organizations can have their own preferences, and Canadian English, for example, can show variation in forms of this type. Oxford notes that signalling is usually used in Canadian English.
The safest approach is to check the style guide used by your school, employer, publisher, or organization when a specific national variety matters.
Grammar and Usage
Signalling and signaling are present participles and gerunds formed from the verb signal.
The base verb is:
signal
The forms include:
| Form | British English | American English |
| Base form | signal | signal |
| Third-person singular | signals | signals |
| Past tense | signalled | signaled |
| Past participle | signalled | signaled |
| -ing form | signalling | signaling |
Oxford provides this distinction directly in its verb forms.
As a Present Participle
The -ing form can be used with a form of be to create a continuous verb phrase.
She is signalling for help.
She is signaling for help.
Both sentences are grammatically correct. The spelling depends on the English variety.
As a Gerund
The -ing form can also function as a noun.
Signalling while driving requires attention.
Signaling while driving requires attention.
Again, the meaning does not change.
With Prepositions
The verb signal commonly appears with structures such as signal to, signal for, and signal that.
Examples include:
She signalled to the driver to stop.
He signaled for help.
The results signaled that the plan needed to change.
Oxford documents these sentence patterns, including signal to somebody, signal for something, and signal that.
How to Use Signalling and Signaling
The easiest way to use these forms correctly is to decide which English spelling system your writing follows.
Use Signalling in British English
Choose signalling in British-style writing:
The driver was signalling left.
The train was signalling an approaching hazard.
The device kept signalling an error.
The word can refer to physical communication, traffic signals, electronic indications, or abstract signs.
Use Signaling in American English
Choose signaling in American-style writing:
The driver was signaling left.
The system was signaling an error.
The announcement was signaling a major change.
The underlying grammar is exactly the same.
Keep Your Spelling Consistent
If you choose American English, do not randomly switch between American and British spellings.
For example, a document that uses signaling, traveling, and canceled generally follows American spelling conventions.
A British-style document may use signalling, travelling, and cancelled.
The goal is not to prove that one spelling is universally better. The goal is to use the spelling system appropriate for your audience and apply it consistently.
Clarify the spelling and meaning of due to and do to when writing professional or academic sentences.
Examples
Examples of Signalling
Here are natural examples using the British spelling:
- The driver was signalling before making the turn.
- The warning light was signalling that the battery was low.
- She was signalling to her colleague from across the room.
- The results are signalling a possible change in customer behavior.
- The cyclist was signalling before moving into the next lane.
- The referee was signalling for the players to stop.
- The device continued signalling an error throughout the test.
- His response was signalling that he was ready to negotiate.
- The ship was signalling for assistance.
- The latest figures are signalling a shift in demand.
Cambridge and Oxford both document uses of signal involving gestures, instructions, warnings, indications, and changes.
Examples of Signaling
Here are the equivalent examples using American spelling:
- The driver was signaling before making the turn.
- The warning light was signaling that the battery was low.
- She was signaling to her colleague from across the room.
- The results are signaling a possible change in customer behavior.
- The cyclist was signaling before moving into the next lane.
- The referee was signaling for the players to stop.
- The device continued signaling an error throughout the test.
- His response was signaling that he was ready to negotiate.
- The ship was signaling for assistance.
- The latest figures are signaling a shift in demand.
Notice that the sentences do not require a change in grammar. Only the spelling of the -ing form changes.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Assuming Signaling Is Incorrect
Some writers see signalling and assume that the single-l version must be a spelling mistake.
That is incorrect.
Signaling is a standard American English spelling. Oxford explicitly lists it as the US English form.
Correct:
The system is signaling a warning.
Mistake 2: Assuming Signalling Is a Typo
The opposite mistake is equally common. A writer may see signalling and assume that the extra l is accidental.
It is not.
Signalling is a standard British English spelling. Cambridge and Oxford recognize it as the British form.
Correct:
The system is signalling a warning.
Mistake 3: Mixing Spelling Systems
A document can become inconsistent when it uses both spelling conventions without a reason.
For example:
The system is signalling a problem, but the warning light is signaling an error.
Both individual spellings are legitimate, but using both in one English variety is usually unnecessary.
Choose one style and maintain it.
Mistake 4: Adding Three Ls
The British form contains two l’s, not three.
Incorrect:
signallling
Correct:
signalling
The American form contains one:
signaling
Mistake 5: Changing the Meaning
The spelling difference does not create two different meanings.
Signalling does not mean one thing while signaling means something else.
Both come from the verb signal and describe the same basic action.
Linguistic Insight
The difference between signalling and signaling is an example of regional spelling variation. English developed different spelling conventions in different communities, and American English gradually established preferences that differ from British English in several word forms.
The base word signal has a much older history. Oxford traces the noun and related forms through Old French and Medieval Latin to Latin signum, meaning a mark or token. Oxford also notes that the verb dates from the early nineteenth century.
The modern spelling difference appears when the verb takes the -ing suffix.
