Dialling vs. Dialing: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
'Dialling' and 'Dialing' are variations of the same verb meaning to operate a telephone or input a number; 'Dialling' is British English, while 'Dialing' is American English.
Key Differences
'Dialling' adheres to British English spelling conventions, typically using double 'l' in gerunds and participles. In contrast, 'Dialing' follows American English rules, which often use a single 'l'.
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Dec 06, 2023
In British English literature and formal writing, 'Dialling' is the standard form. American English, however, consistently uses 'Dialing' in similar contexts.
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Dec 06, 2023
Most British English dictionaries list 'Dialling' as the correct spelling, whereas American English dictionaries prefer 'Dialing'.
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Dec 06, 2023
The choice between 'Dialling' and 'Dialing' can indicate the writer's adherence to either British or American English norms.
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Dec 06, 2023
It's important for writers to maintain consistency in their use of British or American English, choosing either 'Dialling' or 'Dialing' accordingly.
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Dec 06, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage in Literature
Common in British literature
Common in American literature
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Dec 06, 2023
Recognition in Dictionaries
Listed in British dictionaries
Listed in American dictionaries
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Dec 06, 2023
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Dialling and Dialing Definitions
Dialling
Dialling means to operate a telephone or input numbers.
She was dialling her friend's number.
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Dec 06, 2023
Dialing
Dialing can refer to adjusting settings on a device.
She was dialing in her camera settings.
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Dec 06, 2023
Dialling
Dialling can be used metaphorically for adjusting.
She was dialling her efforts to match the challenge.
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Dec 06, 2023
Dialing
Dialing can imply setting up or initiating a process.
They were dialing in the coordinates for the drone.
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Dec 06, 2023
Dialling
Dialling involves turning a dial or pressing buttons.
Dialling the safe's combination required precision.
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Dec 06, 2023
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Dialing
Dialing can be used metaphorically for adjusting.
He was dialing down his enthusiasm to seem calm.
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Dec 06, 2023
Dialling
Dialling can imply setting up or initiating a process.
They were dialling the parameters for the experiment.
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Dec 06, 2023
Dialing
A graduated surface or face on which a measurement, such as speed, is indicated by a moving needle or pointer.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dialling
A graduated surface or face on which a measurement, such as speed, is indicated by a moving needle or pointer.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dialing
The panel or face on a radio or television receiver on which the frequencies or channels are indicated.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dialling
The panel or face on a radio or television receiver on which the frequencies or channels are indicated.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dialing
A movable control knob or other device on a radio or television receiver used to change the frequency.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dialling
A movable control knob or other device on a radio or television receiver used to change the frequency.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dialing
A rotatable disk on a telephone with numbers and letters, used to signal the number to which a call is made.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dialling
A rotatable disk on a telephone with numbers and letters, used to signal the number to which a call is made.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dialing
To signal (a number) in making a telephone call
The program dials the number and then connects to the file server.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dialling
To signal (a number) in making a telephone call
The program dials the number and then connects to the file server.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dialing
(archaic) The art of constructing dials; the science of measuring time by dials.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dialling
Dialling can refer to adjusting settings on a device.
He was dialling the radio to find a clear station.
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Dec 06, 2023
Dialing
A method of surveying, especially in mines, in which the bearings of the courses, or the angles which they make with each other, are determined by means of the circumferentor; the use of a miner's dial.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dialing
The art of constructing dials; the science which treats of measuring time by dials.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dialing
A method of surveying, especially in mines, in which the bearings of the courses, or the angles which they make with each other, are determined by means of the circumferentor.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dialing
Dialing means to operate a telephone or input numbers.
He was dialing the customer service hotline.
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Dec 06, 2023
Dialing
Dialing involves turning a dial or pressing buttons.
Dialing the correct code opened the door.
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Dec 06, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is 'dialing' used in British English?
No, 'dialing' is the American English form.
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Dec 06, 2023
What's the main difference between 'dialling' and 'dialing'?
The main difference is the spelling according to British or American English standards.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can 'dialling' be used for non-telephone contexts?
Yes, it can refer to adjusting any settings or controls.
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Dec 06, 2023
What does 'dialling' mean?
It refers to operating a telephone or adjusting settings.
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Dec 06, 2023
Does 'dialling' have other meanings besides phone use?
Yes, it can also mean adjusting or setting up various devices or systems.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can 'dialling' indicate the start of a process?
Yes, it can imply initiating or setting up a process.
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Dec 06, 2023
Does the meaning of 'dialling' change in different contexts?
The basic meaning remains, but it can be applied to various settings.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is 'dialing' ever used metaphorically?
Yes, it can be used metaphorically to mean adjusting or tuning.
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Dec 06, 2023
Are 'dialling' and 'dialing' interchangeable?
They are interchangeable in meaning but not in regional usage.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is 'dialing' commonly used in American literature?
Yes, it's the standard form in American English writing.
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Dec 06, 2023
Are there synonyms for 'dialing'?
Yes, terms like 'operating' or 'adjusting' can be synonyms.
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Dec 06, 2023
Do British English speakers use 'dialing'?
Typically, British English speakers use 'dialling'.
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Dec 06, 2023
Does 'dialling' have a single 'l' in any context?
No, 'dialling' consistently uses double 'l' in British English.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is 'dialing' only related to telephones?
No, it can refer to operating any dial or control panel.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is 'dialing' used in official documents in the USA?
Yes, it's the preferred form in American English documents.
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Dec 06, 2023
Why do British and American English have different spellings?
These variations evolved due to different standardization practices.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can 'dialing' refer to computer settings?
Yes, it can apply to adjusting settings on various digital devices.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is 'dialling' considered outdated?
No, it's still in use, particularly in British English contexts.
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Dec 06, 2023
Are 'dialling' and 'dialing' taught differently in schools?
Yes, depending on whether British or American English is taught.
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Dec 06, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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