When I first noticed people and seasoned writers stumble, I wondered whether appal and appall were interchangeable or simply a typo—Appal vs. Appall often confuses readers despite identical sound and meaning worldwide.
As a language learner, keen on firsthand reading and learning beyond, I see the verb meaning stays primarily dismay, shock, horror, or disgust. Still, the distinction between versions matters. This guide unpacks the debate, explores origins, etymology, definitions, and grammar rules, then dives deep into real-world examples from modern texts and publications.
For writers and readers, knowing an audience’s regional background, preferences, and style improves clarity, professionalism, and confidence when communicating globally. Being intentional with choices builds trust, because every writing counts, especially when subtle cases differ slightly, though the meaning stays obvious.
Quick Answer: Appal vs. Appall
In short, “appall” is the standard spelling in American English, while “appal” is used in British English. Both words carry the same meaning: to shock, horrify, or cause strong dismay.
- Appall (US): “The horrific accident appalled the witnesses.”
- Appal (UK): “The news of the scandal appalled the entire community.”
Even though the spelling differs, the nuance and usage remain largely identical. The main distinction lies in regional preference.
Definitions and Meanings
Appal
Definition: To shock, horrify, or fill with dismay.
Examples:
- “The manager was appalled by the employee’s careless mistake.”
- “She felt appalled at the level of corruption exposed in the report.”
Nuance: In British English, appal conveys moral or emotional shock rather than surprise. It’s often formal and used in written contexts.
Appall
Definition: To fill with horror, disgust, or dismay.
Examples:
- “The violent scene in the film appalled the audience.”
- “I was completely appalled by the injustice I witnessed.”
Nuance: In American English, appall is the standard spelling and appears in journalism, literature, and everyday speech with the same emotional weight.
Origin and Etymology
Both appal and appall derive from the Old French word “apalir,” which means to grow pale or become pale from fear or shock. The root idea is physical and emotional dismay: when you are appalled, you are figuratively “drained of color” due to horror.
Timeline of Key Events:
- 14th Century: Appears in Middle English as “apall.”
- 16th Century: Standardized in British texts as “appal.”
- 18th–19th Century: American English gradually adopted “appall” as the dominant spelling.
Over time, the regional spelling diverged, but the meaning remained unchanged.
Regional Spelling Differences
British English (UK, Australia, India, etc.)
- Preferred spelling: appal
- Common in literature, newspapers, and formal documents
- Example from British media:
- “The council was appalled at the lack of funding for schools.”
American English (US, Canada)
- Preferred spelling: appall
- Used in journalism, books, and official writing
- Example from US news:
- “Citizens were appalled by the sudden policy changes.”
Why the Difference Exists
The difference largely arises from historical spelling conventions and regional dictionaries. American English often doubled consonants to standardize spelling, whereas British English retained shorter forms.
Real-World Usage: What the Data Reveals
We can examine usage trends using data-driven sources:
| Source | Trend | Observation |
| Google Ngram Viewer (1800–2019) | “Appall” spikes in US texts, “Appal” in UK texts | Confirms regional preference |
| COCA (Corpus of Contemporary American English) | “Appall” far more frequent than “Appal” | American writers favor the double-L spelling |
| British National Corpus (BNC) | “Appal” dominates | British English retains traditional spelling |
Key Insight: Writers should stick to the regional standard unless intentionally quoting or preserving older texts.
How to Use “Appal” and “Appall” in a Sentence
British English Examples
- “The lack of transparency in the government’s report appalled the public.”
- “I was genuinely appalled at the treatment of the animals.”
American English Examples
- “The new tax law appalled small business owners.”
- “She was appalled by the recklessness of the driver.”
Read More: Die vs. Dice: The Complete Guide and Modern Usage
Related Forms
| Form | Use | Example |
| Appalled | Past participle / adjective | “He was appalled by the discovery.” |
| Appalling | Adjective | “The conditions in the shelter were appalling.” |
| Appals | Third-person singular | “The news appals those who hear it.” |
Using “Appalling” as an adjective:
- “The appalling storm caused widespread damage.”
- “Her behavior was truly appalling to everyone present.”
Synonyms and Alternatives
If you want to vary your writing, consider these options:
- Shocked
- Horrified
- Dismayed
- Stunned
- Outraged
- Astonished
Example of nuance:
- “The corruption scandal appalled the citizens” vs. “The scandal outraged the citizens” – both convey strong disapproval, but “outraged” emphasizes moral anger.
Notable Examples from Literature & Media
British Literature
- “He was appalled at the brutality he witnessed in the courtroom.” – 19th-century novel
- “The villagers were appalled by the sudden storm.”
American News & Media
- “Parents were appalled by the new school policy.” – The New York Times
- “The decision to cut healthcare funding appalled many citizens.”
Famous Quote
- “I am appalled by the cruelty that humanity can inflict upon itself.” – Adapted from historical speeches
Common Mistakes
Avoid these errors to maintain credibility:
- Mixing forms in the same document: Don’t switch between “appal” and “appall.”
- Assuming “appal” is a typo: In UK English, it is correct.
- Overuse: Repeating the word too often can make writing sound dramatic or exaggerated.
Which Version Should You Use?
| Region | Correct Spelling | Notes |
| UK / Australia / India | Appal | Formal and informal writing |
| US / Canada | Appall | Standard in journalism and literature |
Practical tip: If unsure, consult the dictionary or style guide for your audience.
Quick Reference Summary Table
| Feature | Appal | Appall |
| Region | British English | American English |
| Meaning | To shock or horrify | Same as Appal |
| Past Participle | Appalled | Appalled |
| Adjective | Appalling | Appalling |
| Example Sentence | “The news appalled the committee.” | “The news appalled the committee.” |
Self-Test Quiz – Check Your Understanding
- Which spelling is standard in American English?
- a) Appal
- b) Appall
Answer: b) Appall
- “The conditions in the shelter were ___.” Fill in the blank with the correct adjective.
- Answer: Appalling
- True or False: “Appal” is always a misspelling.
- Answer: False
- Choose the correct sentence (British English):
- a) She was appalled by the news.
- b) She was appall by the news.
Answer: a) She was appalled by the news.
- What is the historical origin of both words?
- Answer: Derived from Old French “apalir,” meaning to grow pale from fear or shock.
FAQs
1. Are appal and appall interchangeable?
Yes, they share the same meaning. However, usage depends on regional spelling norms rather than grammar or tone.
2. Which spelling is correct in the United Kingdom?
In the United Kingdom, appal with a single “l” is preferred and considered standard.
3. Which form should you use in the United States?
In the United States, appall with a double “l” is the dominant and accepted spelling.
4. Do appal and appall have different meanings?
No. Both mean to cause shock, horror, or disgust. The meaning never changes, only the spelling does.
5. Why does this spelling difference matter for writers?
Because choosing the correct regional form improves clarity, professionalism, and reader trust, especially in global communication.
Conclusion
The difference between appal vs. appall isn’t about meaning—it’s about audience and location. When you match your spelling to regional expectations, your writing feels polished and intentional. That small detail helps your message land clearly, no matter where your readers are.