British spelling generally writes:
signal + ing → signalling
American spelling generally writes:
signal + ing → signaling
The same regional contrast appears in other words:
| British English | American English |
| signalling | signaling |
| signalled | signaled |
| travelling | traveling |
| cancelled | canceled |
| modelling | modeling |
| labelling | labeling |
These patterns are related to different spelling conventions rather than different meanings.
Why Does the Extra L Appear?
English has several spelling patterns involving a final l before suffixes. British English often uses a doubled l in forms such as travelling, cancelled, and modelling, while American English commonly uses a single l in traveling, canceled, and modeling.
However, it is better to treat these as spelling conventions rather than relying on one simple rule that works perfectly for every word.
For signal, the established forms are clear:
British: signalling, signalled
American: signaling, signaled
Does Pronunciation Change?
Normally, no meaningful pronunciation difference separates signalling and signaling.
The additional written l in signalling does not mean that speakers pronounce an extra /l/ sound.
The difference is primarily orthographic, meaning it concerns how the word is written.
Usage Tips
Tip 1: Think About Your Audience
Before choosing the spelling, ask:
Am I writing in American English or British English?
If the answer is American English, use signaling.
If the answer is British English, use signalling.
Tip 2: Check Nearby Words
Your existing spelling choices can help you decide.
If your document already uses:
- traveling
- canceled
- modeling
then signaling will usually fit the same American style.
If it uses:
- travelling
- cancelled
- modelling
then signalling will usually fit the British style.
Tip 3: Follow the Required Style Guide
If you are writing for a company, university, publication, or client, follow its specified English variety.
A style guide may require one spelling regardless of your personal preference.
Tip 4: Do Not Change the Spelling to Change the Meaning
You do not need to choose signalling because you want a more formal meaning, or signaling because you want a less formal meaning.
The difference is not one of formality.
It is primarily a difference in regional spelling.
Expert Suggestion
If you are an ESL learner, student, professional writer, or content creator, remember one simple rule:
Signalling = British English. Signaling = American English.
Both are correct.
For an American audience, write signaling. For a British audience, write signalling. If your audience is international, choose a consistent spelling system based on your publication, organization, or primary readership.
Also remember that the related past forms follow the same pattern:
signalled in British English and signaled in American English. Oxford confirms both sets of forms in its British and American entries.
Summary
Signalling and signaling are both correct English spellings of the -ing form of signal.
The main difference is regional:
- Signalling is the standard British spelling.
- Signaling is the standard American spelling.
- Both have the same meaning.
- Both have the same basic pronunciation.
- Neither is inherently more formal or more correct.
- The related past forms are signalled in British English and signaled in American English.
Choose the form that matches the English variety required by your audience or style guide, and use that spelling consistently throughout your writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is signalling correct?
Yes. Signalling is a correct standard English spelling. It is the usual British English form of the present participle of signal. Cambridge and Oxford both recognize it.
Is signaling correct?
Yes. Signaling is correct in American English. It is the American spelling of the -ing form of signal. Oxford’s American English dictionary lists signaling as the US form.
What is the difference between signalling and signaling?
There is no meaningful difference in meaning. Signalling is generally the British spelling, while signaling is the American spelling. Both mean giving, sending, or communicating a signal.
Which is correct, signalling or signaling?
Both are correct. Use signalling for British English and signaling for American English. Your choice should depend on the spelling system you are following.
Is signalling British or American?
Signalling is primarily the British English spelling. It is formed with a doubled l before -ing.
Is signaling American English?
Yes. Signaling is the standard American English spelling of the -ing form of signal.
Should I use signalling in formal writing?
Use signalling in formal writing when you are following British English conventions. Formality does not determine the spelling. The English variety and applicable style guide do.
Should I use signaling in American English?
Yes. Signaling is the standard choice for American English. It is appropriate in academic, professional, technical, and everyday American writing.
Are signalled and signaled also different?
Yes, they follow the same regional pattern. Signalled is the British spelling, while signaled is the American spelling. The meaning is the same.
Does signalling have a different pronunciation from signaling?
Generally, no. The additional written l in signalling does not create a separate pronunciation. The difference is mainly a matter of spelling.
Why does British English use signalling?
British English follows a spelling convention that commonly doubles the final l in forms such as signalling, travelling, and modelling. American English generally uses one l in the corresponding forms.
Can I use signalling and signaling in the same document?
You can when you are specifically discussing the two spelling variants. Otherwise, it is usually better to choose one English variety and use it consistently throughout the document.
Is signalling more formal than signaling?
No. Neither spelling is inherently more formal. Signalling is associated with British English, while signaling is associated with American English. The difference is regional spelling, not formality.
What does signalling mean?
Signalling means giving or communicating a signal, such as a gesture, sound, light, warning, or other indication. It can also mean indicating that something is happening or likely to happen.
What should I use for a US audience?
Use signaling for a US audience unless a particular publication or organization requires a different style. It is the standard American English form.
