English spelling can be tricky, especially when words like combatting or combating leave us unsure. Many people search online wondering which spelling to use and why there is a difference.
Both forms stem from the verb “combat,” meaning to fight or deal with something. The confusion arises from differences in American and British English spelling rules and the doubling of consonants when adding suffixes like -ing.
Whether you’re writing a school essay, a business email, or a blog post, using the right form of combat is essential for clarity and professionalism.
In this article, we break down the rules, show examples, and give guidance on which version to use. By the end, you will confidently know when to write combatting or combating.
Combatting or Combating – Quick Answer
Quick Answer:
- Combating → Standard spelling in American English.
- Combatting → Preferred spelling in British English when doubling the consonant before adding -ing.
Examples:
- American English: “The government is combating climate change.”
- British English: “The charity is combatting poverty worldwide.”
✅ Remember: Both are correct depending on your audience.
The Origin of Combatting or Combating
The word combat comes from the Latin “combattere”, meaning “to fight together.” It entered English in the late 14th century and was initially used in the military context. Over time, it also adopted figurative uses, like combating disease, combating stress, or combating misinformation.
The spelling difference originates from English spelling conventions:
- American English tends to simplify and often avoids doubling the final consonant when adding -ing.
- British English follows the rule of doubling consonants after short vowels in stressed syllables, resulting in combatting.
British English vs American English Spelling
Here’s a clear comparison of the spelling rules for combatting or combating:
| Feature | British English | American English |
| Doubling consonant before -ing | Yes → combatting | No → combating |
| Usage | Common in UK, Australia, Canada | Standard in US |
| Example | “They are combatting crime effectively.” | “They are combating crime effectively.” |
Rule of Thumb:
- Single vowel + stressed consonant → double consonant in British English.
- American English prefers simplified spelling without doubling.
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Which Spelling Should You Use?
Choosing the right spelling depends on your audience:
- US audience: Use combating. It aligns with American spelling conventions and is widely recognised.
- UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand: Use combatting. This follows British English spelling rules.
- Global or online content: Consider your target readers. If uncertain, American English (combating) is generally safer for international readability.
Common Mistakes with Combatting or Combating
Many writers make these frequent errors:
- Using “combatting” in US writing – It looks incorrect in American publications.
- ❌ “The city is combatting pollution.”
- ✅ “The city is combating pollution.”
- Forgetting the double “t” in British English – Can appear as a typo.
- ❌ “They are combating poverty in London.”
- ✅ “They are combatting poverty in London.”
- Confusing “combating” with other words – Sometimes writers mix it with combating → combating is correct; combiting is wrong.
- Overusing either form – Use combat(ing) appropriately; don’t use it where simpler verbs like “fighting” or “addressing” are better.
Combatting or Combating in Everyday Examples
Emails:
- “We are combating spam emails to improve your inbox experience.” (US)
- “The team is combatting fraudulent accounts daily.” (UK)
News Articles:
- “Authorities are combating the rise of cybercrime.”
- “Healthcare workers are combatting the flu outbreak this winter.”
Social Media:
- “We’re combating fake news online. Stay informed!”
- “Volunteers are combatting homelessness in the city.”
Formal Writing:
- “This report outlines measures for combating climate change globally.”
- “The organisation is combatting child labour through education programmes.”
Combatting or Combating – Google Trends & Usage Data
According to Google Trends (2026):
- Combating dominates in the US and globally online.
- Combatting is more commonly searched and used in the UK, Ireland, and Commonwealth countries.
Usage Context:
- Online content targeting international readers → combating.
- Local UK publications → combatting.
- Academic papers → Often follow regional spelling conventions.
Trends Table:
| Country | Preferred Usage | Popularity Index (0–100) |
| United States | combating | 85 |
| United Kingdom | combatting | 70 |
| Australia | combatting | 65 |
| Canada | combatting / combating | 60 |
| Global | combating | 80 |
Combatting or Combating – Comparison Table
| Version | English Variant | Doubling Consonant | Example Sentence |
| Combating | American | No | “They are combating cybercrime.” |
| Combatting | British | Yes | “They are combatting cybercrime.” |
FAQs
1. Is “combatting” correct?
Yes, in British English. For American English, use combating.
2. Is “combating” wrong?
No, it is correct in American English and accepted globally in online writing.
3. When do you double the “t”?
In British English, double the “t” when adding -ing to a verb ending in a single vowel + single consonant after a stressed syllable.
4. Can both spellings be used interchangeably?
Yes, if you are aware of your audience. American readers expect combating, while British readers may prefer combatting.
5. What is the origin of “combat”?
It comes from Latin “combattere” meaning “to fight together,” used in English since the 14th century.
6. Is “combatting” more formal than “combating”?
No, formality depends on context, not spelling. Both are acceptable in formal writing in their regions.
7. Which is better for SEO?
Use combating for global audiences. If targeting the UK, use combatting. Include both forms in content for coverage.
Conclusion
Deciding between combatting and combating depends primarily on your audience. For American English, the simpler combating is standard.
In British English and other Commonwealth countries, combatting is correct and follows consonant-doubling rules.
Understanding the origin of the word and the difference in spelling rules helps avoid mistakes in writing, whether in emails, blogs, or academic papers.
Remember, consistency is key: choose the correct version for your audience and stick with it.
In everyday usage, both words convey the idea of fighting or tackling a problem, whether it’s crime, disease, or misinformation.
By following these guidelines, you can write confidently and professionally, ensuring clarity and correctness.
Claire Keegan an Irish author famous for powerful short stories. She writes in a clear and emotional style.
