When I first compared Appal and Appall, I noticed that both spellings share the same meaning, but the usage depends on whether you’re in a British or American setting. A UK-based publication often leans toward the single-l form, while in the US the double-l version dominates.
I’ve seen this while reading modern texts from Canada and beyond, where regional preferences and stylistic quirks show up. As a writer, I once hesitated while mid-writing, then paused to double-check which form was correct for the audience I was addressing. That moment reminded me how every word, even one extra letter, carries weight in the English language.
In my own work with clients, I’ve seen how words hold an identity shaped by cultural divergence, linguistic history, and even grammar expectations. The choice between the single or double L may look like a small typo, but it signals different forms of adaptability and clarity. The difference really lies not in sound or look—both remain the same—but in how writers and readers connect across English-speaking countries.
That’s why a recent article I wrote explored the nuances, rules, and tradition behind this debate, and how it still counts in formal works. The guide I follow doesn’t just unpack the etymology, it also shows how decision, context, and preferences shape the message a reader receives. From firsthand experience, I’ve learned that even a slight shift in style or usage can shape communication, and this ability to write fluently across borders is what really reflects thoughtful writing.
Understanding the Meanings of Appal and Appall
No matter how you spell it, the verb means the same thing:
Appal / Appall = to shock, horrify, or disgust deeply.
It’s the kind of word you’d use when something shakes you to the core. Imagine reading about a cruel act or witnessing a shocking event—you’d say, “That news will appall anyone with a conscience.”
Synonyms include:
- Horrify
- Outrage
- Shock
- Disgust
- Alarm
- Terrify
Here’s a quick comparison table to lock it in:
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Appal / Appall | To horrify, shock, or disgust | The violence in the movie may appall sensitive viewers. |
| Appalled | Past tense / shocked, horrified | She was appalled by the careless mistake. |
| Appalling | Adjective / horrifying | The living conditions were appalling. |
So while the spelling differs, the sense doesn’t.
Origins and Etymology
Words don’t just appear out of thin air. Appal and appall trace back centuries and tell a fascinating story.
- The root comes from the Old French word apalir, meaning to grow pale. Think of someone turning pale after hearing shocking news.
- From French, the term entered Middle English as appallen around the 14th century, meaning to weaken or cause dismay.
- Over time, the meaning narrowed to what we use today: to horrify or shock deeply.
The split into two spellings (appal vs. appall) reflects broader differences between British and American English spelling reforms.
Appal vs. Appall in Regional Variants of English
The difference isn’t about meaning—it’s about geography. Where you are (or who you’re writing for) determines which spelling looks “correct.”
British English Preference
- In the UK, appal (with one “l”) is the standard spelling.
- British style guides such as Oxford English Dictionary and Cambridge English list appal as the primary form.
Example (UK):
- The decision to cut funding will appal the teaching community.
American English Preference
- In the US, appall (with two “l’s”) dominates.
- Both Merriam-Webster and American Heritage Dictionary list appall as the main spelling.
Example (US):
- The rude comment will appall most people in the room.
Canadian English Preference
- Canada leans toward American spelling, so appall is more common.
- However, Canadian English sometimes accepts both British and American spellings.
Other English Dialects
- Australian and New Zealand English often follow British spelling, so appal is more common there.
Summary Table:
| Region | Preferred Spelling | Example |
| UK | Appal | Such injustice will appal the public. |
| US | Appall | Her behavior will appall her colleagues. |
| Canada | Mostly Appall | The conditions will appall inspectors. |
| Australia/NZ | Appal | The cruelty will appal any animal lover. |
Usage in Writing and Communication
Whether you’re writing an essay, an article, or a business report, consistency is king. Mixing appal and appall in the same piece looks sloppy.
Academic Writing
- US universities: Use appall.
- UK universities: Use appal.
- Always check your institution’s preferred dictionary or style guide.
Business and Professional Writing
- In the workplace, stick with your audience’s spelling norms.
- If your company operates globally, choose one spelling and apply it consistently across all documents.
Journalism and Publishing
- AP Stylebook (US): appall.
- Chicago Manual of Style (US): appall.
- Oxford Style Guide (UK): appal.
Example Sentences
Sometimes the easiest way to master a word is to see it in action.
British English Examples (Appal)
- The teacher’s unfairness will appal her students.
- It will appal you to learn how little support some schools receive.
American English Examples (Appall)
- His reckless driving will appall his parents.
- The statistics about climate change will appall anyone who reads them.
Inflections and Derivatives
One good thing about this word: no matter how you spell it, the inflections don’t change.
- Appalled (past tense / past participle): She was appalled by the news.
- Appalling (present participle / adjective): The appalling weather ruined the picnic.
- Appals/Appalls (third-person singular present): The story appals/appalls readers worldwide.
So while the root spelling shifts, the endings stay uniform.
Historical and Modern Usage Trends
Language leaves a trail in books, articles, and now digital writing. Looking at these trends helps us see which form dominates.
- Google Ngram Viewer shows that appal was once more common in older British literature.
- In the 19th century, American spelling reforms pushed appall into wider use in the US.
- Today, appall leads in the US and Canada, while appal remains the British favorite.
Modern trend: With the internet blurring regional differences, most readers recognize both spellings. Still, regional preference hasn’t disappeared.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Many writers assume there’s a difference in meaning. That’s not true.
Common mistakes include:
- Believing appal means something different than appall.
- Mixing both spellings in a single essay or report.
- Confusing with similar-looking words:
- Appeal (to request or attract)
- Apparel (clothing)
- Apply (to put to use)
Practical Guidance for Students, Teachers, and Professionals
The safest way to avoid errors is to match your spelling to your audience.
- Students: If you’re in the US, always use appall. In the UK, stick to appal.
- Teachers: Be clear with students about which spelling to use in your classroom.
- Professionals: On resumes, applications, and reports, follow American spelling if targeting US employers (appall). For UK employers, use appal.
Pro tip: Set your document spell-check to “English (US)” or “English (UK)” before you start writing. That way, your computer will catch the wrong version for your region.
Conclusion
The difference between Appal and Appall comes down to spelling and regional usage. In British English, the single-l form is more common, while American English prefers the double-l version. Both carry the same meaning, so the choice depends on your audience, context, and writing style.
As a writer, it helps to double-check which form best fits your publication or clients, especially when aiming for clarity and formal works.
FAQs
Q1: Do Appal and Appall mean the same thing?
Yes, they have an identical meaning—to cause shock, intense fear, or horror.
Q2: Which spelling should I use in the US?
In the US, the double-l spelling (Appall) is the correct and most widely used form.
Q3: Which spelling is preferred in the UK?
In the UK, the single-l version (Appal) is the standard, especially in UK-based publications.
Q4: Is it wrong to use the other version?
Not at all. Both are understood across English-speaking countries, but following regional rules shows thoughtful and professional communication.
Q5: Why does the difference exist?
It’s rooted in linguistic history and cultural divergence between British and American English, where small variants in spellings evolved over time.
