English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. But there are some differences between British English and American English. The most significant difference lies in the spelling of words that British English has borrowed from additional languages, particularly French and German. On the other hand, American English spellings typically follow the sound of the word when spoken. There are spelling variations that date back to the British colonization of North America in the 17th century. English spelling was not standardized at this period as it is now in a recognized dictionary. Since then, there have been numerous waves of immigration to the United States, which have influenced the language’s evolution. Now let’s take a quick look at the differences in vocabulary and spelling in British English and American English.
British vs. American Words: Vocabulary
Here’s a quick guide to some common British vs. American vocabulary differences:
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| Sweets | Candy |
| Biscuit | Cookie |
| Aubergine | Eggplant |
| Chips | French fries/fries |
| Courgette | Zucchini |
| Nappy | Diaper |
| Flat | Apartment |
| Candyfloss | Cotton candy |
| Trousers | Pants |
| Jumper | Sweater |
| Lorry | Truck |
| Chips | Fries |
| Holiday | Vacation |
| Pavement | Sidewalk |
| Post code | Zip code |
| Lift | Elevator |
| Trainers | Sneakers |
The Differences in British and American Spelling
The most noticeable distinction between American and British English on paper is the spelling (just as the most noticeable distinction when speaking is pronunciation). Most English terms are spelled similarly in both American and British English. Still, certain ways of spelling are used according to the type of English being used.
1. oe/ae(British) vs. e(American)
British English words that are spelled with the double vowels ae or oe tend to be just spelled with an e in American English.
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| Leukaemia | Leukemia |
| Paediatrics | Pediatrics |
| Manoeuvre | Maneuver |
| Oestrogen | Estrogen |
| Aesthetic | Esthetic |
2. Doubled consonants
In some cases, British spelling has a doubled consonant, whereas American spelling leaves it off, such as in the past participle of several verbs. In other instances, such as in specific verbal infinitives or to maintain the root word of specific adjectives, US English is used with the doubled consonant.
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| Appal | Appall |
| Carburettor | Carburetor |
| Marvellous | Marvelous |
| Labelling | Labeling |
| Fulfil | Fulfill |
3. -ence (British) vs. -ense (American)
Many nouns that end in –ence in British English end in –ense in the US. UK English only uses –ense for the corresponding verb; for example, you can license someone to do something, after which they hold a licence to do it.
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| Defence | Defense |
| Offence | Offense |
| Pretence | Pretense |
| Licence | License |
4. re(British) vs. er(American)
The –re spelling originally comes from French. In the United States, it was replaced with –er to better reflect American pronunciation.
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| Centre | Center |
| Fibre | Fiber |
| Metre | Meter |
| Theatre | Theater |
| Litre | Liter |
5. -our (British) vs. -or (American)
This is one of the more famous spelling differences between British and American English and comes from French influence. Nearly all of these words originally came from Latin and had the plain –or ending.
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| Colour | Color |
| Neighbour | Neighbor |
| Labour | Labor |
| Odour | Odor |
| Vigour | Vigor |
6. -yse (British) vs. –yze (American)
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| Analyse | Analyze |
| Breathalyse | Breathalyze |
| Paralyse | Paralyze |
7. -ise or -ize (British) vs. only -ize (American)
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| Apologise | Apologize |
| Stigmatise | Stigmatize |
| Organise | Organize |
| Recognize or Recognise | Recognize |
8. ogue(British) vs. og(American)
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| Analogue | Analog or Analogue |
| Dialogue | Dialog or Dialogue |
| Catalogue | Catalog or Catalogue |
Common Words Spelled Differently in British and American English
Here are some common words that are spelled differently in British and American English:
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| Aluminium | Aluminum |
| Cosy | Cozy |
| Defence | Defense |
| Artefact | Artifact |
| Doughnut | Donut |
| Grey | Gray |
| Sceptical | Skeptical |
| Aeroplane | Airplane |
| Jewellery | Jewelry |
| Sulphur | Sulfur |
| Plough | Plow |
| Realise | Realize |
| Licence | License |
| Programme | Program |
| Theatre | Theater |
| Centre | Center |
| Colour | Color |
| Favourite | Favorite |
| Honour | Honor |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Difference Between British and American English
Is there a difference between British and American?
Differences between the two consist of pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, idioms, and formatting of dates and numbers.
Which English is more popular?
Since the late 20th century, American English has become the most influential form of English worldwide.
Should I learn American or British English?
While some courses teach American English some others teach British English but there are no certain advantages to both. Since both understand each other easily you can learn whichever you want.
Can British and American understand each other?
Of course, they can! Even though there are some differences, they speak the same language.
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