Difference Between British & American English

U.S. residents traveling or living in England might be surprised at the differences in the way the Brits speak English. Learning some of the most common variations will help you understand your English friends, as well as prevent you from inadvertently saying the wrong thing.

History

Although U.S. English has its roots in Great Britain, in the 19th century, Webster's American Dictionary simplified the spelling of many words. Because the United States gained its independence from Britain, each country's language has evolved on its own, without much influence from the other.

Spelling

Several words are spelled in England with the addition of a "u," such as "honour" and "colour." Others are spelled with "-ise" rather than "-ize," such as the word "recognise."

Grammar

In British English, rather than stating, "I bought my book," a Brit is more likely to say, "I've bought my book," using the present perfect tense. Similarly, rather than asking, "Do you have ..." most Brits will likely say, "Have you got ..."

Menu Vocabulary

Be careful what you order at a restaurant when in England. If you order chips, you will get fries (our chips are known in England as "crisps"), and if you order a biscuit, you will receive a cookie.

Other Vocabulary

In British English, "mad" means "insane" (not "angry"), a truck is a "lorry," an apartment is a "flat," and a cell phone is always a "mobile." If you need to find a restroom, ask for the "toilets" or the "loo." The trash can is the "rubbish bin." Finally, never use the word "rubber" unless you're talking about a condom.

Resources

• British/North American Vocabulary