Worshiping or Worshipping Which Spelling Is Right? 2026🙏

When people search for “worshiping or worshipping”, they’re often confused by whether to use one p or two.

This question matters: your choice can reflect which variety of English you follow, and for writers, speakers, or worship leaders, it can feel like a small but meaningful detail.

Clarifying the correct spelling helps you write more confidently, whether you’re writing for church programs, academic work, or just chatting online.

In this article, we’ll explain the difference, show when to use each form, and help you decide which spelling works best for your audience.

Plus, you’ll see real-life examples and common mistakes to avoid—so you can worship with the right words.

Worshiping or Worshipping – Quick Answer

“Worshiping” (one p) and “worshipping” (two ps) mean exactly the same thing: showing reverence, adoration, or devotion, especially in a religious context. ✅

Example (American English): They are worshiping together in the church.
Example (British English): They are worshipping in the cathedral.

Both forms are correct—just choose based on your audience or the style guide you follow.

The Origin of Worshiping or Worshipping

The verb worship traces back to Old English weorþscipe (worth + -ship), meaning “worthiness” or “honor.” merriam-webster.com+2Exploring Current Issues+2
Over time, as English evolved, so did its spelling. In Middle English, spellings like worshippen appeared, and as modern English developed, variations emerged in how we form the continuous tense (“-ing”) and past forms (“-ed”). merriam-webster.com
The double p (“worshipping”) or single p (“worshiping”) doesn’t change the meaning—it mostly reflects regional spelling habits.

British English vs American English Spelling

Here’s how the two forms compare:

Feature	British English (“worshipping”)	American English (“worshiping”)
Spelling	Doubles the “p”: worship + p + ing → worshipping. Worship Leader Magazine+2Ask Difference+2	Uses a single “p”: worship + ing → worshiping. Worship Leader Magazine+1
Conventional Preference	More common in UK, Australia, New Zealand. Ask Difference+1	More common in the USA. Worship Leader Magazine+1
Past / Participle	worshipped, worshipper (double “p”) Ask Difference	worshiped, worshiper (single “p”) Dictionary.com
Grammar Rule	Follows doubling rule: when a one-syllable verb ends in consonant-vowel-consonant, double the final consonant before adding “-ing.” Ask Difference	Simpler spelling, common American pattern to simplify double consonants. Worship Leader Magazine

Which Spelling Should You Use?

Here’s some advice depending on your audience:

If you’re writing for a U.S. audience, go with worshiping. It aligns with American spelling norms.
If you’re writing for a UK, Commonwealth, or British-English–dominant audience, use worshipping — it will feel more natural.
If you’re publishing globally (blog, book, or digital content):
- Choose one spelling consistently, or
- Note both forms the first time: worshipping (or worshiping) — this shows you understand both variations.
If you’re part of a church or faith community: check your denominational or denominational style guide. Some worship resources or liturgical texts might have a standard.

Common Mistakes with Worshiping or Worshipping

Here are some frequent errors and how to correct them:

Tripping over the “pp”
- ❌ Worshiping → missing second “p” is wrong in British English.
- ✅ Worshipping
Too many p’s
- ❌ Worshipppping → too many “p”s, not correct.
- ✅ “Worshipping” or “worshiping” (depending on style).
Mixing forms in the same text
- ❌ Switching between “worshiping” and “worshipping” in the same document → inconsistent.
- ✅ Pick one and stick to it, unless you have a reason to show both.
Wrong past tense
- ❌ He worshiping yesterday.
- ✅ He worshipped (UK) / worshiped (US) yesterday. Ask Difference+1
Misunderstanding meaning
- Some people confuse “worshipping” with simply singing or “worship music.” But worship means reverence or honor, not just music. Encyclopedia Britannica+1

Worshiping or Worshipping in Everyday Examples

Here are examples of how the word is used across different writing styles:

Email (informal):
“Hey John — I’ve been worshipping with my youth group every Sunday. It’s such a beautiful experience.”
News / Article:
“The congregation spent the evening worshiping with modern hymns and prayers.”
Social media:
“Feeling thankful today 🙏 — been worshipping in spirit and truth.”
Formal / Academic writing:
“The act of worshipping in early English church traditions can be traced to Old English notions of worthiness.”
Church bulletin:
“Join us for worship as we come together to worship God in song and prayer.”

Worshiping or Worshipping – Google Trends & Usage Data

While there is no publicly available real-time Google Trends chart specifically for “worshiping vs worshipping,” usage data and commentary suggest strong regional preferences:

According to Sapling.ai, there is a UK / Commonwealth preference for “worshipping”, while “worshiping” is more common in the U.S. Sapling
A community poll shared on Worship Leader also reflects this regional split, noting both spellings are widely used. Worship Leader Magazine
In broader religious trends, Pew Research shows that religious commitment varies by country, which could influence how often people search for worship-related terms. Pew Research Center

Keyword Variations Comparison Table

Variation	Notes
worshiping	American English present participle
worshipping	British/Commonwealth English present participle
worshiped	U.S. past tense
worshipped	British/Commonwealth past tense
worshiper	U.S. noun (one who worships) merriam-webster.com
worshipper	British/Commonwealth noun

FAQs

Is “worshipping” spelled incorrectly?
No — it’s just the British English spelling of the same word. Both forms are correct.
Does the double “p” change the meaning?
Not at all. Whether you write “worshiping” or “worshipping,” the meaning is the same: showing reverence or adoration.
What about the past tense: worshiped vs worshipped?
- In American English: worshiped. Dictionary.com
- In British English: worshipped. Ask Difference
Can I mix both spellings in the same document?
It’s best to be consistent. But if you’re writing for a global audience, you might mention both once.
Which spelling do most style guides prefer?
It depends on the style guide’s regional bias. For U.S. style, go with worshiping; for British style, worshipping is more common.
Is there a pronunciation difference?
No — they are pronounced the same. The difference is purely in spelling. Ask Difference
Why do some writers poll on this?
Because it’s a small but meaningful detail, especially in religious communities. As one worship-culture blog put it, the choice can feel “spiritual” or tied to identity. Worship Leader Magazine

Conclusion

In short: both “worshiping” and “worshipping” are correct. The only real difference is spelling, not meaning. Your choice mostly depends on your audience — U.S., UK/Commonwealth, or global — and your style guide. Stick with one form for consistency, avoid common mistakes, and you’ll “worship” your writing as well as your faith. 🙌