American vs British English: Understanding the Differences
English is spoken around the world, but not all English is the same. American English (AmE) and British English (BrE) have evolved differently over centuries, creating noticeable variations in spelling, vocabulary, pronunciation, and even grammar.
Whether you're learning English for study abroad, business, or travel, understanding these differences helps you communicate more effectively and avoid confusion.
Why Are There Differences?
When English colonists settled in America in the 17th century, the language began evolving differently on each side of the Atlantic. Geographic separation, cultural influences, and even deliberate changes (like Noah Webster's spelling reforms in the 1800s) created the variations we see today.
Neither version is "better" or "more correct"—they're simply different. Choose based on your goals:
- American English: If you're moving to the US, working with American companies, or taking the TOEFL
- British English: If you're studying in the UK, taking IELTS, or working with British/European companies
- International Context: British English is more common internationally, but American English dominates media and technology
Spelling Differences
This is often the most visible difference. Here are the main patterns:
-our (BrE) vs -or (AmE)
- colour → color
- favourite → favorite
- honour → honor
- neighbour → neighbor
- flavour → flavor
-re (BrE) vs -er (AmE)
- centre → center
- theatre → theater
- metre → meter
- litre → liter
-ise/-yse (BrE) vs -ize/-yze (AmE)
- realise → realize
- organise → organize
- analyse → analyze
- recognise → recognize
(Note: Both -ise and -ize are accepted in British English, though -ise is more common)
Double L (BrE) vs Single L (AmE)
- travelling → traveling
- cancelled → canceled
- labelled → labeled
- modelling → modeling
-ence (BrE) vs -ense (AmE)
- defence → defense
- licence (noun) → license
- offence → offense
- pretence → pretense
Other Common Spelling Differences
- programme (BrE) → program (AmE)
- grey (BrE) → gray (AmE)
- tyre (BrE) → tire (AmE)
- kerb (BrE) → curb (AmE)
- cheque (BrE) → check (AmE)
Vocabulary Differences
Same concept, completely different words:
Transportation
| British | American | |---------|----------| | lift | elevator | | lorry | truck | | underground/tube | subway | | petrol | gas/gasoline | | car park | parking lot | | motorway | highway/freeway | | pavement | sidewalk | | boot (of car) | trunk | | bonnet (of car) | hood | | windscreen | windshield |
Clothing
| British | American | |---------|----------| | trousers | pants | | pants | underwear | | jumper | sweater | | trainers | sneakers | | waistcoat | vest | | vest | undershirt |
Food and Dining
| British | American | |---------|----------| | biscuit | cookie | | chips | fries | | crisps | chips | | aubergine | eggplant | | courgette | zucchini | | rocket | arugula | | sweets | candy | | fizzy drink | soda | | takeaway | takeout | | bill (restaurant) | check |
Everyday Items
| British | American | |---------|----------| | torch | flashlight | | bin | trash can | | tap | faucet | | nappy | diaper | | dummy | pacifier | | mobile (phone) | cell (phone) | | holiday | vacation | | flat | apartment | | garden | yard | | post | mail |
Education
| British | American | |---------|----------| | university | college/university | | state school | public school | | public school | private school | | mark | grade | | revision | review/study | | timetable | schedule | | holiday | vacation/break |
Pronunciation Differences
The "R" Sound
- American: Pronounces "r" in all positions ("car", "hard", "better")
- British: Often drops the "r" at the end of words or before consonants ("cah", "hahd", "bettah")
Vowel Sounds
"A" in words like "class," "dance," "bath":
- American: Short "a" sound (like "cat")
- British: Long "ah" sound (like "father")
"O" in words like "hot," "not," "got":
- American: "ah" sound
- British: Short "o" sound (more rounded)
"T" Sound
- American: Often sounds like "d" in the middle of words ("water" sounds like "wader")
- British: Clearer "t" sound
Stress Patterns
Some words have different stress:
- Adult: BrE = A-dult (stress on first syllable) / AmE = a-DULT (stress on second)
- Advertisement: BrE = ad-VER-tis-ment / AmE = ad-ver-TISE-ment
- Garage: BrE = GA-ridge / AmE = ga-RAHJ
Grammar Differences
Present Perfect vs Past Simple
British English uses present perfect more often:
- "I've lost my keys." (BrE)
- "I lost my keys." (AmE)
Both are acceptable in both varieties, but Americans prefer the past simple.
Collective Nouns
British English can treat collective nouns as singular or plural:
- "The team are playing well."
- "The government have decided."
American English treats them as singular:
- "The team is playing well."
- "The government has decided."
"Have" vs "Have Got"
British English commonly uses "have got":
- "I've got a car."
- "Have you got any money?"
American English prefers "have":
- "I have a car."
- "Do you have any money?"
Prepositions
Different prepositions in certain contexts:
Time:
- "at the weekend" (BrE) vs "on the weekend" (AmE)
- "Monday to Friday" (BrE) vs "Monday through Friday" (AmE)
Other:
- "different from/to" (BrE) vs "different from/than" (AmE)
- "in hospital" (BrE) vs "in the hospital" (AmE)
- "in a team" (BrE) vs "on a team" (AmE)
Past Participles
Some verbs have different past participles:
| Verb | British | American | |------|---------|----------| | get | got / gotten | gotten | | learn | learnt / learned | learned | | dream | dreamt / dreamed | dreamed | | spell | spelt / spelled | spelled |
Date and Time Format
Dates:
- British: 28/01/2024 (day/month/year) or 28 January 2024
- American: 01/28/2024 (month/day/year) or January 28, 2024
Time:
- British: Often uses 24-hour clock (14:30)
- American: Prefers 12-hour clock with AM/PM (2:30 PM)
Formal vs Informal Register
British English tends to be more formal in certain contexts:
- "Shall we go?" (BrE) vs "Should we go?" (AmE)
- "Pleased to meet you" (BrE) vs "Nice to meet you" (AmE)
Which Should You Learn?
Choose American English if:
- You're working with US companies
- You're taking the TOEFL
- You're moving to North America
- You prefer American media (Hollywood, Silicon Valley content)
Choose British English if:
- You're studying in the UK, Europe, or Commonwealth countries
- You're taking IELTS or Cambridge exams
- You're working in international contexts (BrE is more common globally)
- You prefer British media (BBC, British literature)
The Good News: Native speakers understand both varieties perfectly. The differences, while real, don't impede communication. Most importantly, be consistent—don't mix spelling and vocabulary from both varieties in the same piece of writing.
Mixing Varieties: What to Avoid
Don't mix in formal writing:
- ❌ "I went to the center and bought some biscuits at the shop, then headed to the parking lot."
- ✓ "I went to the centre and bought some biscuits at the shop, then headed to the car park." (British)
- ✓ "I went to the center and bought some cookies at the store, then headed to the parking lot." (American)
Conclusion
American and British English are two sides of the same coin. Understanding the differences makes you a more versatile English speaker and helps you avoid confusion.
Most importantly:
- Pick one variety and be consistent, especially in formal writing
- Don't stress about small differences in conversation
- Expose yourself to both varieties through media and reading
- Choose based on your specific goals (work, study, exams)
At the end of the day, good English is clear, accurate English—whether it's American, British, or any other variety.
Want to master either American or British English with expert guidance? Britannia Language Center offers tailored programs for both varieties. Contact us to find the right course for your goals!