American & British English Differences: A Comprehensive Guide (PDF)
There are many varieties of the English language. American English and British English are the primary versions taught worldwide. ESL (English as a Second Language) and EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students often wonder, “Which version is correct: American or British English?”
The answer is simple: No version is inherently “correct.” Both varieties are correct where they are spoken. However, there are important differences between American and British English in pronunciation, vocabulary, and spelling.
Key Differences Between American and British English
1. Date Formats
British English: Day/Month/Year
Example: 10 October 1984
American English: Month/Day/Year
Example: October 10, 1984
2. Spelling of “O” and “OU” Words
British English: Words often include “ou.”
Examples: colour, humour, honour, behaviour
American English: Only “o” is used.
Examples: color, humor, honor, behavior
3. Hyphen Usage
British English: Hyphens are often used to connect prefixes with the main word.
Examples: pre-emption, co-operation
American English: Hyphens are less commonly used.
Examples: preemption, cooperation
4. Z or S?
British English: Uses “s” in words like recognise, authorise, analyse.
American English: Uses “z” in words like recognize, authorize, analyze.
5. Words That Always End in “-ise”
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| advertise | advertise |
| advise | advise |
| compromise | compromise |
| exercise | exercise |
| surprise | surprise |
These words are consistent in both British and American English, always ending in -ise.
6. Double L vs Single L
British English: Words often have a double “l.”
Examples: travelled, counselled, modelled
American English: Words use a single “l.”
Examples: traveled, counseled, modeled
Also check:
–250 Phrasal Verbs (Free PDF)
–A Quick Way To Learn English Tenses (Free Pdf)
7. Retained “E” or “UE”
British English: The final silent “e” or “ue” is retained in words like analogue, axe, catalogue.
American English: The “e” or “ue” is omitted in words like analog, ax, catalog.
8. Words Ending in -EABLE or -ABLE
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| Likeable, unshakeable, ageing | Likable, unshakable, aging |
| Traceable, manageable | Traceable, manageable |
The silent “e” is sometimes used in American English to maintain the sound of the preceding consonant.
9. CE or SE?
British English: Verbs often end in “-se” (advise, devise), and nouns in “-ce” (advice, device).
American English: Both nouns and verbs often end in “-se” (defense, offense).
10. Prepositions
British English: Prepositions are often used.
Example: “protest against discrimination”
American English: Prepositions may be omitted.
Example: “protest discrimination”
11. Have and Got
British English: More likely to say “I’ve got two tickets.”
- American English: Often says “I got two tickets.”
12. Past Tense Verbs
British English: Uses both “-ed” and “-t” forms.
Examples: learned/learnt, burned/burnt
American English: Prefers “-ed” endings.
Examples: learned, burned
12. Directional Suffixes
British English: Uses “-wards.”
Examples: forwards, towards, rightwards
American English: Uses “-ward.”
Examples: forward, toward, rightward
13. Abbreviations and Full Stops
British English: Typically omits full stops.
Examples: Mr, Mrs, St, Dr
American English: Typically includes full stops.
Examples: Mr., Mrs., St., Dr.
14. Collective Nouns
British English: Collective nouns can be singular or plural.
Example: “The team are playing tonight.”
American English: Collective nouns are singular.
Example: “The team is playing tonight.”
