If you ever think that American English and British English are both the same then you are wrong. Today here we come to clear the differences between American English and British English In 2023.
If it makes you curious to navigate the difference between both languages. Be with us till the end of the post for worthwhile information that can enhance your knowledge.
What Are The Differences Between American English And British English?
The most significant differences between American and British English are their spelling, Pronunciation, and vocabulary. Below There is also a grammar difference but it is not that much important. If you are still confused then you don’t need to be worried because below I will clear everything clearly so there is no doubt left.
Spelling Differences Between British English or American English
You might also know that there are still some come differences available between American or British English. In the below table, you will see the differences.
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| -t (e.g. burnt, dreamt, leapt) | -ed (e.g. burned, dreamed, leaped) |
| -ell- (e.g. cancelled, jeweller, marvellous) | -el- (e.g. canceled, jeweler, marvelous) |
| -oe-/-ae- (e.g. anaemia, diarrhoea, encyclopaedia) | -e- (e.g. anemia, diarrhea, encyclopedia) |
| -ence (e.g. defence, offence, licence) | -ense (defense, offense, license) |
| -l- (e.g. enrol, fulfil, skilful) | -ll- (e.g. enroll, fulfill, skillfull) |
| -ou (e.g. colour, behaviour, mould) | -o (e.g. color, behavior, mold) |
| -re (e.g. metre, fibre, centre) | -er (e.g. meter, fiber, center) |
| -y- (e.g. tyre) | -i- (e.g. tire) |
Vocabulary Differences Between British English And American English
There are many differences between American English and British English because there are many words that are different in vocabulary. Below I have mentioned a list of a few words that are the same in meaning but different in vocabulary.
Maybe after reading the below-noted table, your all doubt will be cleared about the differences.
| British English Vocabulary | American English Vocabulary |
|---|---|
| Lorry | Truck |
| Rubbish | Garbage |
| Holiday | Vacation |
| Pants | Trousers |
| Flat | Apartment |
| Bonnet (The front of the Car) | Hood |
| University | College |
| Jumper | Sweater |
| Crisps | Chips |
| Chips | French Fries |
| Trainers | Sneakers |
| postbox | mailbox |
| Biscuit | Cookie |
| Shop | Store |
| Football | Soccer |
Grammar Differences Between American English And British English
There are several grammar differences between American English and British English, in addition to differences in spelling and vocabulary. For example in American English collective nouns are studied singular. The plural form of a collective noun, however, is more frequently used in British English, as in the sentence “The band is playing”.
The word “needn’t,” which is frequently used in British English, is nearly never used in American English. It was renamed to “don’t need to.
Compared to Americans, British speakers are more likely to employ formal phrases like “shall” whereas Americans favor more straightforward words like “will” or “should”. British speakers no longer use “gotten” as the verbal past tense of “get”; instead, they now use “got,” but Americans continue to do so.
Two Ways To Show Possession
In English, there are two verbs that can be used to show possession, especially when speaking. “To have” and “have got” are used as verbs.
American English:
Do you have any buddies here?
British English:
Have you got any buddies here?
American English:
They have an awesome new car.
British English:
They’ve got an awesome new car.
Idioms And Expressions
Both American and British English have their unique idioms and expressions that speakers of the other language may find difficult to understand. For example, Americans will use “hit the sack” when they mean “go to bed” whereas the British may use “hit the hay.” These cultural differences give the language richness, however, they could also be challenging for non-native speakers.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this content is helpful for you and after reading this post now you can know the differences between American English and British English. Whether you’re learning American English or British English, with the help of this post you might be aware of the differences between both languages.