Targeted and targetted are two spellings of the past tense and past participle of target. While both forms appear in some English varieties, targeted is the standard spelling in modern English and is accepted worldwide. Targetted is much less common and is generally considered a nonstandard or variant spelling.
What Does “Targeted” Mean?
Targeted is the past tense and past participle of target. It means aimed at, directed toward, or focused on a particular person, group, object, or goal.
Examples of “Targeted”
• The campaign targeted young adults.
• Police targeted the area’s busiest intersections.
• The advertisement targeted online shoppers.
• The company targeted a new market.
• The scholarship is targeted at low-income students.
• Researchers targeted the source of the problem.
• The attack targeted military facilities.
• The training program targeted new employees.
• The vaccine targeted a specific virus.
• The charity targeted families in need.
What Does “Targetted” Mean?
Targetted is an alternative spelling that appears occasionally, mainly in older or less common usage. However, targeted is the preferred spelling in modern dictionaries, style guides, and professional writing.
Examples of “Targetted”
• Some older publications use targetted.
• A few writers still spell it as targetted, but it is uncommon.
• Modern English dictionaries recommend targeted.
• Most newspapers and publishers use targeted instead of targetted.
• In formal writing, targeted is the preferred choice.
Targeted vs. Targetted: Key Differences
| Targeted | Targetted |
|---|---|
| Standard modern spelling | Less common variant spelling |
| Accepted in American and most international English | Occasionally seen in some British contexts or older texts |
| Preferred by major dictionaries and style guides | Generally avoided in modern writing |
| Example: The campaign targeted students. | Variant spelling of targeted |
Common Mistakes
• ❌ The company targetted young customers.
• ✅ The company targeted young customers.
• ❌ The email was targetted to subscribers.
• ✅ The email was targeted to subscribers.
• ❌ The police targetted speeding drivers.
• ✅ The police targeted speeding drivers.
• ❌ The program is targetted at beginners.
• ✅ The program is targeted at beginners.
• ❌ The advertisement targetted local families.
• ✅ The advertisement targeted local families.
Final Thought
The correct and widely accepted spelling is targeted. Although targetted appears occasionally as a variant, it is much less common and is generally avoided in modern English. To ensure your writing is clear, professional, and consistent, use targeted in both formal and informal contexts.
