Canceled and cancelled are both correct spellings.
The only difference is regional. American English prefers the single-L spelling while British English prefers the two Ls.
Cancelling and canceling follow the same regional preferences as cancelled and canceled.
Always spell cancellation with two Ls.
The single-L variation originates from an American trend to simplify spellings.
Our friends from Houston confirmed that the concert was canceled.
Our team at the London office called to say that the quarterly planning tomorrow is cancelled.
Which is Correct: Cancelled or Canceled?
Cancelled or canceled are both correct spellings for the past tense of the verb to cancel.The only difference between them is regional. For example, canceled (one L) is more common in American English. On the other hand, cancelled (two Ls) is more common in British English and other dialects. Similarly, cancelling with two Ls is more popular in British English while canceling with one L is the preferred spelling in the United States. However, there is only one correct way to spell cancellation. It’s important to note that the correct way to spell cancellation is always with two Ls, no matter your location.
Is it cancelled or canceled? The answer is: both words are correct. British English speakers prefer to spell it “cancelled,” while Americans spell it “canceled.”
(American English):He canceled the show a few minutes before it starts due to an emergency.
(American English):He‘s upset to hear them talking about canceling the trip.
(British English):The school principal cancelled all classes when some pipes in the cafeteria burst suddenly.
(British English):After dozens of complaints, he finally considered cancelling the controversial interview.
Is it Cancelled or Canceled in Canada?
Canadians spell cancelled the British way with two Ls. While Canada is located in North America, the country is still part of the British Commonwealth. Therefore, Canadians tend to speak and write British English. Similarly, cancelled has two Ls in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth countries.
Canceledand cancelled are both correct ways to write the past tense of cancel. It’s a verb that means, among other things, to call off something planned.
When Did Cancelled Become Canceled?
Cancelled became canceled most likely between 1806 and 1828. For instance, in the 1806 version of Webster’s Dictionary, the word two L-spelling of the past tense verb appears. However, in the 1828 edition, the one L-version canceled appeared. As a result, some grammar history buffs credit Noah Webster of Webster’s Dictionaries with the American English spelling of canceled. He believed that many British English spellings were unnecessarily complex. For this reason, he aimed to simply many British spellings into their modern American equivalents.
In addition to cancelled becoming canceled, the 1828 Edition featured other American “improvements” like:
waggon to wagon
centre to center
apologise to apologize
The second L was dropped by the Americans in the British word “cancelled” to shorten the said word’s spelling.
It’s not certain if these 19th-century dictionaries created the spelling difference. However, Webster’s newest volumes often included the most common variation at the time.
If you look at U.S. versus U.K. spellings, you’ll notice plenty of spelling differences. For example, U.S. versions are often shorter and simpler. They usually also follow the pronunciation more closely.
There are two acceptable past tense spellings of the verb to cancel.
However, there is only one acceptable spelling for the noun cancellation. Always spell cancellation with two Ls, whether speak British or American English.
Recap: Canceled vs. Cancelled
It’s every traveler’s nightmare. Snow is falling. Ice covers roads and runways. All flights are canceled…
…or are they cancelled?
If you’re wondering whether to use cancelled or canceled, well, it might depend on where you’re from.
It’s easy to forget an L when there should be two or to add an L when there should only be one. Here’s the bottom line. Whether you spell it cancelled or canceled, it doesn’t really matter.
Despite each country’s spelling preferences, they’re just that—preferences. Neither way is actually wrong.
If you’re in the United States and want to add that extra L, go ahead. Be bold! Be a rebel!
If you’re in Great Britain and want to leave off that second L, go for it. No matter how you spell it, you won’t be wrong.
Is it Cancelled or Canceled? See how you Score
Cancelled or Canceled Question #1
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is TRUE. Both words refer to the past tense of cancel.
Canceled Question #2
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is D. There's a single 'l' in the American spelling.
Cancelled Question #3
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is B. The second 'l' was dropped from cancelled in the 1828 edition of Webster's Dictionary.
