Targeted or Targetted: Which Spelling Is Correct?

If you have ever wondered whether the correct spelling is targeted or targetted, you are not alone. The two spellings look very similar, but only one is standard in modern English. Choosing the right form matters in school writing, professional communication, websites, reports, and everyday English.

The correct spelling is targeted, with only one t after the “e.” For example, you can say, “The advertisement targeted young customers.” The spelling targetted is generally considered incorrect in standard English. Understanding why this happens can make it easier to remember the correct form and avoid similar spelling mistakes.

Quick Answer: Targeted or Targetted?

Targeted is the correct standard spelling. Targetted is generally incorrect. The word comes from the verb target, and when adding -ed, the final consonant is not doubled because the word does not follow the spelling pattern that requires doubling. Use targeted in American and British English.

Why Do People Confuse It?

The confusion usually comes from the spelling rule for doubling a final consonant.

English has many verbs that double their final consonant before adding -ed or -ing. For example:

• stop → stopped
• plan → planned
• admit → admitted
• prefer → preferred

Because target ends in a consonant, some writers assume that it should become targetted. However, English spelling rules are not based simply on the final letter.

The word target already has a stressed first syllable, and standard English normally does not double the final t when forming targeted.

Therefore:

target + ed = targeted

Not:

target + ted = targetted

First Word: Targeted

Targeted is the correct past tense and past participle of target.

It means directed toward a particular person, group, place, goal, or purpose.

Examples

• The company targeted younger customers.
• The campaign was targeted at college students.
• The advertisement targeted people interested in travel.
• The police operation targeted organized crime.
• The teacher targeted specific areas for improvement.

The word can also function as an adjective:

The company launched a targeted advertising campaign.

Here, targeted describes an action or strategy specifically directed toward a particular audience.

Second Word: Targetted

Targetted is not the standard spelling in modern English.

Although you may occasionally encounter it online or in informal writing, it should generally be avoided in school assignments, professional documents, formal correspondence, and edited publications.

The correct form is:

targeted

For example:

The campaign targetted young adults.

The campaign targeted young adults.

Targeted vs Targetted: Comparison Table

Feature	Targeted	Targetted
Standard spelling	Yes	No
Correct past tense of “target”	Yes	No
Correct past participle	Yes	No
Used in American English	Yes	No
Used in British English	Yes	No
Suitable for formal writing	Yes	No
Example	The company targeted students.	The company targetted students.

When to Use Each

Use “Targeted”

Use targeted whenever you need the past tense, past participle, or adjective form of target.

For example:

• We targeted a new audience.
• The campaign targeted local businesses.
• She received targeted training.
• The advertisement was targeted at teenagers.
• The program targeted people with specific needs.

Avoid “Targetted”

Avoid targetted in standard English writing.

If you see this spelling somewhere, it is usually a spelling error rather than an accepted alternative.

10+ Examples of “Targeted”

Here are practical examples to help you understand how targeted works in sentences:

1. The company targeted customers between the ages of 18 and 30.
2. The advertising campaign was targeted at small businesses.
3. The government introduced a program targeted at reducing unemployment.
4. The teacher targeted grammar as an area for improvement.
5. The organization targeted rural communities with its new service.
6. The marketing team created a targeted social media campaign.
7. The new treatment is targeted toward specific symptoms.
8. The police targeted areas with high levels of criminal activity.
9. The website uses targeted advertisements based on user interests.
10. The company targeted international customers.
11. The charity launched a targeted campaign to raise awareness.
12. The training program targeted employees who needed additional support.

Notice that targeted works naturally as both a verb and an adjective.

Common Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes is adding an unnecessary t.

Mistake 1: Doubling the “t”

The company targetted new customers.

The company targeted new customers.

Mistake 2: Assuming Every Short Verb Doubles Its Final Letter

Not every verb ending in a consonant doubles that consonant before -ed.

Compare:

• stop → stopped
• plan → planned
• target → targeted
• visit → visited
• open → opened

The spelling pattern depends on the structure and pronunciation of the word.

Mistake 3: Using “Targetted” in Formal Writing

Even if you have seen targetted written somewhere, it is best to use targeted in formal English.

A Simple Memory Trick

Remember this:

TARGET + ED = TARGETED

Think of the word target as already complete. Simply add -ed:

target → targeted

Do not add another t:

target → targetted ❌

Another easy trick is to remember:

One target, one extra “t” is not needed.

If you remember targeted, you will be much less likely to write targetted.

American vs British English

Unlike some English spelling differences, this word does not have a standard American-versus-British spelling distinction.

Both American English and British English use:

targeted

For example:

American English:
The company targeted younger consumers.

British English:
The company targeted younger consumers.

So you do not need to change the spelling depending on whether your audience is in the United States or the United Kingdom.

Similar Words

Understanding related forms can also help you remember the correct spelling.

Target

Target is the base verb or noun.

• The company wants to target new customers.
• The target is located near the center.

Targeting

Targeting is the present participle or gerund.

• The company is targeting young professionals.
• Targeting the right audience can improve communication.

Notice that it is:

targeting

not:

targetting

Targeted

Targeted is the past tense, past participle, and adjective form.

• They targeted new customers.
• The campaign was targeted at students.
• We need a targeted approach.

Targeted Audience

A targeted audience is a particular group that a message, product, advertisement, or campaign is designed to reach.

For example:

The advertisement was created for a targeted audience of young travelers.

Final Verdict

The correct spelling is targeted.

Targetted is generally considered a spelling error in standard modern English. Whether you are writing an essay, email, business report, article, advertisement, or social media post, choose targeted.

The basic spelling is simple:

target + ed = targeted

There is no need to double the final t.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “targetted” a correct spelling?

No. Targeted is the standard spelling in modern English. “Targetted” is generally treated as a misspelling.

Is it “targeted” or “targetted”?

It is targeted. The correct spelling contains one t between the “e” and “d” at the end.

Why is “targeted” not spelled “targetted”?

English does not automatically double every final consonant before adding -ed. The standard spelling of the past tense of target is targeted.

Is “targeted” correct in British English?

Yes. Targeted is standard in both British English and American English.

What is the past tense of “target”?

The past tense is targeted.

Example:

The company targeted a new group of customers.

What is the difference between target and targeted?

Target is the base form, while targeted is its past tense, past participle, or adjective form.

For example:

• We target new customers.
• We targeted new customers.

Is “targetted” ever acceptable?

It may appear as a nonstandard spelling, but it is not the preferred standard form. In formal and general English, use targeted.

What is the correct spelling of targeting?

The correct spelling is targeting, with one t at the end of target before -ing.

Remember This

If you remember only one thing, remember:

Targeted ✅

Targetted ❌

The correct forms are:

• target
• targets
• targeted
• targeting

The spelling does not require a doubled t.

Conclusion

The confusion between targeted or targetted is understandable because English contains many verbs that double their final consonant when adding an ending. However, targeted is the correct standard spelling, while targetted should generally be avoided. This applies to both American and British English.

Whenever you need the past tense, past participle, or adjective form of target, use targeted. A quick memory formula can help: target + ed = targeted. Keeping this simple spelling pattern in mind will help you write more accurately and confidently.