Cancellation vs Cancelation: Which Spelling is Correct?

When it comes to spelling, English can be tricky. One of the most common debates is between “cancellation” vs “cancelation.” If you’ve ever wondered which version to use, you’re not alone. In this article, we will break down the differences between the two spellings, explore their meanings, provide examples, and clarify when and where each spelling is most appropriate.

Spelling in English can be confusing, and one of the most common points of debate is the difference between “cancellation” vs “cancelation.” If you’ve found yourself unsure of which spelling to use, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll clarify the distinctions between these two variations, explain their meanings, provide helpful examples, and guide you on when to use each spelling.

Cancellation vs Cancelation: A Quick Overview

First off, it’s essential to understand that “cancellation” is the more widely accepted spelling in English. This version is used in both British and American English, but it’s particularly favored in formal writing. “Cancelation“, on the other hand, is a less common variant and is more likely to be used in American English, though it’s still seen as somewhat nonstandard.

Both words ultimately convey the same idea—the act of canceling something—but the difference lies in spelling, and understanding which one to use in specific contexts can make your writing more polished and professional.

The Difference Between Cancellation vs Cancelation

1. Cancellation (With Two L’s):
   • This is the more widely accepted spelling in both British and American English.
   • It’s typically used in formal documents like contracts, emails, and letters, and you will find it in most reputable dictionaries.
   • The word describes the action of calling something off, invalidating, or terminating an event, agreement, or service.
2. Cancelation (With One L):
   • This form is considered a variant of “cancellation,” and it is most commonly used in American English.
   • While it’s less common and may be seen as nonstandard in formal contexts, you may still encounter it in some publications, especially those that adhere to a less rigid writing style.

Spelling Preferences in Different Contexts

British English prefers “cancellation” while American English is more flexible, allowing both “cancellation” and “cancelation”, though “cancellation” remains more widely used in formal contexts.

For instance:

• British English: “I’ve received a notice of cancellation for my flight.”
• American English: “The cancelation fee was too high, so I decided not to cancel.”

Common Usage Scenarios for Cancellation and Cancelation

Let’s now look at a few scenarios where you might encounter these terms. To make things clearer, I’ll provide email examples to demonstrate the correct spelling and contextual use in real-world situations.

1. Email to Cancel a Service Subscription:

Subject: Cancellation of Subscription

Dear Ms. Harper,

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to request the cancellation of my subscription to your premium services. Due to personal reasons, I will no longer need the features that come with the subscription.

Please confirm the cancellation and let me know if there are any further steps I need to take.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Mark Thompson

In this case, “cancellation” is used because it’s a formal communication, and “cancellation” is the preferred spelling in such contexts.

2. Informal Email About a Movie Reservation:

Subject: Cancelation of Movie Reservation

Hi Tom,

I wanted to let you know that I need to cancel my movie reservation for tonight. Something came up, and I can’t make it. I hope that’s okay!

Let me know if I need to do anything else to finalize the cancelation.

Best,
Sara

Here, “cancelation” is used in a more casual, informal context. While “cancellation” would also work, “cancelation” might be chosen to keep the email less formal.

3. A Business Email About an Event:

Subject: Cancellation of Upcoming Event

Dear Mr. Carter,

I regret to inform you that we must proceed with the cancellation of the upcoming conference scheduled for next month. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are unable to host the event as planned.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will be in touch with further updates.

Sincerely,
The Event Planning Team

For professional communication like this, “cancellation” is preferred, as it’s the more formal and standard spelling.

The Cancellation or Cancelation Letter

A cancellation letter is a formal document used to inform someone that an agreement, subscription, service, or reservation is being revoked or terminated. It’s important to use the correct spelling in these letters to maintain professionalism. Here’s an example of a cancellation letter:

Sample Cancellation Letter:

Subject: Request for Cancellation of Contract

Dear Mr. Johnson,

I am writing to formally request the cancellation of the contract between our companies, dated [insert date]. After careful consideration, we have decided not to move forward with the project.

Please confirm receipt of this letter and let me know if there are any further actions required on my part to finalize the cancellation.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,
Rachel Miller
[Company Name]

In this letter, “cancellation” is the correct and professional choice.

Key Differences Between Cancellation and Cancelation

Now that we have some examples, let’s break down the main differences between cancellation and cancelation:

Aspect	Cancellation	Cancelation
Preferred Usage	Most commonly used in British & American English.	Primarily used in American English.
Spelling	Two L’s: cancellation.	One L: cancelation.
Context	Used in formal writing, business correspondence, etc.	Often seen in informal writing, but still acceptable.
Standardization	Widely recognized as the standard form.	Considered a nonstandard variant.

What About “Cancellation Fee”?

The term “cancellation fee” is commonly used when discussing a fee charged for canceling an event, service, or reservation. For example:

• If you miss the deadline to cancel your flight, you might be charged a cancellation fee.
• Some hotels charge a cancellation fee if you cancel after a specific time frame.

“Cancelled” vs “Canceled”: A Quick Side Note

You might also encounter the debate between “cancelled” (with two L’s) and “canceled” (with one L). This debate is especially relevant in American and British English:

• In British English, you’ll likely see “cancelled” with two L’s.
• In American English, “canceled” is the correct form with one L.

Example:

• British English: “The event has been cancelled.”
• American English: “The event has been canceled.”

Cancelation in Spanish

In Spanish, the word “cancelación” is used for “cancellation”. It’s important to remember that, while the spelling differs in English, other languages like Spanish still retain a similar form.

How to Spell Cancelation?

The correct spelling for the American variant is “cancelation”. However, if you’re writing in a more formal context, or following standard practices, opt for “cancellation”.

20 Key Points to Remember About Cancellation vs Cancelation

1. “Cancellation” is the standard, widely accepted form in both British and American English.
2. “Cancelation” is a variant used more commonly in American English.
3. “Cancellation” is preferred in formal, professional settings.
4. Both words refer to the act of revoking or terminating something.
5. “Cancellation” has two L’s; “cancelation” only has one.
6. You’ll see “cancellation” in contracts, emails, and formal notices.
7. “Cancelation” is often seen in less formal or everyday writing.
8. For consistency in formal writing, stick with “cancellation.”
9. “Cancelation” is not incorrect but is less common.
10. You should use “cancellation” when writing legal documents or business letters.
11. “Cancelation” is acceptable in casual correspondence.
12. Both words describe the act of calling something off or making something void.
13. In the U.S., “cancelation” is sometimes used interchangeably with “cancellation.”
14. In British English, only “cancellation” is used.
15. A “cancellation fee” is a charge for canceling a reservation or service.
16. Use “cancellation” for formal notifications like canceling an event.
17. Both forms are acceptable in different contexts, but consistency is key.
18. “Cancelled” (two L’s) is the past tense in British English.
19. “Canceled” (one L) is used in American English.
20. Always read your writing aloud to ensure natural flow and correctness.

Conclusion

In summary, “cancellation” is the more common and preferred spelling in most formal and professional contexts. While “cancelation” is still used, particularly in American English, “cancellation” is the safer choice in writing. Understanding the nuances of these two words will help you craft clearer, more polished communications in both formal and informal situations.

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on cancellation vs cancelation, you’ll be able to confidently choose the right spelling for any context!