If you’ve ever wondered whether to use “oriented” or “orientated,” you’re not alone. These two words often cause confusion, with some people insisting one is correct while the other is wrong. But is there really a difference? And which one should you use in formal writing?
In this blog post, we’ll explore:
- The meanings of “oriented” and “orientated”
- The grammatical differences between them
- Regional preferences (American vs. British English)
- Examples of correct usage
- Common misconceptions
- Which one you should use in professional writing
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of when to use each term—and why.
1. What Do “Oriented” and “Orientated” Mean?
Both “oriented” and “orientated” function as adjectives and past-tense verbs derived from the noun “orientation.” They essentially mean the same thing: to align or position something in a particular direction or to familiarize someone with a new situation.
Definitions:
- Oriented: Adjusted or aligned in a specific direction; familiarized with surroundings or concepts.
- Example: “The new employee was quickly oriented to the company’s policies.”
- Orientated: Same meaning as “oriented,” but less common in American English.
- Example: “The map was orientated toward the north.”
While both words are correct, their usage depends on dialect and context.
2. Is “Orientated” a Real Word?
Yes, “orientated” is a real word, but it’s often considered nonstandard or unnecessarily long in American English. Some grammar purists argue that “oriented” is preferable because it’s more concise. However, “orientated” is widely accepted in British English.
Why Does “Orientated” Exist?
The verb “orient” comes from the French “orienter” (to align with the east). Over time, English speakers added the “-ate” suffix, creating “orientate.” From there, the past tense “orientated” emerged.
While “oriented” follows the standard pattern (like “comment → commented”), “orientated” follows a less common but still valid formation (like “document → documented”).
3. American vs. British English Preferences
The biggest difference between these words lies in regional usage:
| Term | American English | British English |
|---|---|---|
| Oriented | Preferred | Acceptable |
| Orientated | Rare, seen as verbose | Common, widely used |
Examples by Region:
- American English:
- “The training program oriented new hires efficiently.”
- “The training program orientated new hires efficiently.” (Sounds awkward to Americans)
- British English:
- “The team was orientated towards customer service.”
- “The team was oriented towards customer service.” (Also acceptable)
In the UK, “orientated” is more common, while in the US, “oriented” dominates.
4. When Should You Use “Oriented”?
“Oriented” is the standard form in American English and is generally preferred in formal writing worldwide.
Best Uses:
✔ Business & Professional Writing
- “Our company is customer-oriented.”
✔ Technical & Scientific Contexts
- “The satellite was oriented toward Mars.”
✔ Everyday American English
- “She oriented herself with the new software quickly.”
When to Avoid “Orientated” in the US:
- Academic papers
- Corporate reports
- Journalism
Using “orientated” in American English may make your writing seem overly formal or outdated.
5. When Is “Orientated” Acceptable?
“Orientated” is more common in British English and is not incorrect, but it can sound wordy to American ears.
Best Uses:
✔ British English Contexts
- “The students were orientated to the campus layout.”
✔ Informal or Regional Speech
- “He needed time to get orientated in his new role.”
✔ Older or Literary Texts
- “The compass was orientated eastward.”
When to Avoid It:
- If writing for an American audience
- In concise or technical documents
6. Common Misconceptions About “Orientated”
Myth 1: “Orientated” Is Not a Real Word
False—it’s just less common in American English.
Myth 2: “Orientated” Is More Formal
Not necessarily. In the US, it can sound unnatural or pretentious.
Myth 3: Only “Oriented” Is Correct
Both are correct, but regional preferences matter.
7. Which One Should You Use? (Final Recommendation)
✔ Use “Oriented” If:
- You’re writing in American English
- You want conciseness
- Your audience is global or professional
✔ Use “Orientated” If:
- You’re writing in British English
- You’re aiming for a traditional or formal tone
- Your audience commonly uses it
Pro Tip:
If in doubt, “oriented” is the safer choice in most contexts.
8. Examples in Sentences
| Sentence | Preferred in |
|---|---|
| “The manager oriented the team toward the new goals.” | US English |
| “The manager orientated the team towards the new goals.” | UK English |
| “She was well-oriented in her field.” | Global/Formal |
| “He felt disorientated after the meeting.” | British Informal |
9. Conclusion: Oriented vs. Orientated
Both “oriented” and “orientated” are correct, but their usage depends on:
Dialect (American vs. British English)
Formality (Concise vs. Traditional tone)
Audience (Who will be reading it?)
For clarity and professionalism, “oriented” is usually the best choice—especially in American English. However, if you’re writing for a British audience, “orientated” is perfectly acceptable.
