Difference Between British and American English

The list below highlights the difference between British English and American English.

Apart from the spelling differences - you can see those by clicking on the USA - UK differences at the left hand side of this page - there are a number of differences in vocabulary listed below.

I suggest you look them over because you never know when you may run into an American after studying British English, or when you may run into a Brit after having studied American English.

Having been to England a number of times now myself, I can assure you that the differences between American and British vocabulary are just enough to cause a few laughs.

Well, maybe a few... misunderstandings. ;-)

What's important to remember?

That both British English and American English are accepted on the examinations as long as you consistently use either one or the other. In other words, don't mix!

Common Differences

• English    American English
• all right    all right, alright (disputed)
• analyse    analyze
• centre     center
• cheque    check
• colour     color
• counsellor    counselor

criticise, criticize    criticize

defence    defense

doughnut    donut

favour    favor

fibre    fiber

flavour    flavor

fulfil    fulfill

grey    gray

honour    honor

humour    humor

jewellery    jewellery, jewelry

judgement, judgment    judgment

kerb    curb

labour    labor

license, licence (verb)

licence (noun)    license (verb)

license (noun)

litre    liter

metre    meter

mould    mold

neighbour    neighbor

offence    offense

practise (verb)

practice (noun)    practice (verb)

practice (noun)

pretence    pretense

programme    program

pyjamas    pajamas

realise, realize    realize

savour    savor

speciality    specialty

theatre    theater

travelled

travelling    travelled, traveled

travelling, traveling

tyre    tire

valour    valor