Cancelled vs Canceled Question #4
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is D. The American spelling of the word colour is color.
Cancellation Question #5
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is A. The spelling for cancellation remains the same, whether it’s American or British English.
Not only…but also is a correlative conjunction. This means that this construction helps convey two related facts, thoughts, or pieces of information.
It expresses unexpected or surprising information, with the second item being more surprising than the first.
Use this construction to create parallelism by following each part of the expression with the same part of speech. This helps add balance and flow to your writing.
In informal writing, you can omit the word also from the expression without changing the meaning of the sentence.
Correlative conjunctions like not only…but also don’t require commas to separate the pairs.
Replace not only…but also with synonyms like: moreover, besides, as well as, similarly, and equally important.
Her young daughter made friendsnot onlyin the parkbut alsoat the dentist’s office.
It’s crucial to focus not only on short-term gains but also on long-term growth.
Not only is she driven but also compassionate.
Not only but also is a two-part expression that’s used to create emphasis, convey unexpected information, or add balance to a sentence. See exactly how to use this phrase effectively with tips for parallelism and plenty of examples.
Not only but also is a correlative conjunction. It conveys related pieces of information.
What Does not Only but Also Mean?
Not only…but also is a way to create parallelism in a sentence. This expression is a correlative conjunction, and is useful for linking two closely connected clauses. Basically, it sets up two related elements of a sentence. You know you’re using this pairing to correctly create parallelism when the same part of speech follows each part of the phrase. For example, if a verb comes after not only, then a verb should come after but also (He not only swims, but also rows). Similarly, if a noun follows not only, then a noun should follow but also (She is not only a doctor but also a lawyer). Use this construction to convey unexpected but related information. Or, to emphasize a surprising fact.
In a sentence, the actual construct of the expression looks like this: not onlythis…but alsothat.
Not only…but also is a correlative conjunction, or words or phrases that work together to link words, clauses, or phrases. They are similar to coordinating conjunctions but show a stronger connection between the linked ideas.
Petenot onlyworks at the pet shopbut alsovolunteers with a wild tiger rescue.
In this example, each part of the not only…but also expression precedes a verb phrase for parallelism.
His dog lovednot onlyfresh green beansbut alsofrozen zucchini.
In this example, a noun phrase follows both not only and but also to maintain parallelism.
Not only…but also is a correlative conjunction. This means that this construction helps convey two related facts, thoughts, or pieces of information.
How do you use Not Only in a Sentence?
You can use not only at the beginning of a clause. In this case, you should use not only followed by the verb (Not only is she sing a captivating dancer, but also a fantastic singer). You can also use not only in the middle of a sentence. In this case, there are two constructions you can can use. The first construction is: Subject + Verb + not only + but also (He made not only the decorations but also the costumes for the party). Alternatively, the second construction is: Subject + not only + Verb + but also (The investigation is not only on-going but also highly-classified).
Here are examples of how to use not only in a sentence:
Not onlyis the kid excellent in grammar,but she is alsoa whiz in math.
Not only is the chocolate ice creama fantastic choicebut alsothe cherry pie.
The plaid skirtnot only looks good with my white blouse but also with my red sweater.
Not only did the campus newspaper dedicate their issues to the college’s most beloved professor but also the literary magazine.
He not only wants to go on a sabbatical but also wants to pursue acting.
5 Ways to Use Not Only…But Also:
Not only + verb + subject…but also…
Not only + verb + subject…but + subject + also + verb…
Subject + verb + not only…but also + verb…
Subject + not only + verb…but also…
Not only + verb + subject…but +subject + also…
Correlative conjunctions like not only…but also don’t require commas to separate the pairs.
Where do you put Not Only in a Sentence?
You can put not only at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. When you start a sentence with not only, the phrase is the beginning of an introductory clause and is acting as the first part of a correlative conjunction. As a result, not only must be followed by but also (Not only is the shuttle fast but also economical). When it appears in the middle of a sentence, not only usually comes after the subject and the verb (Their cat eats not only strawberries but also bananas). However, it can also come between the subject and the verb (Their daughter not onlyplaysthe piano but also runs track).
