Enrol vs. Enroll — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 3, 2023
Enrol" is the British spelling, and "Enroll" is the American spelling. Both mean to register or join a group or institution.
Difference Between Enrol and Enroll
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Enrol" and "Enroll" are verbs that primarily refer to the act of registering, joining, or entering a course or institution. However, their usage varies based on the geographic region. "Enrol" is the spelling commonly used in British English, while "Enroll" finds its place in American English.
Both "Enrol" and "Enroll" carry the same connotation and can be interchangeably used without changing the meaning. If you're reading a British publication, it's likely that you'll encounter "Enrol". Conversely, in American books or articles, "Enroll" is the standard.
The distinction between "Enrol" and "Enroll" is similar to other words where American English tends to simplify spellings. For example, British English uses "travelling" while American English prefers "traveling". Just as in these instances, the difference between "Enrol" and "Enroll" is purely orthographic, and neither is incorrect universally.
For those writing for a specific audience, it's crucial to maintain consistency. If one is writing for a British audience or a platform that follows British English standards, then "Enrol" should be used throughout. If the target audience is American or follows American English conventions, "Enroll" is appropriate.
Comparison Chart
Spelling Variant
British
American
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Number of Letters
5
6
Common in Publications from
UK, Australia, Canada, and other Commonwealth nations.
USA
Example Sentence
"Students can enrol online."
"Students can enroll online."
Associated Adjective
"Enrolment" (British English)
"Enrollment" (American English)
Compare with Definitions
Enrol
To become a member of a group or organization.
After the presentation, many decided to enrol in the club.
Enroll
To admit oneself into an institution or group.
She will enroll her daughter in a ballet academy.
Enrol
To sign up for participation.
Participants can enrol for the workshop next week.
Enroll
To become an official member.
After the trial session, he decided to enroll.
Enrol
To admit to a list or record.
They will enrol the new members after the verification process.
Enroll
To join or participate in an event or course.
They are eager to enroll in the upcoming webinar.
Enrol
To register or join a course or institution.
She decided to enrol in an art class.
Enroll
To enter or register in a roll, list, or record
Enrolled the child in kindergarten.
Enroll the minutes of the meeting.
Enrol
To enter or register in a roll, list, or record
Enrolled the child in kindergarten.
Enroll the minutes of the meeting.
Enroll
To roll or wrap up.
Enrol
To roll or wrap up.
Enroll
To write or print a final copy of; engross.
Enrol
To write or print a final copy of; engross.
Enroll
To place one's name on a roll or register; sign up
We enrolled in the army.
Enrol
To place one's name on a roll or register; sign up
We enrolled in the army.
Enroll
(transitive) To enter (a name, etc.) in a register, roll or list
Enrol
Standard spelling of enroll
Enroll
(transitive) To enlist (someone) or make (someone) a member of
They were eager to enroll new recruits.
Enrol
Register formally as a participant or member;
The party recruited many new members
Enroll
(intransitive) To enlist oneself (in something) or become a member (of something)
Have you enrolled in classes yet for this term?
Enrol
To enter oneself as a participant or member.
I will enrol my son in the local school.
Enroll
To envelop; to enwrap.
Enroll
To insert in a roil; to register or enter in a list or catalogue or on rolls of court; hence, to record; to insert in records; to leave in writing; as, to enroll men for service; to enroll a decree or a law; also, reflexively, to enlist.
An unwritten law of common right, so engraven in the hearts of our ancestors, and by them so constantly enjoyed and claimed, as that it needed not enrolling.
All the citizen capable of bearing arms enrolled themselves.
Enroll
To envelop; to inwrap; to involve.
Enroll
Register formally as a participant or member;
The party recruited many new members
Enroll
To sign up or register for a class or program.
I plan to enroll in a cooking class this summer.
Enroll
To inscribe or include in an official list.
They'll enroll the approved candidates by next week.
Common Curiosities
Which one is correct: "enrolment" or "enrollment"?
"Enrolment" is British, and "enrollment" is American. Both are correct in their respective contexts.
Are "Enrol" and "Enroll" the same?
Yes, they mean the same thing but vary in spelling based on British or American English.
In global publications, which spelling is more prevalent?
It varies, but many international institutions use American English conventions, so "Enroll" might be more common.
Do Canada and Australia use "Enrol" or "Enroll"?
Both countries generally use "Enrol", following British conventions.
Is "Enroll" a newer spelling?
No, it's just the American variant. Both have existed for a long time.
Why does American English use "Enroll"?
American English often simplifies spellings, and "Enroll" is one example.
Which form is used in English language tests?
It depends on the test. The TOEFL, an American test, would use "Enroll", while the IELTS, a British test, might use "Enrol".
Can software help in choosing between "Enrol" and "Enroll"?
Yes, many word processors and grammar checkers let you select a language variant.
Can I use "Enrol" in American writing?
While understood, "Enroll" is the preferred American spelling.
Does "Enrol" have two "l"s in any British context?
No, "Enrol" in British English consistently uses one "l".
Are there other words with such regional differences?
Yes, like "colour" (British) vs. "color" (American) or "favourite" vs. "favorite".
Can a sentence with "Enroll" be understood by a British reader?
Absolutely. The context remains clear, though the spelling might seem American.
How can I remember the difference?
Think of "one l for England (Enrol) and two for America (Enroll)".
Does "Enrol" always refer to education?
No, it can also mean joining a group, organization, or registering for an event.
Is there a pronunciation difference between the two?
Generally, no significant difference. Both are pronounced similarly.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
