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
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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.