(At the beginning of the sentence)Not only is the shuttle fast but also economical.
(In the middle of the sentence, split subject/verb) Their daughter not only plays the piano but also runs track.
(In the middle of the sentence)Their cat not only eats strawberries but also bananas.
Pro Tip: Although but also can be split, the same doesn’t hold true for not only. The first word pair in this two-part expression should never be split.
Can you start a Sentence with Not Only?
You can start a sentence with not only, but it must be followed by not also. This is because the expression not only..but also is a correlative conjunction that helps create parallelism, or balance, in a sentence. What’s more, when you start a sentence with not only, follow the not only with a verb (Not only were they polite but also kind). Therefore, the formula for using not only at the beginning of a sentence is: Not only + verb + subject…but also + subject + verb.
Not only he forgot my birthday but also he never apologized!
Not only did he forget my birthday but also he forgot to apologize!
Not only the children are inquisitive but also clever.
Not only are the children inquisitive but also clever.
Not only…but also is a way to create parallelism in a sentence. You know you’re using this pairing to correctly create parallelism when the same part of speech follows each part of the phrase.
Is There a Comma in Not Only But Also?
Normally, there is no comma in the construction not only…but also. This is because not only…but also is usually a correlative conjunction that helps create parallelism. Since correlative conjunctions don’t require commas to separate the pairs in the phrase, there is no comma in not only…but also (Not only did they bring drinks but also desserts!). However, you can add a comma to show additional emphasis, but this isn’t required (When planning a party, she considers the not only the quality of the products served, but also the presentation). In the end, adding a comma is a stylistic choice and not grammatically required.
Nicole isnot onlya great student, but also a first-rate athlete.
Nicole isnot onlya great student but also a first-rate athlete.
Note: Although no commas are needed when punctuating this pair, commas may be added in special circumstances for extra emphasis.
While rehearsing her speech, she practiced not only her mannerisms but also her pronunciation.
While rehearsing her speech, she practiced not only her mannerisms, but also her pronunciation.
How do you Replace Not Only But Also?
Here are 20 replacements and synonyms for the correlative conjunction not only but also:
Examples of Sentences Using Synonyms for Not Only But Also:
Erin wanted not only a stable job but also a rewarding career.
This sentence shows the correct usage of not only…but also. There are, however, other ways of expressing a similar sentiment.
Erin wanted a stable job. Equally important, she wanted a rewarding career.
In addition to a stable job, Erin wanted a rewarding career.
Erin wanted a stable job. Moreover, she wanted a rewarding career.
As well as wanting a stable job, Erin wanted a rewarding career.
When comparing these sentences, you may notice that the emphasis changes. For example, each construction places more or less importance on one of the phrases. As a result, the meaning of the sentence may change.
Whenever you select words, you’re choosing nuances in meaning. By opting for a different word or phrase, you may alter the meaning of your sentence ever so slightly. What’s more, you may also alter the tone of your prose, making it less formal or more conversational.
Can you use But Also Without Not Only
You can use but also without not only. On one hand, if you use not only, you must follow it with but also (They not only went fishing but also hiking). On the other hand, if you just use but also, you don’t need to use not only before it (He loves to go to the movies but also enjoys the gym).
Patricia not only speaks five languages but also is an avid traveler.
I insist on buying fresh ingredients but also on making the time to cook with them.
If you start with not only: you must follow it with but also.
If you don’t use not only:you can use but also by itself.
Do you Have to use but Also With not Only?
If you use the first part of the correlative conjunction not only, then you must use the second part but also. Conversely, if you just use the second part but also, then you don’t need to include the first part not only. In formal writing, you should use the entire construction not only…but also. However, in informal contexts, you can leave off the also and shorten the phrase to not only…but. The meaning of the sentence shouldn’t change.
Formal Writing: use the full construction not only…but also
Informal Writing: you can use the shortened construction not only…but
Not only was the flight long and treacherous.
Not only was the flight long, but also treacherous.
