Fulfill or fulfill? It’s a common dilemma for many English learners. Which spelling is correct? Should you use one “l” or two? Well, fear not! and an IELTS tutor, I am here to shed some light on this subject.
The short answer is both spellings are correct, but it depends on where you are writing. American English tends to use one “l” – fulfill, while British English uses two “l’s” – fulfil. So, if you’re taking the IELTS exam, which is an international English test, either spelling is acceptable. Nevertheless, it’s important to be consistent with your usage throughout your written work.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the differences and origins of these spellings. The word “fulfill” with one “l” is derived from the Middle English word “fulfilen.” This spelling has evolved over time in American English, which generally makes a lot of simplifications when it comes to spelling. Think about words like “color” instead of “colour.”
On the other hand, the British prefer to retain some of the original or older spellings. Therefore, they use “fulfil” with two “l’s.” It’s like an homage to the historical roots of the language. This can also be seen in other words like “enrol” instead of “enroll” or “travelled” instead of “traveled.”
To make matters a little more interesting, some words derived from “fulfill” also follow this pattern. For example, “fulfillment” is spelled “fulfilment” in British English. Similarly, “fulfilling” becomes “fulfilling” across the pond.
It’s also worth noting that many common prefixes can alter the spelling of “fulfill.” For instance, “unfulfilled” stays the same in both American and British English. However, “overfulfill” becomes “overfulfil” in the British variant.
Now, let’s take a look at some examples to illustrate these spelling variations:
1. American English:
– She fulfilled her promise to help.
– The artist’s dream was to fulfill her potential.
– I couldn’t believe it when my wish finally came true – it was such a fulfilling experience.
2. British English:
– She fulfilled her promise to help.
– The artist’s dream was to fulfil her potential.
– I couldn’t believe it when my wish finally came true – it was such a fulfilling experience.
As you can see, the meaning and usage of “fulfill” remains consistent regardless of the spelling variation. It simply boils down to personal preference or adherence to a particular variety of English.
In conclusion, whether you choose to spell it “fulfill” or “fulfil,” you can rest assured that both are correct. The spelling choice depends on regional preferences or personal style. So, go ahead and use whichever spelling feels right to you. Just remember to be consistent throughout your writing.