Writers pause here more often than they admit.
You’re mid-sentence. The idea flows. The point lands. Then spellcheck steps in and breaks the rhythm.Is it combating or combatting?This isn’t a small or silly concern. It pops up in blog posts, academic papers, corporate reports, policy documents, marketing copy, and news headlines. When spelling feels uncertain, confidence slips. Readers sense it too.Here’s the truth, stated plainly.Both spellings are correct.
This article settles the debate fully. You’ll learn why both spellings exist, how American and British English treat them differently, what major dictionaries say, which version dominates modern usage, and how to make the smartest choice every time. No fluff. No myths. Just clear, usable guidance.
The Short Answer If You’re in a Hurry
Both combating and combatting are correct spellings of the present participle of the verb combat.
However, combating is far more common in American English.
Combatting appears more often in British English.
If you write for a US audience, combating is usually the better choice. If you write for a UK audience, combatting may feel more familiar. Consistency matters more than the spelling itself.
That’s the quick answer.
Now let’s unpack why this confusion exists in the first place.
Why “Combating” and “Combatting” Both Exist
English spelling didn’t evolve through logic alone. It grew through habit, influence, and compromise. The verb combat comes from the French combattre, meaning “to fight.”
When English forms a present participle, it usually adds -ing. But things get messy when verbs end in certain consonants.
Here’s the rule most people learn:
- If a verb ends in a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern and the stress falls on the final syllable, double the last consonant before adding -ing
That’s why we write:
- admit → admitting
- occur → occurring
- control → controlling
But combat sits in an awkward middle ground. The stress doesn’t land strongly on the final syllable in American English. Because of that, many American writers skip doubling the t and write combating instead.
British English follows a slightly different tradition. It often doubles final consonants more freely, even when stress patterns differ. That habit leads to combatting.
Both forms grew naturally. Neither is a mistake.
American English vs British English Usage
This spelling split follows a familiar pattern. American English tends to simplify spelling over time. British English preserves more traditional forms.
Here’s how that plays out in real usage:
- American English favors combating
- British English favors combatting
You can see similar differences in words like:
- traveling vs travelling
- modeling vs modelling
- canceled vs cancelled
None of these are errors. They simply reflect regional norms.
If your readers are primarily in the United States, combating will feel natural. If your audience is in the UK, combatting won’t raise eyebrows.
What Major Dictionaries Say
Dictionaries don’t invent spelling rules. They record usage. That makes them one of the most reliable authorities on this issue.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Merriam-Webster, the go-to dictionary for American English, lists combating as the primary spelling. It also acknowledges combatting as a valid variant.
Oxford English Dictionary
The Oxford English Dictionary includes both spellings. However, it shows combatting as more common in British publications.
Collins Dictionary
Collins explicitly labels combatting as British usage and combating as American usage.
The takeaway is simple. Dictionaries agree that both forms are correct. They differ only in regional preference.
Which Spelling Is More Common Today
Usage data paints a clear picture.
When you analyze books, news articles, academic journals, and online content, combating appears far more frequently than combatting, especially in US-based sources.
Google Trends data shows:
- Combating receives significantly higher search volume in the United States
- Combatting shows stronger relative interest in the UK, Australia, and parts of Europe
Large American publications overwhelmingly use combating, including:
- The New York Times
- The Washington Post
- Harvard Business Review
- CDC and NIH publications
If reach and familiarity matter to you, frequency favors combating.
When You Should Use “Combating”
Choose combating if you write for an American or global audience.
This spelling works best in:
- US-based blogs and websites
- Academic papers following American style guides
- Business, marketing, and corporate writing
- Government and institutional publications
- SEO-focused content targeting US searches
Examples in Context
- Governments are combating climate change through stricter emissions policies.
- Doctors are combating antibiotic resistance with targeted treatments.
- Companies are combating burnout by promoting flexible work schedules.
In American English, these sentences read smoothly. Nothing feels off.
When “Combatting” Makes Sense
Use combatting if you write primarily for British readers or follow British style conventions.
This spelling fits well in:
- UK-based publications
- British academic journals
- Government and legal documents in the UK
- Media outlets that follow British English standards
Examples in Context
- Policymakers are combatting inflation through fiscal reform.
- Schools are combatting bullying with early intervention programs.
- Charities are combatting poverty at the community level.
To British readers, these sentences feel natural and familiar.
Common Mistakes Writers Make With These Spellings
Even experienced writers stumble here. The most common errors aren’t about spelling itself. They’re about inconsistency and assumptions.
Assuming One Version Is Wrong
Many writers think combatting is a typo. It isn’t. It’s a valid spelling in British English.
Mixing Spellings in One Article
Switching between combating and combatting within the same piece signals carelessness. Readers notice.
Letting Spellcheck Decide
Spellcheck tools follow preset language rules. They don’t know your audience. You do.
Ignoring Audience Location
A spelling that works in New York may feel awkward in London. Always write for the reader in front of you.
How Style Guides Handle the Issue
Style guides value consistency over preference.
AP Stylebook
The AP Stylebook favors combating, aligning with American usage.
Chicago Manual of Style
Chicago also prefers combating but allows variants if used consistently.
UK Style Guides
British style manuals often default to combatting, especially in formal writing.
The rule is simple. Pick one spelling. Stick to it.
Considerations: Which Spelling Performs Better Online
Search behavior matters. If you publish content online, spelling affects discoverability.
In the United States:
- Combating has higher search volume
- Most users expect to see combating
- Search engines associate the term with authoritative US-based content
Practical SEO Tips
- Use combating in your main headings and body text for US audiences
- Mention combatting once or twice when discussing spelling differences
- Avoid keyword stuffing or forced repetition
- Focus on clarity first, optimization second
Quick Comparison Table
| Aspect | Combating | Combatting |
| Correct spelling | Yes | Yes |
| American English | Preferred | Less common |
| British English | Acceptable | Preferred |
| Dictionary support | Strong | Strong |
| SEO (US) | Higher demand | Lower demand |
Real-World Case Study: Public Health Writing
Public health agencies offer a clear example of usage consistency.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consistently uses combating in official publications, including reports on:
- Combating opioid misuse
- Combating infectious disease outbreaks
- Combating health misinformation
Meanwhile, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) frequently uses combatting in similar contexts.
Both institutions are authoritative. Both are correct. They simply write for different audienes.
A Linguist’s Perspective
Linguist David Crystal once noted that English spelling reflects “a record of history, not a blueprint of logic.”
That insight applies perfectly here. The difference between combating and combatting isn’t about correctness. It’s about convention.
Language evolves through use. Writers shape it every day.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose
If you want a single recommendation, here it is.
Use combating if:
- You write for a US or global audience
- You follow American style guides
Use combatting if:
- You write for a British audience
- You follow UK spelling conventions
- Your publication requires it
Above all, stay consistent. Readers forgive spelling variants. They don’t forgive sloppiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “combatting” outdated?
No. It remains standard in British English and appears regularly in modern publications.
Why doesn’t “combat” follow one clear rule?
English spelling blends stress patterns, history, and regional habits. Not every verb fits neatly into a single rule.
Can I use both spellings in one article?
Only if you’re explicitly discussing the difference. Otherwise, choose one and stick with it.