The flight was long but also treacherous.
It wasnot onlya long flightbut alsoa treacherous one.
It wasnot onlya long flightbuta treacherous one.
Some writers may consider not only…but also to be one stylistic choice among many. After all, there are multiple options for linking two related thoughts, with each creating different shades of meaning.
Whether you opt for this phrase or another one is up to you, and it may depend on the type of writing you’re doing. Most importantly, your sentence should not only sound natural but also be clear in meaning. That, above all, is what writing should be about.
Quick Not Only…But Also Quiz
Not Only... But Also Question #1
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is A. “Not only...but also” is a correlative conjunction. They're words or phrases that work together to link words, clauses, or phrases
Not Only... But Also Question #2
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is B. "Not only...but also" is used to convey two related facts, thoughts, or pieces of information.
Not Only... But Also Question #3
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is A. Correlative conjunctions serve to highlight the relationship between elements in the sentence.
Not Only... But Also Question #4
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is C. “Neither...nor” are correlative conjunctions.
Not Only... But Also Question #5
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is TRUE. The phrase becomes: “not only…but.”
Not Only... But Also Question #6
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is FALSE. Since “not only…but also” is a correlative conjunction, no comma is necessary.
It can also indicate an excessive amount. Therefore, when you need a word that means more, use too with more ‘Os’.
What’s more, too can be a synonym for really, also, and in addition.
When you aren’t sure whether to use to vs. too, replace the word with really, also, or in addition. If the sentence still makes sense, too is correct.
Too can also indicate agreement. Since you need at least two people to come to an agreement, think of the two ‘Os’ in too.
Two is always a number.
Are you talking to me?
The ship is almost ready to depart.
He always adds too much salt when he cooks.
I had no idea you loved artichokes, too!
My grandmother grew up with two brothers.
To vs. too: which one is correct? And what about two? We break things down in this super easy guide.
Remember, ‘to’ can be a preposition or an infinitive verb, while ‘too’ is always an adverb.
To vs. Too vs. Two
On one hand, to (one ‘O’) shows the relationship between two words. Itcan be a preposition or an infinitive verb that joins words or clauses together. When it comes before a verb, it helps form an infinitive verb, or a verb that is not conjugated. Sometimes to also acts as an adverb, but this is rare. On the other hand, too (two ‘Os’) is always an adverb. It has several meanings and uses. First, too means also. In other cases, it refers to an excessive amount, such astoomuch. What’s more, too can indicate agreement, such as me too. Conversely, two is always a number. It’s how we write out the number 2.
Two is always a number. You can never use two in place of too or to.
I boughttwopizzas.
We would love toget some pizza.
She wants pizza, too.
Remember, to and too are never interchangeable. You also can’t use two instead of to or too.
How do you Remember the Difference Between To and Too?
Here is the easiest way to remember the difference between to and too: use the ‘O’ trick. Too can indicate something excessive or be a synonym for also or in addition. Remember that when a word means more, you need more ‘Os’. Similarly, it takes at least two people to agree on something, so you need two ‘Os’ to express that (I think sotoo.). Another trick is to replace the word with really, very, or also. If the sentence still makes sense, the use too. If not, you probably should use to.
It’stoohot.
It’s really hot.
It’s very hot.
It’stohot.
On the other hand, since to is a preposition or infinitive verb that links parts of a sentence together, think of the one ‘O’ as one link. When you need a link to show direction or to show that a verb is an infinitive, use to.
Do you Need a Comma Before or After too?
There really is no fixed grammar rule when it comes to using commas with the adverb too. Because the overall meaning usually depends on the writer’s intent, adding a comma before too is more of a stylistic or personal choice. That said, if your sentence would be clearer with a comma, use one. All in all, if too functions as an interrupter or nonrestrictive clause that appears in the middle of the sentence, you can offset it with commas (I, too, love pizza). However, if too appears at the end of the sentence and means also or in addition, including the comma after too is up to you.
To, too, and two are homophones. They all sound the same when pronounced but have different meanings and functions.
