English is spoken in many countries, but American English and British English often have different spellings for the same words. Most of the time, the meaning stays the same, but the way the words are written can change. In this blog post, you will learn simple spelling rules to help you understand and use both styles correctly.
Why Is There a Spelling Difference?
The difference happened because English changed over time in the USA and the UK. Some changes were made to make words simpler in the USA. British English kept the old style.
What Are the Main Differences?
Here are the main ways American English (AmE) and British English (BrE) are different:
1. Spelling
-
colour (BrE) → color (AmE)
-
centre (BrE) → center (AmE)
2. Vocabulary
Some words are different but have the same meaning.
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| flat | apartment |
| lorry | truck |
| lift | elevator |
| biscuit | cookie |
3. Pronunciation
The accent and the way people say words can sound different.
Example:
-
“schedule” is pronounced “shed-yool” in British English
-
But in American English, it’s “sked-jool”
4. Grammar (sometimes)
There are small grammar changes too.
Example:
-
British: I have got a pen.
-
American: I have a pen.
Common Spelling Differences
1. -or vs. -our
In American English, words that end in -our in British English usually drop the “u.”
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| colour | color |
| honour | honor |
| flavour | flavor |
| neighbour | neighbor |
2. -re vs. -er
Some British English words that end in -re change to -er in American English.
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| centre | center |
| metre | meter |
| theatre | theater |
| fibre | fiber |
3. -ise vs. -ize
In British English, some verbs end in -ise, but in American English, they change to -ize.
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| organise | organize |
| realise | realize |
| recognise | recognize |
| apologise | apologize |
4. Double L in Past Tense
British English often doubles the “L” when adding endings. American English does not always do this.
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| travelled | traveled |
| cancelled | canceled |
| labelled | labeled |
| modelling | modeling |
5. -ce vs. -se
Some British words ending in -ce become -se in American spelling.
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| defence | defense |
| licence (noun) | license |
| offence | offense |
| pretence | pretense |
British vs. American English
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| aeroplane | airplane |
| cheque | check |
| plough | plow |
| pyjamas | pajamas |
| tyre | tire |
| aluminium | aluminum |
| catalogue | catalog |
| dialogue | dialog |
| manoeuvre | maneuver |
| jewellery | jewelry |
| moustache | mustache |
| programme | program |
| sabre | saber |
| sceptical | skeptical |
| offence | offense |
| licence (noun) | license |
| defence | defense |
| pretence | pretense |
| ageing | aging |
| cosy | cozy |
| grey | gray |
| mould | mold |
| enrol | enroll |
| skilful | skillful |
| storey (building level) | story |
| tonne | ton |
| foetus | fetus |
| gaol (old word for jail) | jail |
| anaemia | anemia |
| litre | liter |
Read More
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