Understanding Extol vs Extoll helps you avoid confusion in writing and improve clarity, communication, and writing skill. When you see these words, you might think they are the same. In fact, they look almost identical and appear in literary text, poems, and different English language contexts. However, only one spelling is standard in modern English. From my experience teaching English learning, paying close attention to vocabulary, pronunciation, and sentence structure makes the difference easier to remember.
First, focus on meaning and correct form. Extol with one L means to praise or show strong admiration in a sentence. For example, a teacher may extol a student’s creativity, or a critic may extol an author’s work. On the other hand, extoll with two L’s appears less often and is usually found in older texts. Both share the same semantic meaning, but modern usage prefers one standard spelling. Choosing the right form improves textual understanding, supports professional writing, and strengthens overall language skill.
Finally, use context and awareness to guide your choice. When writing, think about context, sentence usage, and linguistic awareness. Reading textual examples and practicing with educational guidance helps improve comprehension and language improvement. Small spelling differences can affect clarity and expression, especially in literary context or real-world communication. By focusing on accuracy, you build confidence in English language use and avoid common confusion between extol vs extoll.
Understanding the Meaning of Extol
Definition of Extol
The verb extol means to praise someone or something enthusiastically. It often describes strong admiration expressed publicly or formally.
Writers usually use the word when describing admiration for:
• Achievements
• Qualities
• Values
• Ideas
• Accomplishments
Unlike casual praise, extol carries a tone of strong respect.
For example:
• Critics extol the director’s storytelling ability.
• The coach extolled the athlete’s determination.
• The article extols the benefits of clean energy.
In each example, the speaker expresses high praise rather than simple approval.
What Makes “Extol” Different From Basic Praise
The word praise is common in everyday language. Extol, however, adds intensity and admiration.
Consider this comparison:
| Word | Meaning | Tone |
| Praise | Express approval | Neutral |
| Extol | Praise enthusiastically | Formal and strong |
Because of this nuance, extol often appears in formal writing, speeches, journalism, and literature.
Synonyms of Extol
Several words share similar meanings with extol.
• Praise
• Laud
• Glorify
• Celebrate
• Commend
• Applaud
However, each synonym carries a slightly different tone.
For instance:
• Laud often appears in formal contexts.
• Celebrate emphasizes recognition or honoring.
• Glorify sometimes implies exaggeration.
Writers choose extol when they want to communicate deep admiration without sounding exaggerated.
The Correct Spelling: Extol vs Extoll
Why “Extol” Is the Standard Spelling
The correct modern spelling is extol.
Major dictionaries confirm this, including:
• Merriam-Webster
• Oxford English Dictionary
• Cambridge Dictionary
These sources consistently list extol as the primary form.
Professional writers prefer extol because it follows modern English spelling conventions.
Why People Write “Extoll”
The confusion happens for a simple reason. Some verb forms contain double L.
Examples include:
• extolled
• extolling
Because these forms use two L’s, writers sometimes assume the base word must also use two L’s.
That assumption leads to the incorrect spelling extoll.
Quick Comparison
| Word | Status | Modern Usage |
| Extol | Correct spelling | Standard |
| Extoll | Variant spelling | Rare |
Why Modern Dictionaries Favor “Extol”
English spelling evolved over centuries. Many older spellings eventually simplified.
In this case:
• Extoll appeared historically
• Extol became the standard form
Today, editors and grammar experts recommend extol in almost all contexts.
Etymology of the Word “Extol”
Understanding the origin of a word often clarifies its meaning.
Latin Origins
The word extol comes from the Latin verb extollere.
Latin components:
• ex – meaning “up”
• tollere – meaning “to raise” or “lift”
Together they mean “to lift up.”
Evolution of Meaning
Over time the meaning shifted from physical lifting to symbolic praise.
Original sense:
• To raise something upward
Later meaning:
• To elevate someone’s reputation
• To praise highly
This metaphor still exists today.
When you extol someone, you metaphorically lift their reputation higher.
Entry Into English
The word entered English in the 14th century through medieval Latin and Old French influences.
Writers in religious texts often used it to describe praising divine figures.
Example from historical literature:
“They extol the virtues of the righteous.”
Over time, the word expanded into general writing and journalism.
Grammatical Forms of “Extol”
Understanding grammar forms helps writers use the word correctly.
Verb Forms of Extol
Like many English verbs, extol changes depending on tense.
| Form | Example |
| Base form | extol |
| Past tense | extolled |
| Present participle | extolling |
| Third-person singular | extols |
Notice something interesting.
Both extolled and extolling contain two L’s.
This follows a standard English spelling rule.
Why Double “L” Appears in Verb Forms
When a verb ending with single L receives -ed or -ing, English often doubles the consonant.
Example pattern:
| Base Word | Past Form |
| control | controlled |
| patrol | patrolled |
| extol | extolled |
The same rule explains extolling.
This spelling pattern is the main reason writers mistakenly assume extoll must be correct.
Derivative Nouns
A few related nouns exist.
• Extoller – someone who praises enthusiastically
• Extolling – the act of praising
• Extolment – rare noun meaning praise
Example:
• The author became a passionate extoller of environmental conservation.
How to Use “Extol” in Sentences
Learning grammar rules is helpful. Seeing real examples makes the concept clearer.
