Worshipping vs Worshiping: Which One Is Correct? (2026)

The words “worshipping” and “worshiping” are often confused, especially among learners of English. This confusion mostly arises from the difference in spelling between British and American English. Many writers, students, and even editors struggle with which one to use.

If you’re unsure whether you should use “worshipping” or “worshiping” in your writing, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down so that you can easily understand and apply the right form in different contexts.

Table of Contents

Worshipping vs Worshiping – Quick Answer

Worshipping is the British English spelling.
Worshiping is the American English spelling.
Both words mean the same thing: to show respect or adoration to a deity or idol.

Example:

British English: They were worshipping at the altar.
American English: They were worshiping at the altar.

Decision rule: Use “worshipping” if writing for a British or Commonwealth audience. Use “worshiping” if writing for an American audience.

The Origin of Worshipping / Worshiping

Both worshipping and worshiping come from the verb “worship,” which has roots in Old English. The word worship itself originally meant “to honor or reverence” and came from the Old English term “weorthscipe” (meaning worth-ship or the quality of being worthy).

The difference in spelling between worshipping and worshiping largely stems from the historical developments in British and American English. In British English, double consonants, like “-pp-,” were retained in verbs ending in “-ing.” Meanwhile, American English dropped the extra consonant to simplify the spelling, leading to the use of “worshiping” instead.

This discrepancy reflects the general trend of American English favoring simpler spellings, while British English retains traditional forms.

British English vs American English Spelling

The spelling difference between worshipping and worshiping is just one example of how British and American English differ. Here’s a quick comparison:

Aspect	British English	American English
Spelling	worshipping	worshiping
Pronunciation	Same in both cases	Same in both cases
Use in context	Used in the UK and Commonwealth countries	Used in the US

Key Point: British English tends to preserve more traditional spellings, while American English opts for a simplified approach.

Which Spelling Should You Use?

When deciding whether to use worshipping or worshiping, it’s essential to consider your audience.

Use “worshipping” if your audience is primarily based in the UK or Commonwealth countries (e.g., Canada, Australia, New Zealand).
Use “worshiping” if your audience is in the United States.

If your writing is global or professional in nature, worshiping is often more common, especially in modern international publications. However, both forms are acceptable, so choose based on your target readership.

Common Mistakes with Worshipping / Worshiping

Writers often confuse the spelling when writing for mixed audiences or when switching between British and American English. Here are a few common mistakes:

Incorrect: The crowd was worshiping at the church. (for British readers)
Correct: The crowd was worshipping at the church.
Incorrect: They were worshipping their heroes. (for American readers)
Correct: They were worshiping their heroes.

To avoid confusion:

British English: Double the consonant in verbs ending in -p (worshipping).
American English: Use the single consonant (worshiping).

Worshipping / Worshiping in Everyday Examples

Let’s see the correct usage of worshipping and worshiping in various contexts:

Emails: “We have been worshipping at the temple for many years.” (British English)
News: “The community is worshiping the statue at the park.” (American English)
Social Media: “I love watching people worshipping in front of the concert stage.” (British English)
Formal Writing: “They were worshipping the ancient gods in the temple.” (British English)

As you can see, the correct form depends on your audience’s location or the region your content is targeting.

Worshipping / Worshiping – Usage Patterns & Search Interest

Both worshipping and worshiping are commonly searched by students, ESL learners, and writers. The confusion typically arises from trying to adhere to both spelling systems without fully understanding the distinctions. Writers might also confuse these spellings when working on international or cross-regional projects.

Comparison Table

Here’s a quick table to summarize the key points between worshipping and worshiping:

Aspect	Worshipping (British)	Worshiping (American)
Meaning	To show reverence or adoration	To show reverence or adoration
Part of Speech	Verb	Verb
Context of Use	Used in British English	Used in American English
Formal vs Informal	Both formal and informal	Both formal and informal
Common Mistakes	Double consonant confusion	Dropping the consonant
Correct Example	They were worshipping at the temple	They were worshiping at the temple

FAQs

Is worshipping the same as worshiping?
- Yes, both words mean the same thing, but the spelling differs depending on British or American English.
Which one is correct in formal writing?
- It depends on the regional preference. Use worshipping for British English and worshiping for American English.
Can they be used interchangeably?
- Yes, but make sure to match the spelling with your audience’s regional language preference.
Why do people confuse them?
- The confusion arises because both spellings are used for the same word, and writers may be unsure about which to use based on their audience.
Can grammar tools catch this mistake?
- Most grammar tools can detect spelling issues but may not always know your intended audience, so it’s best to double-check the spelling.
Is there a British vs American difference?
- Yes, British English uses worshipping, while American English uses worshiping.

Conclusion

To sum up:

Use worshipping if writing for a British audience or Commonwealth countries.
Use worshiping if writing for an American audience.
Remember to double the “p” for British English and drop the “p” for American English.

The most common mistake to avoid is using the wrong spelling for the audience you’re writing for. Simply remember the rule: British = worshipping, American = worshiping.

By following this simple guideline, you can easily avoid confusion and ensure your writing aligns with the correct regional spelling.