Mold or Mould
If you’ve ever done an online search for mold, you’ve probably noticed two different ways to spell it: mold and mould.
In case you were wondering which one is the proper one to use or if there are differences between mold and mould in terms of fungus itself, today is the day when the mystery will be resolved.
So, which one is it – mold vs mould? Let’s find out!
Mould vs Mold: American versus British English
First of all, we want you to feel comfortable and confident when you discuss mold, be it verbally or in writing. After all, the key to prevention is awareness and we encourage you to spread the word on mold (or mould).
Second, here is the truth. It is both mold and mould. (Say what?)
Both ways to spell it are correct. The spelling you use essentially depends on where you live. If you live in England, the proper spelling is mould. If you reside in the United States, omitting the “u” and using mold is more common.
We can see similar “problems” in words such as color (colour), honor (honour), meter (metre), etc. In other words, there are differences between British English and US English, and sadly (or luckily, we are still not sure), spelling of mold is among one of those differences..
Mold Busters are located in Canada, and it’s not as clear which spelling is more appropriate and present here in Canada, as Canadian English is influenced by both the US and England. At the moment, it’s actually perfectly acceptable to use both mold and mould in Canada. How cool is that?
Of course, you’ll notice that some Canadian institutions or companies will spell it one way and others will spell it the other in the media and other reports. For instance, Health Canada uses mould whereas we use mold.
Choosing either mold or mould may also depend on your preference or someone else’s. Double check with your employer (or anyone you’re writing for) for his or her preference or existing company policy when it comes to spelling.
How to spell mold in Canada?
The Canadian spelling of mold is ‘mould’. This is because the word is derived from the Old English word ‘mold’, which means ‘dirt, earth, or clay’. The spelling was changed in British English when the word was first brought over to Canada, and has since been adopted as the standard spelling in Canada.
Mold Busters: why we use mold instead of mould in Canada
We’ve gone back and forth, spelling it both ways in the past. However, within the last year or so we’ve stuck to using only mold. Why is that?
Well, since Canada doesn’t have strict rules about using either U.S. English or British English, and since we are closer to the U.S. border than to the United Kingdom, it was natural for us to opt for the mold version. Of course, some of our clients are from the U.S. and it was just natural to use mold when speaking with them. So it remained like that in our written communication, too.
Ultimately, both forms of spelling are fine in Canada—just be consistent within your document. Using either mold or mould rather than mixing both will help keep your document reader-friendly and improve its overall appearance.
Learn more about this topic by checking out our video below. And remember, spelling is a small concern compared to the real, adverse effects of mold, so please take advantage of all our educational resources today.
FAQ
1. What does the word “mold” mean and how is it used in British English spelling?
“Mold” is a term used to describe a type of fungus that grows in multicellular structures. In British English spelling, the word is spelled as “mould”. Both “mold” and “mould” refer to the same fungus and are used interchangeably in different regions.
2. Are “mold” and “mould” alternative spellings of the same word?
Yes, “mold” and “mould” are alternative spellings of the same word. “Mold” is commonly used in American English, while “mould” is the preferred spelling in British English and Canada.
3. Can “mold” or “mould” be used as a verb?
Yes, apart from being a noun that refers to a type of fungus, “mold” or “mould” can also be used as a verb. In this context, it means to shape or form something, often using a hollow container as a guide.
4. How is the term “mold” used in writing?
In writing, “mold” can be used to refer to the fungus, especially when describing its green color or its growth on organic matter. As a verb, “mold” can be used to describe the process of shaping or forming something.
5. How is the spelling “mould” used in Canada?
In Canada, “mould” is the more commonly used spelling, aligning with the British English spelling. This is a good example of regional language differences.
Conclusion
Whether it’s “mold” or “mould”, these terms refer to the same type of fungus that plays a crucial role in our ecosystem. The difference in spelling is primarily due to regional language variations. So, the next time you come across these terms, you’ll know that they’re essentially the same thing, spelled differently based on whether you’re in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or other regions.
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Published: May 18, 2020 Updated: July 21, 2023
Written by:
John Ward
Account Executive
Mold Busters
Fact checked by:
Michael Golubev
CEO
Mold Busters