How do you use the Word Too in a Sentence?
Too Sentence Examples:
I believe his story, too.
The ice on the roads makes it too difficult to drive.
I’m hottoo.
It’stoohot.
They like pizzatoo.
We atetoomuch pizza.
[/example]There is too much shouting and not enough problem solving.[/example]
That is way too much money to spend on a bike!
I love you, too.
That video you sent me was too funny!
His wife loves sushi, but she’s crazy about BBQ too.
too definition:(adverb) also; excessive; a higher degree than expected or permitted.
To Sentence Examples:
He cametoafter the surgery.
Sherry wenttothe mall.
Taylor likestovisit his grandma during summer break.
Tiffany is planning a triptoFlorida next year.
I knew my husband was the one on our first date because he gave his extra tacotome.
to definition:(preposition) a word that governs a noun or pronoun and conveys a relationship between another word or element in a clause.
Is it Love you too or to?
If someone tells you that they love you and you would like to say it back, the correct sentence to say is I love you too. This is because too(with two ‘o’s) means also in this complete sentence. However, the phrase I love you might be part of a longer sentence instead of a complete sentence in itself. For example, in the phrase I love youtothe moon and back, you should use to (with one ‘o’). The reason is because the word is part of a longer sentence where to acts as a preposition or infinitive verb.
Is it to Fast or too Fast?
If you’re talking about excessive velocity or speeds, the correct phrase is too fast. In this way, too(two ‘Os’) is an adverb that refers to an excessive amount (of speed). However, if you’re talking about the act of fasting or abstaining from eating, then the correct phrase would be the to fast. In this case, to (one ‘O’) is helping to create the infinitive verb to fast. The third option is Fast is the name of a place. In this case, the to would be a preposition that indicates a direction toward a place called Fast, and the correct phrase would be to Fast.
To vs. Too vs. Two: Test Your Skills
Too Question #1
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is D. “Too” is an adverb that indicates agreement or an excessive or higher-than-expected amount.
To Question #2
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is FALSE. “To” can be a preposition. When it precedes a verb, it can help form an infinitive verb.
To vs. Too Question #3
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is B. “Too” in this sentence indicates an excessive amount of speed.
To or Too Question #4
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is A. “To” in this sentence acts as a preposition.
Ending a message with best regards shows you respect the recipient.
It’s a way to say farewell and conveys warm wishes.
You can use best regards for semiformal or informal communication like emails.
This phrase is a valediction, or closing, to correspondence. It’s similar to “cordially” but is less formal.
Some alternatives are kind regards, warm regards, and regards.
Make a positive impression on clients and colleagues by ending written correspondence with best regards. Check out examples of how to best use this popular letter closing remark and find alternatives to help mix it up.
What Does it Mean to say Best Regards?
Best regards is a popular closing for written correspondence, including emails. When someone drafts a message with this phrase, it means that they’re sending warm wishes your way. It’s also another way of saying “cordially” or “I wish you well” but is less formal. Best regards is a semiformal valediction, or a word or phrase that appears before a signature. This phrase is more informal than sincerely but still exudes respect. You can use this versatile closing in an email or letter. Use a capital ‘B’ and ‘R‘ when signing off with this phrase. Then, add a comma after the phrase.
Best regards definition:(idiom)Warm wishes, cordially, I wish you well.
Dear Myra,
I’ve attached your invoice for this month’s services. Thank you for choosing Freelancer Financial for your investment needs.
Best Regards,
Julie Jarrow
As you can see, Julie capitalized the ‘B’ and the ‘R’ in this valediction. She also placed a comma at the end of it.
Avoid using an exclamation mark, no matter how excited you feel about your message. Exclamation points are best suited for casual valedictions.
Best regards is a valediction, or closing, to correspondence.
Is Best Regards Formal or Informal?
Best regards is a versatile closing that works well for semiformal or informal communication. You can use this phrase for people you know well or people you don’t, making it perfect for business emails. When using best regards for semiformal emails, choose acquaintances you respect. This friendly phrase conveys warm wishes without going overboard. Conversely, do not use best regards for more formal communication. Instead, other options like “Sincerely,” and “With Gratitude,” are more appropriate.
