Targeted vs Targetted: Meaning, Examples & Easy Memory Trick

If you are wondering whether the correct spelling is targeted or targetted, the answer depends slightly on English spelling conventions—but there is a clear standard form you should use. This is a common spelling confusion because verbs ending in -et can sometimes double their final consonant when forming the past tense or present participle.

The standard spelling is targeted in both American and British English. Targetted is generally considered an incorrect or nonstandard spelling in modern English. The word targeted means directed toward a particular person, group, goal, audience, or purpose. In this article, we’ll explain the difference, provide examples, discuss common mistakes, and give you an easy memory trick.

Quick Answer

Targeted is the correct standard spelling. Targetted is generally considered incorrect. Use targeted when something is specifically directed toward a person, group, audience, goal, or objective.

Why People Confuse It

The confusion comes from the spelling rule for verbs ending in a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern.

For some short verbs, the final consonant doubles before adding -ed:

• stop → stopped
• plan → planned
• admit → admitted

This can make people think:

target → targetted

But target does not follow that doubling pattern.

The correct form is:

target → targeted

Not:

target → targetted

Targeted: Meaning and Usage

Targeted is the past tense and past participle of target. It can also function as an adjective.

It means directed toward a particular person, group, audience, place, problem, or objective.

For example:

The company launched a targeted advertising campaign.

This means the advertising was designed specifically for a particular audience.

Common contexts

You may see targeted in:

• Marketing
• Advertising
• Education
• Healthcare
• Business
• Cybersecurity
• Research
• Communication
• Politics
• Social media

Targetted: Is It Correct?

Targetted is generally considered a misspelling in modern standard English.

Use:

✅ targeted

Avoid:

❌ targetted

For example:

❌ The campaign targeted young customers with targetted ads.

✅ The campaign targeted young customers with targeted ads.

Comparison Table

Word	Correct?	Meaning	Example
Targeted	✅ Yes	Directed toward a specific person, group, or goal	The campaign targeted young adults.
Targetted	❌ Generally incorrect	Nonstandard spelling of “targeted”	Avoid this spelling.

When to Use “Targeted”

Use targeted when something is deliberately directed toward a specific target.

Targeted advertising

The company uses targeted advertising to reach specific customers.

Targeted marketing

The brand created a targeted marketing campaign.

Targeted audience

The content was designed for a targeted audience.

Targeted treatment

The researchers are developing targeted treatment approaches.

Targeted approach

We need a more targeted approach to solve the problem.

Targeted communication

The organization sent targeted communication to its members.

Examples: Targeted vs Targetted

1. The advertisement targeted younger customers.
2. The campaign used targeted advertising.
3. The company developed a targeted marketing strategy.
4. The message was targeted at a specific audience.
5. The program provides targeted support for students.
6. The researchers used a targeted approach.
7. The organization launched a targeted campaign.
8. The content was specifically targeted toward beginners.
9. The company targeted customers in major cities.
10. The government introduced targeted measures to address the issue.
11. The training was targeted at new employees.
12. The campaign successfully targeted its intended audience.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Adding an extra “t”

❌ targetted

✅ targeted

There is only one t after the e:

target + ed = targeted

Mistake 2: Applying the wrong doubling rule

Compare:

plan → planned
stop → stopped

But:

target → targeted

The final t in target is not doubled.

Mistake 3: Confusing “targeted” with “targeting”

The correct forms are:

• target
• targets
• targeted
• targeting

Examples:

The company targeted students.

The company is targeting students.

Not:

❌ targetted
❌ targetting

Memory Trick

Here’s an easy way to remember it:

Target + ED = Targeted

Simply add -ed:

TARGET + ED → TARGETED

Don’t double the t.

You can remember:

One target, one T.

The word target already has its final t, and you don’t need another one when adding -ed.

Word family

Target → Targeted → Targeting → Targeting strategy

Notice that the spelling stays simple.

American vs British English

Unlike some words where American and British spelling differs, targeted is normally spelled the same way in both varieties of English.

American English

The campaign targeted young consumers.

British English

The campaign targeted young consumers.

Both use:

✅ targeted

The spelling targetted is not the standard form simply because British English is being used.

Similar Words

Here are several words related to targeted:

Focused

Directed attention toward something specific.

The team took a focused approach.

Directed

Aimed toward a particular person or purpose.

The campaign was directed at young adults.

Aimed

Intended for a particular purpose or audience.

The advertisement was aimed at students.

Specific

Clearly defined or particular.

We need a specific strategy.

Tailored

Designed specifically for a particular person or group.

The course offers tailored lessons for beginners.

Targeting

The present participle of target.

The company is targeting a younger audience.

FAQs

Is it targeted or targetted?

Targeted is the correct standard spelling. Targetted is generally incorrect.

Is targetted ever acceptable?

You may occasionally encounter targetted as a spelling variant or error, but targeted is the standard form and is the best choice for modern formal English.

Why isn’t the T doubled in targeted?

The verb target does not follow the spelling pattern that requires doubling the final consonant before -ed. The standard form is simply targeted.

Is “targetting” correct?

No, in standard English the correct spelling is targeting, with one t.

Is targeted the same in American and British English?

Yes. Targeted is the standard spelling in both American and British English.

What does targeted mean?

Targeted means directed toward a specific person, group, audience, goal, or problem.

What is the noun form of targeted?

The noun is target.

The company identified its target audience.

Final Verdict

The correct spelling is targeted, not targetted. Although doubling the final consonant is correct for some English verbs, target does not require an extra t when forming the past tense or past participle.

So remember:

✅ target → targeted
✅ target → targeting
❌ target → targetted
❌ target → targetting

Remember This

TARGET + ED = TARGETED

Think:

One target → one T at the end.

Correct:

Targeted

Incorrect:

Targetted

And remember that targeted is standard in both American and British English.

Conclusion

The targeted vs targetted confusion is easy to solve once you remember that target does not double its final t when adding -ed. The standard spelling is targeted, and it is used to describe something directed toward a specific person, group, audience, purpose, or objective.

Whether you’re writing about targeted advertising, targeted marketing, targeted support, or a targeted approach, always use targeted. If you’re unsure, simply remember the basic spelling rule: target + ed = targeted. This will help you avoid the common targetted mistake in academic, professional, and everyday English.