Have you ever paused while writing and wondered whether it’s judgments or judgements? You’re not alone. This spelling confusion appears in legal writing, academic papers, news articles,
and even everyday emails. Many people search for this keyword because both spellings seem correct—and that’s exactly where the confusion begins.
The problem isn’t bad grammar. The issue is regional English differences. American English and British English often follow different spelling rules, and this word is a classic example. Spellcheck tools don’t always help, and using the “wrong” version for your audience can make your writing look unprofessional.
This article clears that confusion once and for all. You’ll get a quick answer, learn where the word comes from, see how British and American spelling rules differ, and understand which version you should use based on your audience.
We’ll also cover common mistakes, real-life examples, Google Trends usage, and FAQs people often ask.
By the end, you’ll confidently know when to use judgments and when judgements is the better choice.
Judgments or Judgements – Quick Answer
Both judgments and judgements are correct.
- Judgments → Preferred in American English
- Judgements → Common in British English
Examples:
- US English: The court delivered its final judgments.
- UK English: The judge reviewed several judgements.
The Origin of Judgments or Judgements
The word judgment comes from Latin judicium, meaning “decision” or “verdict.” It entered English through Old French during the Middle Ages.
Originally, English spelling was not fixed. Writers often spelled words based on sound. Over time, spelling standards formed differently in various regions.
In the United States, spelling reforms aimed to simplify words. One result was dropping silent letters, like the extra “e” in judgement. British English kept the older spelling in many cases, which is why both versions still exist today.
British English vs American English Spelling
The main difference is regional spelling preference.
| Feature | American English | British English |
| Preferred spelling | judgments | judgements |
| Extra “e” | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Used in legal texts | Yes | Yes |
| Considered correct | Yes | Yes |
Similar examples:
- American: acknowledgment | British: acknowledgement
- American: abridgment | British: abridgement
- Read Also.Criterion or Criteria: What’s the Difference Use?
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Choose based on your audience:
- US audience → Use judgments
- UK audience → Use judgements
- Australia, Canada, NZ → Prefer judgements
- Global or SEO content → judgments is safer and more widely accepted
For legal, academic, or business writing, consistency matters more than preference.
Common Mistakes with Judgments or Judgements
Here are frequent errors people make:
- ❌ Mixing both spellings in one document
✅ Pick one and stay consistent - ❌ Assuming one version is wrong
✅ Both are correct, region matters - ❌ Letting spellcheck override audience rules
✅ Manually choose the right spelling - ❌ Using British spelling in US legal writing
✅ Always match the local standard
Judgments or Judgements in Everyday Examples
Emails
- We respect your judgments on this matter. (US)
- Your judgements are appreciated. (UK)
News
- The court announced new judgments today.
Social Media
- Stop making fast judgments without facts.
Formal Writing
- These judgements will impact future policy decisions.
Judgments or Judgements – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows:
- Judgments dominates searches in the United States
- Judgements is more common in the UK and Commonwealth
- Legal and academic content favors judgments globally
SEO tools suggest judgments has higher global search volume, making it better for international content.
Judgments vs Judgements – Comparison Table
| Aspect | Judgments | Judgements |
| Correct spelling | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Region | American English | British English |
| SEO friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Legal writing (US) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Legal writing (UK) | ❌ | ✅ |
FAQs: Judgments or Judgements
1. Are judgments and judgements both correct?
Yes, both are correct depending on region.
2. Which spelling does American English use?
American English uses judgments.
3. Which spelling is used in British English?
British English prefers judgements.
4. Which is better for SEO?
Judgments performs better globally.
5. Is “judgement” wrong?
No, it’s correct in British English.
6. Do legal documents accept both spellings?
Yes, but only when matched to the correct region.
7. Should I change spelling for international readers?
Yes, use judgments for global audiences.
Conclusion
The confusion between judgments or judgements comes down to one simple rule: location matters. Both spellings are correct, but they belong to different versions of English. American English favors judgments, while British English keeps judgements.
If you’re writing for a US audience, legal documents, or SEO-focused content, judgments is the safer and more effective choice. For UK, Australian, or Commonwealth readers,
judgements feels natural and correct. What matters most is consistency. Switching between the two in one piece of writing can confuse readers and weaken your credibility.
When in doubt, think about your audience first. Choose the spelling that matches their expectations, and your writing will always feel professional, polished, and correct.
Claire Keegan an Irish author famous for powerful short stories. She writes in a clear and emotional style.