Everyday Usage Examples
The word appears frequently in journalism and commentary.
Examples:
• The chef extolled the importance of fresh ingredients.
• Fans extol the singer’s powerful voice.
• Experts extol the advantages of renewable energy.
Each sentence shows enthusiastic praise.
Professional Writing Examples
In professional contexts, the word adds authority.
Examples:
• Economists extol the benefits of sustainable growth.
• Analysts extol the company’s innovative strategy.
Business communication often favors precise vocabulary like this.
Academic Writing Examples
Researchers sometimes use extol to describe admiration within analysis.
Example:
• Scholars extol the philosopher’s contributions to modern ethics.
Sentence Construction Tips
To use the word naturally, remember these guidelines:
• Use it with clear objects
• Avoid overusing it
• Choose it when strong praise is appropriate
Example structure:
Subject + extol + object
Example:
• Critics extol the film’s storytelling.
Historical Usage of Extol
Use in Religious Texts
The word appears frequently in historical religious writing.
For example, translations of biblical texts often include phrases like:
“Extol the Lord with praise.”
This usage reinforced the meaning of lifting someone up through admiration.
Appearance in Classic Literature
Many classic writers used the word.
For instance, John Milton used similar language when describing admiration for divine qualities in Paradise Lost.
Literary works often favor expressive verbs like extol because they carry strong emotional weight.
Modern Media Usage
Today the word appears in:
• Newspaper editorials
• Book reviews
• Political commentary
• Business journalism
Example:
• Technology analysts extol the company’s innovation strategy.
Common Mistakes Writers Make
Even experienced writers sometimes misuse this word.
Mistake: Writing “Extoll”
The most common mistake is adding an extra L.
Incorrect:
• Experts extoll the benefits of the policy.
Correct:
• Experts extol the benefits of the policy.
Mistake: Overusing Formal Vocabulary
Another mistake is overusing formal words unnecessarily.
Example:
• The article extols the beauty of the sunset.
In casual writing, praise or highlight might sound more natural.
Mistake: Using It Without Strong Praise
The word implies enthusiastic admiration.
Using it for minor approval can sound exaggerated.
Incorrect tone:
• The teacher extolled the student for arriving on time.
Better tone:
• The teacher praised the student for arriving on time.
Words Similar to “Extol”
Writers benefit from understanding related vocabulary.
Synonyms of Extol
| Word | Meaning |
| Praise | Express approval |
| Laud | Praise formally |
| Commend | Express respect |
| Celebrate | Honor achievements |
| Glorify | Give admiration |
Tone Differences
Each synonym fits different contexts.
• Praise works in everyday speech.
• Laud appears in formal writing.
• Glorify can suggest exaggeration.
Because of this nuance, extol sits between formal admiration and natural praise.
Case Study: Media Use of the Word “Extol”
Journalists frequently use extol when describing admiration.
Example headline style:
• Analysts extol the company’s innovation strategy.
Why journalists choose this word:
• It sounds authoritative
• It communicates strong approval
• It remains concise
This demonstrates why the word remains popular in professional writing.
Quick Grammar Cheat Sheet
| Grammar Question | Correct Answer |
| Correct spelling | Extol |
| Incorrect variant | Extoll |
| Past tense | Extolled |
| Present participle | Extolling |
| Meaning | To praise enthusiastically |
Practical Writing Tips for Using “Extol”
Using sophisticated vocabulary improves clarity when done correctly.
When to Use the Word
• Formal writing
• Journalism
• Academic essays
• Speeches
When Simpler Words Work Better
• Casual conversation
• Informal blog posts
• Friendly emails
Choosing the right tone matters more than choosing the most complex word.
Quick Test for Correct Usage
Ask yourself three questions.
• Am I describing strong admiration?
• Is the context formal enough?
• Would a simpler word sound clearer?
If the answer to the first question is yes, extol likely fits.
Conclusion
Choosing between extol and extoll may look like a small spelling detail, but it makes a big difference in clear writing. In modern English, extol with one L is the standard form. It means to praise or show strong admiration. The two-L version, extoll, appears less often and is usually found in older texts. When you understand the meaning, context, and correct usage, you improve your clarity, strengthen your vocabulary, and write with more confidence. With simple practice and careful attention, you will never hesitate when using this word again.
FAQs
Q1.What does extol mean?
Extol means to praise someone or something strongly and openly. It is commonly used in writing and speech.
Q2.Is extoll correct in modern English?
In most cases, extol is the preferred and standard spelling in modern English. Extoll is rare and usually appears in older texts.
Q3.What is the difference between extol and extoll?
Both words have the same meaning, but extol is the standard spelling today. The extra L is not commonly used in modern writing.
Q4.How do you use extol in a sentence?
You can say: “The teacher extolled the student’s hard work.” It shows praise or admiration.
Q5.Why is spelling important for this word?
Correct spelling improves clarity, prevents confusion, and shows strong writing skills, especially in professional communication.
Q6.Is extol used in formal writing?
Yes. Extol is common in academic papers, literary writing, news articles, and formal communication.
Q7.How can I remember the correct spelling?
Remember that modern English prefers extol with one L. Regular reading and practice will help you use it correctly.
