If you are unsure whether to write targeted or targetted, the correct spelling depends on the English variety you are using. In American English, targeted is the standard spelling. In British English, targeted is also the preferred modern spelling. Targetted is generally considered incorrect or a rare nonstandard variant.
The confusion happens because English spelling rules sometimes double the final consonant when adding -ed or -ing. For example, stop becomes stopped, while visit becomes visited. Since target ends in a consonant, some writers assume the final t should be doubled. However, the standard spelling is targeted, with only one t before -ed. Knowing this rule will help you avoid this common spelling mistake.
Quick Answer
Targeted is the correct and standard spelling in both American and British English. Targetted is generally incorrect. Write targeted, targeting, and targeted audience with one t before the suffix.
Why People Confuse It
The confusion comes from the spelling of the base word target and the common English rule of doubling final consonants.
Some words do double their final consonant:
- stop → stopped
- plan → planned
- admit → admitted
So it may seem logical to write:
target → targetted
But target does not follow that pattern.
The correct forms are:
target → targeted
target → targeting
The final t remains single.
Targeted
Targeted is the standard past tense and past participle of target.
It means directed toward a particular person, group, goal, or object.
For example:
The company launched a targeted advertising campaign.
The campaign was directed toward a specific audience.
You can use targeted in many contexts, including:
- Marketing
- Advertising
- Education
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Security
- Research
- Communication
- Sales
Common Examples
The website uses targeted advertising.
The campaign was targeted at young adults.
The organization provided targeted support to struggling students.
Targetted
Targetted is generally not considered the standard spelling in modern English.
Although you may occasionally encounter it, particularly in informal writing or older sources, the recommended spelling is:
targeted ✅
Not:
targetted ❌
For school assignments, professional documents, websites, business writing, and formal communication, use targeted.
Targeted vs Targetted: Comparison Table
| Spelling | Correct? | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Targeted | ✅ Yes | Directed toward a specific person, group, or goal | The campaign targeted new customers. |
| Targetted | ❌ Generally no | Intended as a spelling of targeted | Avoid this spelling in standard writing. |
The practical rule is simple:
Targeted has one T before -ed.
When to Use Each
Use “Targeted”
Use targeted when something is deliberately directed toward a particular target.
Examples include:
- Targeted advertising
- Targeted marketing
- Targeted therapy
- Targeted support
- Targeted research
- Targeted communication
- Targeted training
- Targeted campaigns
For example:
The company created a targeted marketing strategy.
Students received targeted support based on their individual needs.
Avoid “Targetted”
In modern standard English, there is normally no reason to choose targetted.
Write:
targeted
instead.
Examples of Targeted vs Targetted
- The company launched a targeted advertising campaign.
The advertising was aimed at a specific audience. - The email was targeted at existing customers.
The email was directed toward a particular group. - The teacher provided targeted support to the students.
The support addressed specific needs. - The campaign targeted younger consumers.
The campaign was directed toward a particular audience. - The researchers developed a targeted treatment.
The treatment was designed for a specific purpose. - The organization offers targeted training programs.
The programs focus on particular skills or groups. - The advertisement was carefully targeted.
It was deliberately aimed at a particular audience. - The security team launched a targeted investigation.
The investigation focused on a specific issue. - The website provides targeted recommendations.
The recommendations are selected for particular users. - The marketing team is targeting new customers.
The present participle also uses one t. - The campaign targeted several age groups.
The verb targeted remains singular in spelling even with a plural object. - Targetted is a common spelling mistake for targeted.
The standard spelling is targeted.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Doubling the “t”
❌ targetted
✅ targeted
Do not automatically double the final consonant when adding -ed.
Mistake 2: Writing “targetting”
The same issue occurs with the -ing form.
❌ targetting
✅ targeting
The standard spelling uses one t.
Mistake 3: Assuming British English uses “targetted”
It does not. Targeted is the standard modern spelling in British English as well as American English.
Mistake 4: Confusing target with words that double consonants
Compare:
- stop → stopped
- plan → planned
- target → targeted
The doubling rule does not apply to every word ending in a consonant.
Memory Trick
Use this simple trick:
TARGET + ED = TARGETED
Just add -ed:
TARGET + ED → TARGETED
Don’t add another t.
For the present participle:
TARGET + ING → TARGETING
A quick visual reminder:
TARGETED = ONE T
TARGETTING = TWO Ts ❌
American vs British English
Unlike some English spelling differences, targeted is standard in both American and British English.
American English
The campaign targeted younger customers.
British English
The campaign targeted younger customers.
Both use targeted.
The spelling targetted should generally be avoided in both varieties.
Similar Words
Aimed
Directed toward a particular person or goal.
The campaign was aimed at teenagers.
Focused
Concentrated on a particular subject or goal.
The program is focused on improving literacy.
Directed
Sent or organized toward a particular target.
The resources were directed toward local communities.
Specialized
Designed for a particular purpose or group.
The hospital provides specialized care.
Selected
Chosen for a particular purpose.
The company selected a targeted group for the survey.
Targeting
The present participle of target.
The company is targeting younger consumers.
FAQs
Is it targeted or targetted?
Targeted is the correct standard spelling. Targetted should generally be avoided.
Is targeted spelled with one T or two?
It is spelled with one T before -ed:
TARGETED
Is targetted British spelling?
No. Targeted is the standard modern spelling in both British and American English.
Why isn’t the T doubled in targeted?
The spelling of target does not require doubling the final consonant when adding -ed. The standard form is targeted.
Is “targeting” spelled with one T?
Yes.
targeting ✅
Not:
targetting ❌
What does targeted mean?
Targeted means deliberately directed toward a particular person, group, object, or goal.
What is the correct phrase: targeted audience or targetted audience?
The correct phrase is targeted audience.
The advertisement was designed for a targeted audience.
Final Verdict
Targeted is the correct spelling in modern standard English. Whether you’re writing in American English or British English, use targeted rather than targetted.
The same spelling applies to targeting: use one t, not two. If you remember that the base word is simply TARGET and add the suffix without doubling the final letter, you’ll avoid this common spelling mistake.
Conclusion
The difference between targeted and targetted is not really a difference in meaning. Targeted is the standard spelling, while targetted is generally a misspelling or nonstandard variant. This is true in both major varieties of English.
Whenever you need the past tense, past participle, or adjective form of target, remember the simple pattern: target → targeted and target → targeting. One t is all you need.
Remember This
TARGETED ✅ = correct
TARGETTED ❌ = generally incorrect
Memory trick:
TARGET + ED = TARGETED
And:
TARGET + ING = TARGETING
So write targeted audience, targeted advertising, and targeting customers with one T.
Ethan Caldwell is a U.S.-based writer focused on faith, personal growth, and mindful living. His work explores how timeless values can guide modern life, helping readers find clarity, purpose, and inner strength through thoughtful reflection.
