American English, British English

American English, British English

written by Lilian Ndongmo. ESL Teacher

English is English, right?

If your answer is “Yes”, then why do we call some American English, others British English, and then more: Canadian English, Australian English?

Simple answer. The difference lies in style of usage. You see, there are differences in the way some words are written, pronounced, and even in the meaning implied. Let’s look at some of these differences below:

 Differences in Spelling

American  English British English
1. Word endings: -er
Fiber
Theater
Center
Word endings : -re
Fibre
Theatre
Centre
-ize (-ization)
Realize
Organize
Recognize
-ise (-isation
Realise
Organise
Recognise
-yze
Analyze
Paralyze
Catalyze
-yse
Analyse
Paralyse
Catalyse
Single consonants (l, p, s, t)
Traveling / Traveler
Canceled
Quarreling
Double consonants
Travelling / Traveller
Cancelled
Quarrelling
Dropthe“e”
Aging
Routing
Likable
Retain the “e”
Ageing
Routeing
Likeable
“e”
Fetus
Maneuver
Encyclopedia
“Ae” or “oe”
Foetus
Manoeuvre
Encyclopaedia
Past tense verbs: -ed
Dreamed
Learned
Spoiled
-t
Dreamt
Learnt
Spoilt
or
Honor
Labor
Endeavor
Color
our
Honour
Labour
Endeavour
Colour
Others
Program
Catalog
Ton
Omelet
 Others
Programme
Catalogue
Tonne
Omelette
   

Different spelling, different pronunciation

Aluminum
Jewelry
Ass
Airplane
Oriented
Specialty
Aluminium
Jewellery
Arse
Aeroplane
Orientated
Speciality
   

Contracted words

British: (No periods) Dr, Mr, Mrs, Jr, Ave, St

American: (add periods) Dr., Mr., Mrs. Jr. Ave. St.