Every time I’ve switched between writing for British and American clients, I’ve paused at spellings like a Appal vs. Appall. It’s one of those subtle quirks of the English language that makes a writer double-check their spelling mid-writing. You might think it’s just a letter, but it carries weight. The word, whether used with one “L” or two, signals intense shock or horror – but the correct form depends on your audience. In a recent article for a UK-based publication, I hesitated before deciding on the regional variant, a moment that reminded me how deeply words are tied to identity, context, and preferences.
While American English prefers the double “L” in appall, British English leans toward the single “L” in appal. They may be identical in meaning and usage, but each has evolved through linguistic history shaped by cultural divergence. As writers, we navigate more than grammar – we manage expectations, respect regional nuances, and aim for clarity. That choice between forms isn’t just stylistic – it reflects adaptability, thoughtful communication, and the ability to write fluently across borders. The decision you make shapes how your reader connects with your message.
The Key Difference Between “Appal” and “Appall”
Let’s get right to it:
Both “appal” and “appall” mean the same thing: to shock, horrify, or deeply dismay. The difference lies in spelling conventions between British and American English.
Here’s a quick reference table to make it crystal clear:
| Word | Meaning | Spelling Region | Example Usage |
| Appal | To shock or horrify | British English | “The violence will appal many viewers.” |
| Appall | To shock or horrify | American English | “The decision appalled the entire community.” |
So, if you’re writing for a British audience, go with appal.
If you’re writing for an American or Canadian audience, use appall.
Understanding the Meaning of “Appal” and “Appall”
Both spellings derive from the same root and carry identical definitions:
- To horrify
- To deeply shock
- To fill with dismay or dread
They typically relate to emotional reactions to disturbing events or unacceptable behaviors.
Synonyms include: horrify, shock, alarm, sicken, disgust, dismay, stun
Example:
“I was appalled by the conditions in the hospital.” (Here, the speaker is expressing intense emotional distress, not mild disappointment.)
The Origins and Etymology of “Appal” and “Appall”
The story of “appal” and “appall” begins in Middle English, borrowed from the Old French word “apalir” which means “to grow pale.”Even earlier, it stems from the Latin root “pallere” (to be pale).
Evolution of the Word:
| Stage | Language | Word Used | Meaning |
| Classical Latin | pallere | – | To be pale |
| Old French | apalir | – | To grow pale with fear |
| Middle English | appallen | – | To cause someone to grow pale (from shock) |
So originally, to “appal” or “appall” someone was literally to make them go pale from fear. Over time, the meaning shifted from physical pallor to emotional devastation.
Quick Reference Table
| Country/Region | Preferred Spelling | Notes |
| United Kingdom | Appal | “Appall” is acceptable in rare cases |
| United States | Appall | “Appal” is considered incorrect |
| Canada | Appall | Follows U.S. spelling |
| Australia | Appal | Some U.S. influence |
| New Zealand | Appal | Slight U.S. influence |
Real-World Usage: What the Data Says
Looking at spelling preferences in actual use gives us an even clearer picture.
Google Ngram Viewer: Appal vs. Appall (1800–2019)
- In American English, “appall” has been dominant since the early 1800s.
- In British English, “appal” remains the top choice, with “appall” showing a slight increase in recent decades due to global media influence.
COCA (Corpus of Contemporary American English)
- “Appall” appears over 2,300 times.
- “Appal” appears fewer than 20 times, mostly in quoted British material.
How to Use “Appal” and “Appall” in Sentences
British English Examples
- “The policy will appal voters across the country.”
- “It was an appalling lack of leadership.”
- “I’m absolutely appalled by how it was handled.”
American English Examples
- “The court’s ruling absolutely appalled the public.”
- “That’s an appalling thing to say.”
- “He was appalled at their indifference.”
Note how the meaning is identical – but the spelling changes based on region.
Verb Forms and Inflections
Regardless of spelling, both forms follow regular verb conjugation patterns.
Verb Conjugation Table
| Tense | British English (Appal) | American English (Appall) |
| Base Form | appal | appall |
| Present Simple | appals | appalls |
| Past Simple | appalled | appalled |
| Present Participle | appalling | appalling |
| Past Participle | appalled | appalled |
The adjective form appalling and the past tense appalled are spelled the same in both versions.
“Appalling” as an Adjective
Whether you use “appal” or “appall,” the adjective “appalling” remains unchanged.
