This page provides a comprehensive guide to American vs British English spelling. We cover the essential differences and provide tables for reference.
Table of Contents
Are you confused about whether to use British or American spelling? You’re not alone. Spelling differences between the two can be subtle. It’s important to be aware of them to stay consistent in your document though. This article will explore the main differences between British and American spelling and provide some tips on when to use each one.
Introduction
As the English language evolved over time, it developed different spelling conventions in different regions. British English and American English share a common ancestry. They have, however, distinct differences in spelling, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
These differences can be challenging for non-native speakers of English. They can even trip up native speakers who are not aware of them.
Why are there differences between American and British English?
The differences in British and American spellings can be attributed to historical, cultural, and linguistic factors.
- The gradual development of English in different regions.
- During the early days of printing in Britain and America, printers developed distinct conventions for spelling certain words.
- British English spelling was highly influenced by French. American English tends to simplify or eliminate some of the French-derived spellings used in British English.
- Different standards and dictionaries have also contributed to spelling differences. The Oxford English Dictionary is a prominent authority on British English spelling. By contrast, the Merriam-Webster dictionary is a leading authority on American English spelling.
- The independence from Britain and a desire to distinguish American English have also contributed to the differences in spelling between the two varieties of English.
- Differences in pronunciation between British and American English may have contributed to differences in spelling over time.
American Vs British English Spelling: The Main Differences
The main differences between British and American spelling are in the following areas:
1. Words Ending in “-our” vs. “-or”
In British English, many words that end in “-or” in American English are spelled with “-our”.
Examples:
| British spelling | American spelling |
|---|---|
| Colour | Color |
| Humour | Humor |
| Labour | Labor |
| Neighbour | Neighbor |
| Arbour | Arbor |
| Ardour | Ardor |
| Armour | Armor |
| Behaviour | Behavior |
| Candour | Candor |
| Clamour | Clamor |
| Demeanour | Demeanor |
| Endeavour | Endeavor |
| Favour | Favor |
| Flavour | Flavor |
| Harbour | Harbor |
| Honour | Honor |
| Odour | Odor |
| Parlour | Parlor |
| Rancour | Rancor |
| Rigour | Rigor |
| Rumour | Rumor |
| Saviour | Savior |
| Savour | Savor |
| Splendour | Splendor |
| Tumour | Tumor |
| Valour | Valor |
| Vigour | Vigor |
2. Words Ending in “-ise” or “-ize” vs. “-ize”
Verbs in British English that can be spelled with either -ize or -ise at the end are always spelled with -ize at the end in American English. Some examples include:
Examples:
| British spelling | American spelling |
|---|---|
| Apologise/Apologize | Apologize |
| Organise/Organize | Organize |
| Recognise/Recognize | Recognize |
| Realise/Realize | Realize |
| Fertilise/Fertilize | Fertilize |
| Harmonise/Harmonize | Harmonize |
| Maximise/Maximize | Maximize |
| Minimise/Minimize | Minimize |
| Specialise/Specialize | Specialize |
| Sympathise/Sympathize | Sympathize |
3. Words Ending in “-yse” vs. “-yze”
Verbs in British English that are spelled with -yse at the end are always spelled with -yze at the end in American English.
Some examples include:
| British spelling | American spelling |
|---|---|
| Analyse | Analyze |
| Paralyse | Paralyze |
| Catalyse | Catalyze |
| Hydrolyse | Hydrolyze |
| Oxidise | Oxidize |
| Polymerise | Polymerize |
| Synthesise | Synthesize |
4. Words Ending in “-er” vs. “-re”
In some cases, British English spells words that end in “-er” in American English with “-re”.
Examples:
| British English (-re) | American English (-er) |
|---|---|
| Calibre | Caliber |
| Centre | Center |
| Fibre | Fiber |
| Litre | Liter |
| Lustre | Luster |
| Meagre | Meager |
| Metre | Meter |
| Sabre | Saber |
| Sceptre | Scepter |
| Sepulchre | Sepulcher |
| Sombre | Somber |
| Theatre | Theater |
5. Words Ending in “-og” vs. “-ogue”
Some words that end in “-og” in American English are spelled with “-ogue” in British English. For example, catalog (American) is spelled catalogue (British), and dialog (American) is spelled dialogue (British).
Examples:
| British Spelling | American Spelling |
|---|---|
| analogue | analog |
| catalogue | catalog |
| dialogue | dialog |
| monologue | monolog |
| epilogue | epilog |
| travelogue | travelog |
| prologue | prolog |
| demagogue | demagog |
| synagogue | synagog |
Note that in American English, words ending in “-og” are more common than those ending in “-ogue”. However, some words, such as “synagogue”, are still spelled with “-ogue” in both British and American English.
6. Words with Double Consonants
Some words that have a single consonant in American English have double consonants in British English.
| British Spelling | American Spelling |
|---|---|
| travelled, travelling | traveled, traveling |
| cancelled, cancelling | canceled, canceling |
| labelled, labelling | labeled, labeling |
| modelled, modelling | modeled, modeling |
| quarrelled, quarrelling | quarreled, quarreling |
| signalled, signalling | signaled, signaling |
| levelled, levelling | leveled, leveling |
| marvelled, marvelling | marveled, marveling |
7. Words Ending in “-ence” vs. “-ense”
Many nouns that end in -ence in British English end in -ense in American English. For example:
| British Spelling | American Spelling |
|---|---|
| Defence | Defense |
| Licence | License |
| Offence | Offense |
| Pretence | Pretense |
8. Words with double vowels
British English words that are spelled with the double vowels “ae” or “oe” tend to be spelled with just an e in American English.
Some examples include:
| British Spelling | American Spelling |
|---|---|
| Leukaemia | Leukemia |
| Manoeuvre | Maneuver |
| Oestrogen | Estrogen |
| Paediatric | Pediatric |
9. Other spelling differences
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| Aluminium | Aluminum |
| Cheque | Check |
| Fulfil | Fulfill |
| Grey | Gray |
| Jewellery | Jewelry |
| Kerb | Curb |
| Mould | Mold |
| Plough | Plow |
| Programme | Program |
| Pyjamas | Pajamas |
| Sulphur | Sulfur |
Which One Should You Use?
Yes, as an English language learner, you may get confused about which spelling to use: British or American. Here are some general guidelines you can follow:
- If you are writing for a British audience, use British spelling.
- If you are writing for an American audience, use American spelling.
- If you are writing for an international audience, you can choose either British or American spelling, but be consistent throughout your document.
FAQs
Is British or American spelling more correct?
Neither British nor American spelling is more correct than the other. They are simply different conventions that developed in different regions.
Can using the wrong spelling affect my credibility?
Using the wrong spelling for a particular audience can affect your credibility. It shows that you are not paying attention to detail or may not be familiar with the conventions of that region.
Can I Switch Between British And American Spelling Within The Same Document?
No, it’s best to stick to one convention throughout a document to avoid confusion. Using both spellings in the same document may look sloppy or unprofessional.
Is It Okay To Use Slang And Informal Language In Both British And American English?
Yes, both British and American English have informal and slang language, but it’s important to use it appropriately and in the right context.
Conclusion
In the above article, we explored American and British English spelling differences. Although the differences between British and American spellings may not cause a communication breakdown, it’s important to stay constant in your document.
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