Acknowledgment vs. Acknowledgement: What’s the Difference?

Both acknowledgment and acknowledgement mean the same thing — showing recognition, thanks, or confirmation.

The only difference is spelling and region.

Here’s the rule:

• Acknowledgment → American English (preferred in the U.S.)
• Acknowledgement → British English (preferred in the U.K. and Commonwealth countries)

1. Acknowledgment: American English

Meaning

“Acknowledgment” (without the extra “e”) is the standard spelling in American English.
It means recognition, thanks, or confirmation of something received or done.

Examples (10 total)

1. We received an acknowledgment of our application.
2. He wrote an acknowledgment at the end of his book.
3. Please send an acknowledgment email once you get this.
4. She gave a small nod in acknowledgment.
5. The company sent an acknowledgment of payment.
6. I want to express my acknowledgment of your help.
7. His smile was an acknowledgment of success.
8. The report included an acknowledgment section for contributors.
9. We received written acknowledgment of the donation.
10. There was no acknowledgment of the issue in the statement.

🧠 Tip:
If you’re writing for an American audience, use acknowledgment (no “e” after “g”).

2. Acknowledgement: British English

Meaning

“Acknowledgement” (with the extra “e”) is the standard spelling in British English, Canadian English, and Australian English.
It has the same meaning — it’s just spelled differently.

Examples (10 total)

1. The author included an acknowledgement to her family.
2. We sent an acknowledgement letter confirming receipt.
3. Please reply with an acknowledgement of this message.
4. His speech contained a heartfelt acknowledgement of his mentors.
5. The company sent an acknowledgement of the complaint.
6. There was an acknowledgement that mistakes had been made.
7. I’d like to make an acknowledgement of your hard work.
8. The email serves as an acknowledgement of receipt.
9. Her smile was a quiet acknowledgement of understanding.
10. We received no formal acknowledgement of our request.

🧠 Tip:
If your audience follows British English, always include the “e” — acknowledgement.

3. Quick Comparison Table

4. Meaning and Usage

Regardless of spelling, both forms can be used as:

• A noun meaning recognition or thankfulness
  Example: I gave him a nod of acknowledgment.
• An official response or confirmation
  Example: We received an acknowledgment of the payment.

5. How to Remember the Difference

👉 Acknowledgment = American (shorter, simpler).
👉 Acknowledgement = British (longer, traditional).

💡 Memory Trick:

“U.S.” is shorter → use the shorter word (acknowledgment).
“U.K.” is longer → use the longer word (acknowledgement).

6. Common Mistakes

❌ I didn’t receive an acknowledge of your email.
✅ I didn’t receive an acknowledgment of your email.

❌ He made an acknowledgement for his mistake (U.S. context).
✅ He made an acknowledgment for his mistake.

✅ He made an acknowledgement for his mistake (U.K. context).

7. Why the Two Versions Exist

The word came from the Old English acknow + ledge, meaning “to admit or recognize.”
In the 1800s, Noah Webster simplified many British spellings in American English (like color vs colour), and acknowledgment lost its extra “e.”
British English, however, kept the original longer form.

8. When in Doubt

Check your audience or style guide:

• U.S. (APA, MLA, Chicago Manual) → acknowledgment
• U.K. (Oxford, Cambridge, Guardian Style) → acknowledgement

Even AI grammar tools may switch between them based on region — but Humanizey can ensure your writing matches the correct spelling style automatically.

FAQs

1. Is “acknowledgement” wrong in American English?

No — it’s not wrong, just less common.

2. Can I use “acknowledgment” in British writing?

Yes, but it may look “Americanized.”

3. Which one do journals prefer?

Check their regional style guide — U.S. journals use acknowledgment, U.K. journals use acknowledgement.

4. Do both have the same pronunciation?

Yes — both are pronounced the same: /əkˈnɒlɪdʒmənt/ (UK) or /əkˈnɑːlɪdʒmənt/ (US).

Practice: Choose the Correct Form (“Acknowledgment” or “Acknowledgement”)

(Answers are listed at the end.)

1. The author wrote a heartfelt ___ section at the end of her thesis.
2. We received an official ___ of your application.
3. Please reply with an ___ of receipt.
4. His polite nod was an ___ of gratitude.
5. The ___ page lists all contributors.

Answers

1. acknowledgement / acknowledgment (depends on region)
2. acknowledgment (US) / acknowledgement (UK)
3. acknowledgment (US) / acknowledgement (UK)
4. acknowledgment (US) / acknowledgement (UK)
5. acknowledgement / acknowledgment