Targetted and targeted often cause spelling confusion, especially because English words do not always follow the same doubling rules. If you mean aimed at, directed toward, selected for, or attacked, the standard spelling is targeted.
In modern English, targeted is the correct and widely accepted spelling in both American and British English. Targetted, with a double t, is generally considered a misspelling. This guide explains why targeted has only one final t, with simple rules, examples, common mistakes, and an easy memory trick.
Quick Answer
Targeted is the correct spelling. Targetted is generally incorrect. The verb target becomes targeted by adding -ed without doubling the final t. Use targeted when something is aimed at, directed toward, or intended for a particular person, group, place, or purpose.
Why People Confuse It
The confusion usually comes from English words that double their final consonant before adding -ed.
For example:
- stop → stopped
- plan → planned
- commit → committed
This makes some writers assume:
target → targetted ❌
However, the correct form is:
target → targeted ✔
The difference is related to syllable stress. In target, the stress falls on the first syllable: TAR-get, not the final syllable. Therefore, the final t is not normally doubled before adding -ed.
Targetted: Meaning and Definition
Targetted is generally considered a misspelling of targeted in modern standard English.
❌ The advertisement was targetted at young adults.
✔ The advertisement was targeted at young adults.
For everyday, academic, business, professional, and SEO writing, avoid targetted.
Targeted: Meaning and Definition
Targeted is the correct past tense and past participle form of target.
It can mean:
- Aimed at someone or something
- Directed toward a particular group
- Designed for a specific audience
- Selected for special attention
- Attacked or singled out
- Focused on a particular goal
Examples of Targeted
- The campaign targeted young professionals.
- The company targeted a new market.
- Police targeted the area for increased patrols.
- The advertisement was targeted at frequent travelers.
- The training program targeted specific skills.
In simple terms, targeted means aimed at or focused on something specific.
Targetted vs Targeted: Comparison Table
| Feature | Targetted | Targeted |
|---|---|---|
| Standard modern spelling | ❌ Generally incorrect | ✔ Correct |
| Number of final t’s before -ed | Two | One |
| Recommended for formal writing | ✘ No | ✔ Yes |
| American English | Not standard | Standard |
| British English | Not standard | Standard |
| Example | ❌ The campaign targetted students. | ✔ The campaign targeted students. |
When to Use Each
Use targeted whenever you need the past tense or past participle of target.
Common uses include:
- Targeted advertising
- Targeted marketing
- Targeted treatment
- Targeted attack
- Targeted campaign
- Targeted audience
- Targeted support
- Targeted approach
Examples
- The business targeted customers between the ages of 25 and 40.
- We created a targeted marketing strategy.
- The charity provided targeted support to affected communities.
- The researchers targeted a specific area for further study.
Do not normally use targetted in standard English.
Examples
Here are 14 examples using the correct spelling:
- The company targeted a younger audience.
- The campaign targeted customers interested in technology.
- The teacher targeted the areas where students needed extra help.
- The advertisement was carefully targeted at parents.
- Police targeted the location during the investigation.
- The new program targeted unemployment in rural communities.
- The team targeted its efforts toward improving customer service.
- The brand launched a targeted marketing campaign.
- Researchers targeted specific genes during the study.
- The company offered targeted discounts to loyal customers.
- The training was targeted at new employees.
- The organization targeted several key areas for improvement.
- The campaign successfully targeted its intended audience.
- The government introduced targeted measures to address the problem.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Writing “targetted”
❌ The company targetted new customers.
✔ The company targeted new customers.
The standard spelling has one t before -ed.
Mistake 2: Applying the wrong doubling rule
Some writers compare target with words such as stop or commit.
However:
- stop → stopped
- commit → committed
- target → targeted
The stress pattern matters. Target does not normally double its final consonant when adding -ed.
Mistake 3: Writing “targetted” in British English
A common misconception is that British English uses targetted while American English uses targeted.
❌ This is not the standard rule.
Both American and British English normally use:
✔ targeted
Mistake 4: Confusing “targeted” with “focused”
These words can sometimes be similar but are not always interchangeable.
- A targeted campaign is designed for a particular group.
- A focused campaign concentrates on a particular subject or objective.
Memory Trick
Think of the pronunciation:
🌸 TAR-get-ed
The stress is on TAR, not on the final syllable. That can remind you not to double the final t.
Another easy reminder:
Target → Targeted
One T stays one T before -ed.
Or simply remember:
🎯 One target, one final T: targeted.
American vs British English
Both American English and British English use targeted as the standard spelling.
✔ American English: targeted
✔ British English: targeted
Unlike some verbs, there is no standard American-versus-British difference that changes targeted to targetted.
This is important because British English does double certain final consonants in some words, such as travelled. However, that does not make targetted the standard spelling.
Similar Words
Target vs Targeted
- Target = the base verb or a goal/object.
- Targeted = aimed at or directed toward something.
Example:
The company will target new customers.
The company targeted new customers last year.
Targeted vs Aimed
Both can suggest directing something toward a specific person or goal.
- The campaign targeted students.
- The campaign was aimed at students.
Targeted vs Focused
- Targeted emphasizes a specific intended recipient or objective.
- Focused emphasizes concentration or attention.
Targeted vs Selected
- Targeted often means deliberately aimed at.
- Selected means chosen from a group of options.
Targeting vs Targeted
- Targeting = the act of aiming at or selecting.
- Targeted = already aimed at or selected.
Final Verdict
The correct spelling is targeted.
Use targeted with one t before -ed in both American and British English. It is the standard past tense and past participle of target and is appropriate for formal, academic, professional, and everyday writing.
Targetted is generally a spelling mistake, so avoid it unless you are reproducing an original historical text that uses that spelling.
Remember This
🎯 Targeted = correct.
❌ Targetted = incorrect in standard modern English.
Think:
TAR-get-ed → no extra T needed.
When in doubt, aim for targeted.
FAQs
1. Is “targetted” ever correct?
In modern standard English, targeted is the accepted spelling. Targetted is generally treated as a misspelling.
2. Which is correct: targeted or targetted?
Targeted is correct in standard American and British English.
3. Why isn’t “targeted” spelled with two t’s?
The word target does not normally double its final consonant before adding -ed. Its stress pattern helps explain why the standard spelling is targeted.
4. Is “targeted” American or British English?
It is used in both. Targeted is the standard spelling in American and British English.
5. How do you spell “targeted advertising”?
The correct spelling is targeted advertising.
6. What does “targeted” mean?
Targeted means aimed, directed, focused, or intended for a particular person, group, place, or objective.
7. What is the present form of “targeted”?
The base form is target, while the present participle is targeting.
Conclusion
Targetted vs targeted has a simple answer: targeted is the correct standard spelling. Although doubling the final consonant may seem logical because English words such as stopped and committed use double letters, target follows a different pattern.
For clear and confident writing, use targeted whenever something was aimed at, directed toward, or designed for a specific person, audience, or goal. Whether you are writing about targeted advertising, targeted support, or a targeted strategy, one spelling is the standard choice: targeted.
