British English vs. American English : Spelling Differences
Spelling differences between British and American English
British and American English share many similarities, but one of the most noticeable differences is spelling.
Over time, each variety of English has developed its own set of spelling conventions.
For example,
- British English often uses "-our" (as in colour) while American English simplifies this to "-or" (color).
- Similarly, British English favours "-re" in words like centre, while American English prefers "-er" (center).
These variations can sometimes cause confusion for learners, but understanding the basic differences helps with clarity in writing and communication, depending on the region you are addressing.
Here are some variations:
-our (British English) vs. -or (American English)
| British English (UK) | American English (US) |
|---|---|
| Colour | Color |
| Flavour | Flavor |
| Behaviour | Behavior |
| Favourite | Favorite |
| Honour | Honor |
| Neighbour | Neighbor |
| Harbour | Harbor |
| Labour | Labor |
| Humour | Humor |
| Rumour | Rumor |
| Valour | Valor |
| Glamour | Glamor |
| Saviour | Savior |
| Candour | Candor |
-re (British English) vs. -er (American English)
| British English (UK) | American English (US) |
|---|---|
| Centre | Center |
| Metre | Meter |
| Theatre | Theater |
| Litre | Liter |
| Fibre | Fiber |
| Spectre | Specter |
| Lustre | Luster |
-ise (British English) vs. -ize (American English)
| British English (UK) | American English (US) |
|---|---|
| Realise | Realize |
| Organise | Organize |
| Recognise | Recognize |
| Criticise | Criticize |
| Apologise | Apologize |
| Maximise | Maximize |
| Authorise | Authorize |
| Socialise | Socialize |
-l (British English) vs. -ll (American English)
| British English (UK) | American English (US) |
|---|---|
| Enrol | Enroll |
| Fulfil | Fulfill |
| Distil | Distill |
| Instil | Instill |
| Skilful | Skillful |
| Wilful | Willful |
-ll (British English) vs. -l (American English)
| British English (UK) | American English (US) |
|---|---|
| Travelling | Traveling |
| Cancelled | Canceled |
| Modelling | Modeling |
| Jewellery | Jewelry |
| Woollen | Woolen |
-ce (British English) vs. -se (American English)
| British English (UK) | American English (US) |
|---|---|
| Defence | Defense |
| Licence | License |
| Pretence | Pretense |
| Offence | Offense |
-ogue (British English) vs. -og (American English)
| British English (UK) | American English (US) |
|---|---|
| Dialogue | Dialog |
| Catalogue | Catalog |
| Analogue | Analog |
| Monologue | Monolog |
-yse (British English) vs. -yze (American English)
| British English (UK) | American English (US) |
|---|---|
| Analyse | Analyze |
| Paralyse | Paralyze |
| Catalyse | Catalyze |
-ae (British English) vs. -e (American English)
| British English (UK) | American English (US) |
|---|---|
| Paediatric | Pediatric |
| Anaemia | Anemia |
| Haemorrhage | Hemorrhage |
| Leukaemia | Leukemia |
| Aetiology | Etiology |
| Faeces | Feces |
| Encyclopaedia | Encyclopedia |
-oe (British English) vs. -e (American English)
| British English (UK) | American English (US) |
|---|---|
| Manoeuvre | Maneuver |
| Oesophagus | Esophagus |
| Oestrogen | Estrogen |
| Foetus | Fetus |
| Oestrogenic | Estrogenic |
| Oestrous | Estrous |
| Oestrus | Estrus |
| Coeliac | Celiac |
| Apnoea | Apnea |
-e (British English) vs. no "-e" (American English)
| British English (UK) | American English (US) |
|---|---|
| Programme | Program |
| Axe | Ax |
| Glycerine | Glycerin |
Others
| British English (UK) | American English (US) |
|---|---|
| Tyre | Tire |
| Calibre | Caliber |
| Pyjamas | Pajamas |
| Grey | Gray |
Commonly used words that differ between British and American English
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| Aeroplane | Airplane |
| Aluminium | Aluminum |
| Autumn | Fall |
| Biscuit | Cookie |
| Boot (of a car) | Trunk |
| Car park | Parking lot |
| Chips | Fries |
| Cinema | Movie theater |
| Dustbin | Trash can |
| Flat | Apartment |
| Football | Soccer |
| Garden | Yard |
| Holiday | Vacation |
| Lorry | Truck |
| Motorway | Highway |
| Petrol | Gasoline |
| Postcode | Zip code |
| Public toilet | Restroom |
| Queue | Line |
| Railway | Railroad |
| Torch | Flashlight |
| Trousers | Pants |
| Underground | Subway |
| University | College |
These spelling differences might seem small, but they're a big part of what makes British and American English unique!
