All Ears English Podcast - Episode 2483: Two L's or One? How to Ask About Spelling in English

Hosts: Lindsay McMahon & Michelle Kaplan
Date: September 23, 2025

Episode Overview

Main Theme:
Today’s episode explores how both native and non-native English speakers get tripped up by word spellings—especially those with variable or confusing rules—and, most importantly, how to confidently and naturally ask about correct spelling in conversation. Lindsay and Michelle break down common spelling dilemmas (like "donut" vs. "doughnut" or "canceled" vs. "cancelled") and demonstrate practical phrases ESL learners (and anyone!) can use to clarify and connect.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Spelling Struggles Are Universal

• Both Lindsay and Michelle admit they occasionally question their spelling, especially with tricky letter combinations.
  • “I consider myself a pretty good speller, but honestly, sometimes I write it and then I think, is that right? Or was it I-E-E or an E-I is where I struggle sometimes." — Lindsay (02:18)
• Native speakers aren't immune. Confusion around spelling is common and nothing to be embarrassed about; it's an opportunity for connection.

2. Survey Fun: Too Hot or Too Cold?

• The episode briefly highlights audience engagement with a Spotify poll (episode 2448). The poll asked, "Would you rather be too hot or too cold?"
  • 38% chose "too hot”; 61% chose "too cold."
  • “I just feel like being too cold feels almost dangerous.” — Lindsay (05:02)
• The hosts reflect on how preferences might shift seasonally and geographically—a quick, friendly tangent to show how everyday topics foster connection.

3. Commonly Confused Spellings

Lindsay and Michelle discuss several words where English spelling can trip up learners and speakers alike:

• Donut vs. Doughnut (06:24 onward)

  • Both are correct; "donut" (D-O-N-U-T) is more common in American branding and informal usage, while "doughnut" (D-O-U-G-H-N-U-T) is old-fashioned or used elsewhere.
  • “D-O-N-U-T is what we've seen more frequently now. D-O-U-G-H-N-U-T feels a little more old-fashioned.” — Michelle (07:10)

• Canceled vs. Cancelled; Traveled vs. Travelled (07:54-09:13)

  • American English tends to use one "L," British English prefers two ("cancelled," "travelled").
  • Both widely recognized; choose based on context or preference.
  • “No one really knows. It's true. That makes me feel better... spelling isn't necessarily a measure of competence.” — Lindsay (09:13)

• A Lot (Spacing) (11:41)

  • Always write as two words ("a lot").
  • “Once you know it, you know it and you don't forget it.” — Lindsay (12:10)

• Email (with or without a dash) (12:44)

  • Once commonly spelled "e-mail," now standard as "email." Either is generally understood.
  • “Apparently you're right. It was with a dash and then over time it did change to no dash.” — Michelle (13:05)

4. Why Spelling Questions Matter for Connection

• Asking for clarification on spelling is a small, relatable vulnerability that builds rapport and provides a chance for positive, collaborative interaction.
• The "connection moment" is at the heart of the All Ears English philosophy: language is about making meaningful connections, not flawless execution.

5. Useful Questions and Phrases for Clarifying Spelling (14:22)

The hosts model natural ways to ask about spelling:

• Does _____ have a _____?
  • Example: “Does ‘canceled’ have one L or two?” (15:48)
  • “Whenever I meet someone who has my name, it's always ‘one L or two?’ Every single time.” — Michelle (16:09)
• Is there an X in Y?
  • Example: “Is there a ‘G’ in ‘donut’ or no?” (15:05)
• How many X's are in that?
  • “How many L's are in ‘canceled’?”
• X or Y?
  • “D-O-N-U-T or D-O-U-G-H-N-U-T?”
• Or simply spelling out the options or using the debated part:
  • “N-U-T or O-U-G-H?”

6. Practical Demonstration: Dialog Example

The hosts role-play a typical collaborative scenario (17:43-19:47):

• Michelle and Lindsay pretend to write a sign about free donuts, naturally querying spellings:
  • “D-O-N-U-T or D-O-U-G-H-N-U-T?”
  • “Does email have a dash?”
  • “Is there a space in ‘a lot’ or no?”
  • “Two L's or one in ‘canceled’?”
• This sequence emphasizes how these questions appear in real life, especially in teamwork, texting, or project settings.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On shared struggles:
  “That makes me feel better, right? Spelling isn't necessarily a measure of competence... we try to get it right as much as we can.” — Lindsay (09:13)

• On ‘a lot’:
  “Once you know it, you know it and you don’t forget it.” — Lindsay (12:10)

• On names as a connection point:
  “It's always ‘one L or two?’ Every single time I meet another Michelle; that never doesn't happen.” — Michelle (16:09)

• The joy of ‘connection, not perfection’:
  “These are just really good ways to connect. Don't be afraid to ask. And yeah, it's kind of fun.” — Michelle (20:14)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:18] — Lindsay and Michelle share their own spelling struggles
• [04:43] — Spotify poll results and reflections
• [06:24] — Discussion of “donut” vs. “doughnut”
• [07:54] — “Canceled”/“cancelled” and “traveled”/“travelled” explained
• [11:41] — The correct way to write “a lot”
• [12:44] — The evolution of the word “email”
• [14:22-17:26] — Natural phrases for asking about spelling dilemmas
• [17:43-19:47] — Practical role-play (collaborative sign-making)
• [19:57] — Final takeaways: Spelling questions as a universal and connective experience

Takeaway & Closing Thoughts

• Asking about spelling is not a sign of weakness or incompetence—it's a universal experience and an excellent chance for connection.
• Using these natural questions makes English communication smoother and creates learning opportunities for everyone involved.
• Connection, not perfection continues to be at the heart of building real English fluency.

Final Message

If you find yourself hesitating about spelling, remember: even native speakers double-check and ask! Use it as an excuse to have a friendly, collaborative moment—embrace the connection while honing your language skills.

“These are just really good ways to connect. Don’t be afraid to ask... it’s kind of fun.” — Michelle (20:14)