What is the American and British English difference?

The American and British English difference is relatively small. For those who have been studying British English, the following will help familiarize (American spelling) you with some of the main differences.

Please note that there is no language known as “American.” American English is properly understood to be a dialect of the English Language.

With this in mind, let’s look at what makes up the American and British English difference.

The following list shows general spelling differences between American and British English. From the familiar “re” of centre or theatre in British English to the “ize” of American English spelling of words like apologize or realize, these spelling differences, once learned, should not be a problem to those at the proficiency level of the language.

After all, the American and British English difference doesn’t prevent us from understanding one another. Unless, or course, you happen to be British or American and find yourself speaking to the other. ; -)

I recommend you learn one form and stick with it. After all, both forms are accepted in all examinations as long as you are consistant.

BRITISH ENGLISH                       adviser                                      analyse                                      apologise/apologize                   axe                                            behaviour                                  catalogue                                   centre                                        cheque                                      colour                                        councillor                                   counsellor                                  defence                                     dialogue                                     favour                                       favourite                                    enrol                                          fulfil                                           grey                                          honour                                      humour                                     instal                                         jeweller                                      jewellery                                    kerb (edge of pavement)           labelled                                      labour                                        liqueur                                                 licence                                       litre                                            marvellous                                 metre                                        neighbour                                  organize/organise                      plough                                       practise (verb)                            practice (noun) programme                               pyjamas                                    quarrelled                                   realise/realize                             signalled                                     skilful                                         theatre                                      through                                     travelled, -lling                                 tyre (on a wheel)

AMERICAN ENGLISH   advisor   analyze   apologize   axe/ax   behavior   catalog/catalogue   center   check   color   councilor   counselor   defense   dialog/dialogue   favor   favorite   enroll   fulfill   gray   honor   humor   install   jeweler   jewelery   curb   labeled   labor    liquor   license   liter   marvelous   meter   neighbor   organize   plow   practice (verb and noun)     program   pajamas   quarreled   realize   signaled   skillful   theater   through, thru   traveled, -ling        tire

Apart from differences in spelling, there are certain words used by the British that are quite foreign to many Americans. In like manner, many American words are certain to cause the British to raise an eyebrow or two. That said, we can still (for the most part) understand one another.

For more information about the American and British English difference click on the preceding link. On the next page you will find the differences between American and British English vocabulary.

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