Master the Benefits: Benefited vs Benefitting in English

Unlock the Mastery: Benefited vs Benefitting

In the vast universe of the English language, spelling variations often create a conundrum for many learners and even native speakers. One such example is the use of ‘benefited’ and ‘benefitting.’ It’s worth noting that many are often torn between using the forms ‘benefited/benefiting’ and ‘benefitted/benefitting.’

The Basics of Benefited and Benefitting

The words ‘benefited’ and ‘benefitting’ are different forms of the verb ‘benefit.’ The base verb ‘benefit’ means to gain an advantage, to be helped or to profit. When we add ‘-ed’ or ‘-ing’ at the end of this verb, it morphs into past tense and present progressive tense—’benefited’ and ‘benefitting’ respectively.

Usage of Benefited

Often seen in American English, ‘benefited’ adheres to the conventional rule of a one-syllable verb ending with a vowel followed by a consonant. When suffixes like ‘-ed’ or ‘-ing’ are added, the end consonant is not usually doubled. Therefore, ‘benefited’ simply becomes the past tense of ‘benefit’ without doubling the ‘t’.

Example: He benefited a lot from the new English lessons.

Usage of Benefitting

‘Benefitting,’ on the other hand, is more prevalent in British English, following the rule that when a vowel precedes a single consonant at the end of the verb (apart from ‘w’, ‘x’ or ‘y’), the consonant is doubled when ‘-ed’ or ‘-ing’ is added. Hence, ‘benefitting’ becomes the present participle form of ‘benefit’ with a doubled ‘t’.

Example: She is benefitting greatly from the advanced courses.

Benefited or Benefitted? Benefitting or Benefiting?

Comparing ‘benefited’ with ‘benefitted,’ and ‘benefitting’ with ‘benefiting,’ we observe that both forms are correct. However, the difference in usage depends on the style of English vocabulary being followed: American or British. While ‘benefited’ and ‘benefiting’ are more common in American English, ‘benefitted’ and ‘benefitting’ are frequently used in British English.

Example: The investment benefitted him in the long run (British English) vs. The investment benefited him in the long run (American English).

Similarly,

Example: She is benefitting from the yoga sessions (British English) vs. She is benefiting from the yoga sessions (American English).

Conclusion

Indeed, grappling with ‘benefited’ vs. ‘benefitting’ and navigating through their appropriate usage can initially seem daunting. However, once you understand the basic differentiation between American and British English spelling styles, you will enrich your language skills and crack the confusing code of ‘benefited or benefitted’ and ‘benefitting or benefiting’ effortlessly.