It means very bad, horrific, or shocking in a negative way.
Example Uses:
- “The conditions were appalling.”
- “It’s an appalling waste of resources.”
- “His behavior was absolutely appalling.”
Synonyms for “Appalling”:
- Horrendous
- Shocking
- Dreadful
- Outrageous
- Terrible
- Ghastly
“Appalled” in Past Tense
“Appalled” is the most commonly used form of the verb.
It expresses a strong emotional reaction, especially in response to injustice, horror, or tragedy.
“The teacher was appalled by the cheating scandal.”
Real-World Examples from News:
- “Parents were appalled at the school’s lack of response.” – The Guardian
- “Citizens appalled by rising crime rates demand action.” – New York Times
- “The report left him appalled and speechless.” – BBC News
Historical Usage Trends and Case Studies
Historical Linguistic Shifts
- 18th–19th century: “Appall” and “appal” used interchangeably in British texts
- Post-1900s: British English standardizes “appal,” American English fixes on “appall”
- Post-WWII: U.S. spelling influences Canadian, Australian usage
Literary Case Studies
Charles Dickens (British)
“I was appalled by the destitution I witnessed in the East End.”
Ernest Hemingway (American)
“The violence appalled me more than I could explain.”
Both authors use the word to communicate deep emotional disturbance – but reflect their regional spelling norms.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the wrong spelling in the wrong region can undermine your writing’s professionalism.
Mistakes to Watch For:
- Mixing appal and appall in the same document
- Using “appaling” (misspelling of “appalling”)
- Using “appall” in British journalism or academic work
- Overusing “appalled” as a reaction in casual speech
✅ Tip: Choose one spelling and stick with it consistently throughout your document.
Writing Tips: Which Version Should You Use?
The choice depends entirely on your audience.
Use Appal if you are writing for:
- British publishers
- UK-based companies
- Academic writing under British style guides
Use Appall if you are writing for:
- American publications
- Canadian audiences
- APA, MLA, or Chicago style referencing
Always refer to a style guide if you’re unsure.
Quick Quiz: Test Yourself
Fill in the blanks with the correct form and spelling.
- The teacher was __________ by the student’s behavior.
- That’s an absolutely __________ idea.
- The horror movie didn’t __________ her, but it did me.
Answers (UK):
- appalled
- appalling
- appal
Answers (US):
- appalled
- appalling
- appall
Summary Table: Everything at a Glance
| Feature | British English | American English |
| Base Verb | appal | appall |
| Adjective | appalling | appalling |
| Past Tense | appalled | appalled |
| Used in | UK, AUS, NZ | US, Canada |
| Accepted Alternative | appall (rare) | appal (not accepted) |
| Common Usage Context | Journalism, Ac |
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between “appal” and “appall” is more than a matter of spelling – it’s about using the right word for the right audience. Both versions convey the same powerful emotion of shock or horror, but choosing the correct regional spelling demonstrates professionalism and precision in your writing.
Remember:
- Use “appal” for British English contexts.
- Use “appall” for American and Canadian English.
- Be consistent throughout your text.
- “Appalling” and “appalled” are universally accepted across all dialects.
Whether you’re writing a blog, novel, news article, or academic paper, being mindful of these small but impactful differences will help you communicate more effectively and credibly.
FAQs
What does “appal” or “appall” mean?
Both words mean to horrify, shock, or dismay someone deeply. They are emotionally strong verbs used to express a strong negative reaction to events or behavior. The only difference is the spelling, which depends on the region.
Is “appall” incorrect in British English?
Not necessarily. While “appal” is the standard British English spelling, “appall” may still appear, especially in digital or American-influenced contexts. However, for formal British writing, “appal” is strongly preferred.
Can I use “appalling” in both British and American English?
Yes, absolutely. “Appalling” is the adjective form and is accepted in both variants without any spelling difference. It means terrible, shocking, or very bad.
Which is more common: “appalled” or “appalling”?
“Appalled” tends to appear more frequently in personal and journalistic writing, as it expresses a personal reaction. “Appalling” is commonly used to describe situations or conditions. Both are widely used and grammatically correct.
Why does American English use “appall” with a double L?
American English often favors simplified and phonetic spellings. The double “L” in “appall” reflects how the word is pronounced and aligns with other American spellings like “install” and “enroll.” British English typically simplifies these to “appal,” “instal,” and “enrol.”
