Many people search for “tarter or tartar” because these words look similar but are used in very different ways. The confusion often appears when writing about food, dental health, taste, or descriptions.
For example, you may see tartar sauce on a menu, dental tartar in a health article, or tarter taste in a food review. At the same time, some people mistakenly write tarter’s, thinking it is a possessive or an alternative spelling.
This creates uncertainty, especially for students, bloggers, content writers, and English learners.
The main problem is that tartar and tarter are not the same word, and tarter’s is usually incorrect unless possession is clearly intended.
English spelling rules, comparative adjectives, and apostrophe usage all play a role in this confusion
. Because these words appear in everyday writing menus, emails, product descriptions, and medical or dental content using the wrong form can look unprofessional or confusing.
This article solves that problem step by step. You will get a quick answer, clear definitions, word origins, spelling rules, examples from real life, common mistakes, usage trends, and
expert advice. By the end, you will know exactly when to use tartar, tarter, and why tarter’s is usually wrong.
Tartar or Tarter’s : Quick Answer
Tartar is a noun. It refers to:
- A sharp or sour taste
- A person with a harsh personality (old usage)
- Dental plaque that has hardened
- A food item, such as tartar sauce
Tarter is the comparative form of the adjective tart, meaning “more sour or sharp.”
Tarter’s (with an apostrophe) is usually incorrect unless you are showing possession.
Examples:
- This sauce tastes tartar and salty. ❌ (Incorrect)
- This sauce tastes tarter than before. ✅
- Tartar can damage your teeth if not removed. ✅
- The tarter’s recipe was popular. ✅ (Correct only if showing possession)
The Origin of Tartar or Tarter’s
The word tartar comes from Middle English and Old French tartre, which referred to a sharp substance or sediment. Over time, it developed multiple meanings.
In dentistry, tartar refers to hardened plaque on teeth. In cooking, it refers to tartar sauce, a condiment often served with seafood. Historically, tartar was also used to describe a harsh or aggressive person.
The word tart comes from Old French tart, meaning sharp or sour. From this adjective, English forms comparatives and superlatives:
- tart
- tarter
- tartest
The confusion happens because tartar and tarter look similar but come from different grammatical roles. Adding an apostrophe to form tarter’s introduces possession, not comparison, which is why it is often misused.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no spelling difference between British English and American English for tartar or tarter. Both varieties follow the same rules.
Examples
- British English: Dental tartar can cause gum disease.
- American English: This lemon tastes tarter than the last one.
Comparison Table
| Word | British English | American English | Meaning |
| tartar | tartar | tartar | Noun (deposit, sauce, sharp taste) |
| tarter | tarter | tarter | Comparative adjective |
| tarter’s | tarter’s | tarter’s | Possessive (rare, context-specific) |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
The correct choice depends on what you want to say.
- Use tartar when talking about food (tartar sauce), dental health, or a noun.
- Use tarter when comparing taste or sharpness.
- Avoid tarter’s unless you clearly mean possession (for example, the tarter’s opinion).
Audience-Based Advice
- US audience: Follow standard grammar rules; avoid unnecessary apostrophes.
- UK/Commonwealth audience: The same rules apply.
- Global audience: Keep it simple. Use tartar for nouns and tarter for comparisons.
Common Mistakes with Tartar or Tarter’s
Mistake 1: Using “tartar” instead of “tarter”
❌ This lemon is tartar than the orange. ✅ This lemon is tarter than the orange.
Mistake 2: Adding an unnecessary apostrophe
❌ The sauce tastes tarter’s today. ✅ The sauce tastes tarter today.
Mistake 3: Confusing dental and taste meanings
❌ I removed tarter from my teeth. ✅ I removed tartar from my teeth.
Tartar or Tarter’s in Everyday Examples
Emails
- Please avoid sugary foods that cause dental tartar.
- This batch tastes tarter than usual.
News
- Dentists warn that tartar buildup can harm gums.
- Farmers report tarter fruit this season.
Social Media
- Fish and chips with tartar sauce 😋
- These lemons are way tarter today!
Formal Writing
- The study examined tartar accumulation over time.
- A tarter flavor profile was observed.
Tartar or Tarter’s : Google Trends & Usage Data
Search trends show that “tartar” is widely searched in contexts such as:
- Dental care
- Food and recipes
- Health blogs
The term “tarter” appears less often but is common in:
- Food reviews
- Cooking blogs
- Taste comparisons
The phrase “tartar or tarter’s” is mostly searched by ESL learners and writers who are unsure about apostrophe use. Searches are common in English-learning countries such as India, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia.
read more about!American English
Comparison Table: Tartar vs Tarter vs Tarter’s
| Word | Part of Speech | Correct Use | Example |
| tartar | Noun | Things or substances | Tartar sauce is popular |
| tarter | Adjective (comparative) | Comparing taste | This is tarter |
| tarter’s | Possessive noun | Ownership only | The tarter’s choice |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “tarter’s” a real word?
Yes, but only as a possessive form. It is not a replacement for tarter.
Is tartar an adjective?
No. Tartar is mainly a noun.
Can tartar describe taste?
Yes, but usually as a noun, not for comparison.
Which is correct: tarter or more tart?
Both are correct, but tarter is more natural.
Is tartar sauce named after taste?
Yes, it refers to a sharp, tangy flavor.
Do British and American English differ here?
No, spelling and usage are the same.
Conclusion
The confusion between tartar or tarter’s comes from similar spelling and misunderstanding of grammar rules. Tartar is a noun used for food, dental deposits, or specific descriptions.
Tarter is a comparative adjective used when comparing taste or sharpness. Tarter’s, with an apostrophe, should only be used to show possession and is often incorrect in everyday writing.
By understanding the role each word plays in a sentence, you can easily avoid common mistakes. This is especially important for professional writing, academic work, menus, blogs,
and health-related content. Always ask yourself: am I naming something, comparing something, or showing ownership?
If you are writing for a global audience, keeping your language simple and grammatically correct builds trust and clarity.
With the rules and examples in this guide, you can now confidently choose the correct form every time and avoid the confusion that leads people to search for “tartar or tarter’s.”
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I am Daniel Wright. I am a English language writer. I focuse on word comparisons and common spelling confusions.
I simplifies tricky English terms to help learners and writers avoid everyday mistakes.
My work is especially useful for students, bloggers, and non-native English readers.
Daniel believes clear language builds confident communication.
