“Targeted” is the past tense and past participle of target, meaning to direct attention, an action or a campaign toward a particular person, group, place or goal.
This spelling can be confusing because some English verbs double their final consonant before adding -ed, such as “planned” and “stopped.” However, target normally takes -ed without doubling the final t: targeted. Whether you are writing an essay, email, report, advertisement or website content, targeted is the form to use.
Quick Answer
Targeted is the correct standard spelling. Targetted is generally incorrect. Use targeted when you mean directed toward a particular person, group, audience, goal or purpose. For example: “The company launched a targeted advertising campaign.”
Why Do People Confuse Targetted and Targeted?
The confusion comes from English spelling rules involving verbs that end in a consonant.
- stop → stopped
- plan → planned
- admit → admitted
- prefer → preferred
- ❌ targetted
- ✅ targeted
However, standard English uses targeted, with only one t before -ed.
The same spelling pattern applies when adding -ing:
- target → targeting
- not: targetting
Targeted: The Correct Spelling
Targeted is the standard spelling of the past tense and past participle of target.
Meaning of Targeted
Targeted means directed toward a particular person, group, audience, location, problem, or purpose.
For example:
The company created a targeted marketing campaign.
Examples of Targeted
- The company launched a targeted advertising campaign.
- The teacher provided targeted support to struggling students.
- The program offers targeted assistance to small businesses.
- The police conducted a targeted investigation.
- The website uses targeted content for different audiences.
Targetted: Is It Correct?
The correct form is:
target → targeted
Not:
target → targetted
If you are writing formal or professional English, avoid targetted and use targeted instead.
Therefore:
- ❌ targetted
- ✅ targeted
You may occasionally encounter “targetted” online or in informal writing, but its appearance does not make it the standard spelling.
Targetted vs Targeted Comparison
| Word | Standard spelling? | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Targeted | Yes | Directed toward a particular person, group, or goal | The campaign targeted young adults. |
| Targetted | No | Intended as a spelling of “targeted” | Avoid this spelling in standard English. |
When Should You Use Targeted?
Use targeted when something is deliberately directed toward a particular person, group, audience, problem, or objective.
1. Targeted Advertising
Use targeted when advertisements are designed for a specific audience.
Example:
The company uses targeted advertising to reach new customers.
2. Targeted Support
Use it when assistance is designed for a particular need.
Example:
Students received targeted support in mathematics.
3. Targeted Marketing
Use it for marketing activities aimed at a particular customer group.
Example:
The business developed a targeted marketing strategy.
4. Targeted Action
Use it when an action focuses on a particular issue or objective.
Example:
The organization took targeted action to reduce costs.
5. Targeted Content
Use it when content is created for a particular audience.
Example:
The website publishes targeted content for beginners.
20 Examples of Targeted
- The company launched a targeted advertising campaign.
- The teacher gave targeted feedback to each student.
- The organization provides targeted support to new employees.
- The campaign was targeted at younger customers.
- The government introduced targeted assistance for small businesses.
- The website publishes targeted content for English learners.
- The manager created a targeted training program.
- The researchers developed a targeted approach to the problem.
- The charity provides targeted help to local communities.
- The company sent targeted emails to its customers.
- The school introduced targeted lessons for students who needed extra practice.
- The marketing team created a targeted campaign for new customers.
- The doctor recommended a targeted treatment approach.
- The organization launched a targeted awareness campaign.
- The business used targeted advertisements on social media.
- The teacher designed targeted exercises to improve grammar skills.
- The program offers targeted financial assistance.
- The company developed a targeted strategy for reaching international customers.
- The researchers focused on a targeted group of participants.
- The new policy provides targeted support for affected workers.
Common Mistakes With Targeted
Mistake 1: Writing Targetted
Incorrect:
The company created a targetted campaign.
Correct:
The company created a targeted campaign.
Mistake 2: Doubling the T
Because words such as “stopped” and “planned” double their final consonant, writers sometimes apply the same pattern to “target.”
Mistake 3: Confusing Targeted With Targeting
These words have related meanings but different grammatical functions.
Targeted is usually a past participle or adjective:
The company created a targeted campaign.
Targeting is the present participle:
The company is targeting young customers.
Mistake 4: Using Targetted in Formal Writing
Even if you see “targetted” online, it is best to use targeted in essays, reports, business writing, academic work, and professional communication.
Memory Trick: Target + Ed = Targeted
A simple way to remember the spelling is:
TARGET + ED = TARGETED
Do not add another t.
Think:
TARGET → TARGETED
Not:
TARGET → TARGETTED
You can also remember that the word keeps the original spelling of target and simply adds -ed.
American vs British English
There is no standard spelling difference between American and British English for this word.
Both varieties use:
targeted
Examples:
- American English: The campaign targeted young consumers.
- British English: The campaign targeted young consumers.
So you do not need to choose between targeted and targetted based on whether you are writing American or British English.
Targeted is the standard form in both.
Similar Words and Related Forms
Understanding related forms can make the spelling easier to remember.
Target
Target can be a noun or a verb.
The company identified its target audience.
The campaign aims to target new customers.
Targeted
Targeted is the past tense or past participle of target.
The company targeted young adults.
Targeting
Targeting is the present participle or gerund form.
The company is targeting a new market.
Targeting vs Targeted
Targeting describes an action that is happening or an activity:
The company is targeting international customers.
The company created a targeted campaign.
Final Verdict: Targetted or Targeted?
Remember:
Correct: targeted
Incorrect: targetted
The word targeted can describe something directed toward a particular person, group, audience, problem or goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “targetted” a correct spelling?
No. Targeted is the standard spelling in modern English. “Targetted” is generally treated as a misspelling.
Is it targeted or targetted?
The correct spelling is targeted, with one t before -ed.
Why is targeted not spelled targetted?
Although some English verbs double their final consonant before adding -ed, target normally does not. The standard form is targeted.
Is targeted American or British English?
Targeted is used in both American and British English. There is no standard regional spelling difference here.
What is the past tense of target?
The past tense of target is targeted.
Example:
The campaign targeted young customers.
What is the difference between target and targeted?
Target can be a noun or verb referring to a goal or something aimed at. Targeted describes something that was directed toward a particular person, group, or purpose.
Is “targetting” correct?
No. The standard spelling is targeting, with one t before -ing.
Remember This
When you are unsure, use this simple pattern:
Target → Targeted → Targeting
Not:
Target → Targetted → Targetting
The standard forms keep one t at the end of the base word before -ed or -ing.
Conclusion
When choosing between targetted and targeted, use targeted. It is the standard spelling in modern English and works in academic, professional, business and everyday writing. The word means directed toward a particular person, group, audience, problem or goal.
The spelling can be remembered easily: target + ed = targeted. Although English has many verbs that double their final consonant, “target” does not normally follow that pattern. Whether you use American or British English, targeted is the correct form.
