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American and British English Spelling | 80+ Differences Illustrated

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The list below provides differences between American and British English spelling that you should know.

American English is the form of English used in the United States. It includes all English dialects used within the United States of America. British English is the form of English used in the United Kingdom. It includes all English dialects used within the United Kingdom.

It can be said that American English has the more economical and phonetic spelling. Unnecessary letters are left out and words are spelled how they sound.

American and British English Spelling Differences

Words Ending In -or vs. -our

American English vs. British English:

  • Armor – Armour
  • Behavior – Behaviour
  • Color – Colour
  • Endeavor – Endeavour
  • Favorite – Favourite
  • Flavor – Flavour
  • Glamor – Glamour
  • Honor – Honour
  • Humor – Humour
  • Labor – Labour
  • Neighbor – Neighbour
  • Odor – Odour
  • Rumor – Rumour
  • Savor – Savour
  • Splendor – Splendour
  • Vigor – Vigour

Words Ending in -ll vs. -l

American English vs. British English:

  • Enrollment – Enrolment
  • Fulfill – Fulfil
  • Jewelry – Jewellery
  • Skillful – Skilful

Words Ending in -og vs. -ogue

American English vs. British English:

  • Analog – Analogue
  • Boogeyman – Bogeyman
  • Catalog – Catalogue
  • Dialog – Dialogue

Words Ending in -ck or -k vs. -que

American English vs. British English:

  • Bank – Banque
  • Check – Cheque
  • Checker – Chequer

Words Ending in -ze vs. -se

American English vs. British English:

  • Analyze – Analyse
  • Apologize – Apologise
  • Criticize – Criticise
  • Memorize – Memorise
  • Minimize – Minimise
  • Organize – Organise
  • Paralyze – Paralyse
  • Patronize – Patronise
  • Prize – Prise
  • Realize – Realise
  • Recognize – Recognise
  • Socialize – Socialise
  • Specialize – Specialise

Words Ending in -er vs. -re

American English vs. British English:

  • Center – Centre
  • Amphitheater – Amphitheatre
  • Caliber – Calibre
  • Fiber – Fibre
  • Kilometer – Kilometre
  • Liter – Litre
  • Louver – Louvre
  • Luster – Lustre
  • Maneuver – Manoeuvre
  • Meager – Meagre
  • Meter – Metre
  • Saber – Sabre
  • Scepter – Sceptre
  • Somber – Sombre
  • Theater – Theatre

Words Ending in -e vs. -oe or -ae

American English vs. British English:

  • Encylopedia – Encycopaedia
  • Estrogen – Oestrogen
  • Leukemia – Leukaemia
  • Maneuver – Manoeuvre
  • Medieval – Mediaeval
  • Pediatric – Paediatric

Words Ending in -dg vs. -dge (or -g vs. -gu)

American English vs. British English:

  • Aging – Ageing
  • Argument – Argument
  • Judgment – Judgement

Words Ending in -ed vs. -t

American English vs. British English:

  • Dreamed – Dreamt
  • Burned – Burnt
  • Learned – Learnt

Words Ending in -ense vs. -ence

American English vs. British English:

  • Defense – Defence
  • License – Licence
  • Offense – Offence
  • Pretense – Pretence

Words Ending in a vowel plus -l

American English vs. British English:

  • Counseling – Counselling
  • Equaling – Equalling
  • Fueled – Fuelled
  • Fueling – Fuelling
  • Modeling – Modelling
  • Quarreling – Quarrelling
  • Signaling – Signalling
  • Traveled – Travelled
  • Traveler – Traveller
  • Traveling – Travelling

In conclusion, American and British English spelling can differ in a variety of ways. From small variations like the use of -ize and -ise to more significant differences like the use of -or and -our, understanding these spelling differences can be important for effective communication and understanding written materials. While it can be challenging to keep track of all the variations, with a bit of practice and attention, you can become more confident in your spelling regardless of which variant of English you use.

Remember that the most important thing is to be understood and being able to understand others, whether it’s American English or British English. To make sure your spelling is accurate, you can use online dictionaries or grammar checkers that can help you identify and correct any errors.

American and British English Spelling Differences | Image

American and British English Spelling

American and British English Spelling

mashid waheed

Saturday 26th of June 2021

its very usefull for understanding

mashid waheed

Saturday 26th of June 2021

its bank in all not banque

Courtney Budzyn

Monday 3rd of May 2021

Well, we don't use Banque in British English, Bank is used.

Angel Li

Saturday 6th of February 2021

Very useful

Abdullah

Friday 25th of May 2018

Thank you very much for your great efforts.