Can you say Best Regards in an Email?
Best regards is appropriate for emails, but you can also use it for other types of semiformal written correspondence like handwritten or typed letters. What’s more, you can also use this closing in company memos. Similarly, it’s also appropriate for notices on school or company bulletin boards. Finally, it’s also appropriate for text messages and social media messages.
Use Best Regards in:
Emails
Handwritten or typed letters
Company memos
Text messages
Social media messages
Notices on bulletin boards
“Best regards” means warm wishes, which is similar to “warm regards” and “kind regards.”
Let’s pretend two neighbors are chatting via email:
Dear Jeff,
I gave your kids some potato chips and soda while they were hanging out with my son. Hope you don’t mind.
Regards,
Jim
Notice the casual tone of the message? The message is informal, but Jim knows and respects Jeff. That’s why he’s giving him a quick heads up about the snacks. He didn’t use a salutation or last name because Jeff knows Jim well.
But what if Jim is having problems with Jeff’s kids?
The email might read like this instead:
Dear Jeff,
Yesterday afternoon, your son placed a dandelion in my mailbox. My bills and magazines are now covered in white fluff, and I am not happy. Going forward, please have your son leave my mailbox alone. Tampering with someone’s mail is a federal offense.
Sincerely,
Jim Davidson
Jim is annoyed that Jeff’s son put a dandelion in his mailbox, so he drafted this complaint. He finished his email with “Sincerely,” a formal closing. He also used his first and last name, which is typical in formal communications.
What can I say Instead of Best Regards?
Consider the subject matter of your message, plus your relationship with the recipient. You could use “Warm Regards” or “Kind Regards.” Or, you may not need to include one at all. Formal alternatives to Best Regards include “Sincerely,” “Sincerely Yours,” “Yours Truly,” “Faithfully Yours,” “Respectfully Yours,” “With Sincere Appreciation,” and “With Gratitude.” On the other hand, some informal alternatives include “Best,” “Thanks,” “See you soon,” “Take care,” “Love,” “I miss you,” and “Hugs.” Alternatively, you can create a custom closing.
1. Formal Alternatives to Best Regards
Use these formal valedictions for cover letters, legal correspondence, and business letters:
Sincerely
Sincerely Yours
Yours Truly
Faithfully Yours
Respectfully Yours
With Sincere Appreciation
With Gratitude
2. Informal Alternatives to Best Regards
Best
Thanks
See you soon
To infinity and beyond
Onward and upward
Cheers
Love
Your friendly [job title]
Congratulations
Take care
Go get ’em, tiger
Keep fighting the good fight
You’ve got this
Keep your head high
Get well soon
I miss you
3. You may not Need a Closing at all
A closing isn’t always necessary.
If you’re close with the recipient, simply signing your name might be enough. You can also add a one-line paragraph above your signature, such as“Have a great day.”
Best Regards, Kind Regards, and Warm Regards: Are They All the Same?
Many message writers use best regards, kind regards, and warm regards interchangeably. But is that socially acceptable?
Possibly. Best regards means you’re sharing warm wishes, which isn’t much different from sending warm regards. The same can be said for expressing kind regards.
However, simply closing an email with regards may mean something different. Adding regards above your signature is generally less formal than best regards and similar valedictions.
Valedictions don’t have to be unique or engaging. When you need a classic yet respectful closing, go with best regards.
What’s are the Best Ways to Close a Letter? Test Your Skills!
Best Regards Question #1
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is C. Best Regards is ideal for informal and semiformal communication.
Best Regards Question #2
Please select 2 correct answers
Correct!Wrong!
The answers are A and D. Sincerely and Yours Truly are better suited for formal communication.
Best Regards Question #3
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is TRUE. Best Regards is perfect for semi-formal writing such as a company memo.
Best Regards Question #4
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is FALSE. Best Regards is not ideal for formal writing such as legal correspondence.
