British English vs American English: 101+ Differences (+ PDF file)

Even though English is one language, there are some slight differences between English accents and dialects. According to Lingohut, there are 160 different dialects of the English language throughout the world.  On top of that, there can also be a difference in spelling, vocaubulary, or grammar etc.

The most obvious difference, and also the difference that many learners (but also native speakers) find important, is the one between American and British English. It's an ongoing struggle for all English students.

 

So what are the differences between British English and American English?

The biggest difference between these two is mainly in vocabulary and grammar, but you can find some differences in spelling and pronunciation, though it is more rare. 

 

Now, you must be wondering what those differences are?

Which word to use? How to spell it?

Let’s take a look at the following lines, where you can find all the interesting words, phrases, spelling, and pronunciation.

 

We have also prepared a PDF file with words and differences so that you can have it with you whenever you need it!

 

The naming of floors in the building

It's a small but significant difference.

Did you know that in British English, the floor of a building at a street level is called the ground floor, and in American English, it is called the first floor?

The floor above in British English is called the first floor, but Americans call it the second floor.

Pretty impressive, don’t you think?

 

British English	American English
Basement	Basement
Ground Floor	First Floor
First Floor	Second Floor
Second Floor	Third Floor
Third Floor	Fourth Floor
Example: At the moment, I am on the ground floor. Are you on the second floor?	Example: At the moment, I am on the first floor? Are you on the third floor?

 

A little bit more about buildings

 

British English	American English
Black of flats	Amartment house/building
Terrace	Townhouse
Example: Tom and Anne live on a beautiful terrace.	Example: Ton and Anne live in a beautiful townhouse.

 

And what about shops? Are they the same… or perhaps not?

 

British	American
Chemist	Drugstore/Druggist
Surgery	Doctor's office
Caffe	Diner
Ironmonger	Hardware store
Bungalow	House/Ranch house
Newsagent	News dealer/Newstand
Off license/Wine merchant	Liquor store
Bureau de change	Currency exchange
Example: I have to change the money. Will you go with me to a bureau de change?	Example: I have to change the money. Will you go with me to currency exchange?

 

In the house

 

While in American English, ‘There is no place like home, British prefer saying ‘whilst.’

However, home is one and only, so there is no difference. What do you think?

British	American
Garden	Backyard/Yard
Tap	Faucet
Cupboard	Closet
Wardrobe	Closet
Curtains	Drapes
Net curtains	Sheers/Under drapes
Bin/Dust Bin	Trash can
Telephone/Blower/Phone	Telephone
Television/Box/TV/Telly	Television/TV
Cooker (gas/electronic cooker)	Range/Stove
Couch/Sofa/Settee	Sofa
Sofa	Davenport/Couch
Hand Basin/Sink	Sink
Bath	Bath tub
Run the bath	Fill the tub
Sitting room	Living room
Living room	Living room
Lounge	Living room
Drawing room	Living room
The toilet/Visiting the little boys'/girls' room	Bathroom/Restroom

 

Please note: Bathroom is the room where the bath is and you want to take a bath.

 

British	American
Example: I watch the telly whilst sitting on the settee.	I watch the TV while sitting on the sofa.

 

 

Spelling list

 

The spelling in British English is mainly absorbed from other languages such as French or German and favors words that have originally appeared in the language. In American English, it is based on how the words sound because it tends to be easier.

Here are some of the differences:

1. Words that end in -re in British English ,often end in -er in American English

British English - American English

Centre - Center

Fibre - Fiber

Litre - Liter

Theatre - Theater

 

Example: There is a new theatre in the centre - British version                      

There is a new theater in the center. - American version

 

 

2. Words that end in -nce in British English, have their ending as -nse in American English

 

Defence - Defense

Licence - License

Offence - Offense

Pretence - Pretense

 

Example: In my defence, I do have a licence. - British

In my defense, I do have a license. - American

 

3. While some of the British speakers find it correct to use the ending -ize in British English like American speakers do, other British consider it wrong and use the ending -ise.

 

Apologise - Apologize

Organise - Organize

Recognise - Recognize

 

Example: Oh, I’m so sorry, I didn’t recognise you at all. - British

Oh, I’m so sorry, I didn’t recognize you at all. - American

 

4. In British English, the preferred ending is -our, while in American English is -or. It is also the most obvious spelling difference between these two English dialects.

 

Behaviour - Behavior

Colour - Color

Flavour - Flavor

Humour  - Humor

Labour - Labor

Neighbour - Neighbor

 

Example: Our new neighbour is such a lovely girl, full of humour. - British   

Our new neighbor is such a lovely girl, full of humor. - American

 

5. Words with Greek or Latin roots are more complex to spell in British English, while in American English, they are rather simplified.

 

Leukaemia - Leukemia

Manoeuvre - Maneuver

Oestrogen - Estrogen

Paediatric - Pediatric

 

Example: Even a child knows that leukaemia is not connected to oestrogen at all. - British                          

Even a child knows that leukemia is not connected to estrogen at all. - America

 

6. In British English, the letter ‘l’ is generally still used double. In American English, on another hand, this is, of course, simplified, so they use the letter ‘l’ once.

 

Travelling - Traveling

Travelled - Traveled

Fuelling -  Fueling

Fuelled - Fueled

 

Example: Whilst I’ve been travelling, I came across my old friend. - British

While I’ve been traveling, I came across my old friend. - American

 

Other spelling differences

 

Aeroplane - Airplane

Cheque - Check

Grey - Gray

 

Example: Grey’s family’s favourite colour is not grey. - British                                

Grey’s family’s favorite color is not gray. - American

 

Reminder: You can download the PDF file, which is in the end of this article. Keep it close and practice!

 

Differences in vegetables

 

In the following lines, find some of the most exciting differences when talking about vegetables.

 

Courgette - Zucchini

Aubergine - Eggplant

Jacket potato - Baked potato

Runner bean - String bean

 

Example: Do you prefer courgette or aubergine?                                          

Do you prefer zucchini or eggplant?

 

Are you peckish or hungry? Differences in food

 

Black treacle - Molasses

Chips - French fries

Corn flour - Corn starch

Crisps  - Potato chips

Biscuit - Cookie

Peckish - Hungry

Sweets - Candy

Starter - Appetizer

Bill (at restaurant) - Check

Rasher - A slice of bacon

Take-away - Take-out

Icing sugar  - Confectioner’s/ powdered sugar

Kipper - Smoked herring

Marrow  - Squash

Scone  - Biscuit

Sorbet - Sherbet

Candyfloss  - Cotton candy

Puddings/ Afters/ Dessert/ Sweets - Dessert

Black or white (coffee)?  -  With or without (sugar)?

 

Example: I like chips, but I prefer crisps. 

I like french fries, but I prefer potato chips.

 

British English vs American English: how do they dress?

 

Trainers - Sneakers

Plimsolls  - Gym shoes

Wellington - Wellies, Boots

Jumper/ pullover - Sweater

Waistcoat  - Vest

Braces  - Suspenders

Bootlase/ Shoelace  - Shoestring                                                         

Clothes peg - Clothespin                                                                         

Dressing gown  - Bathrobe                                            

Nappy - Diaper                                                  

Polo neck  - Turtle neck

Pyjamas - Pajamas

Swimming costume  - Bathing suit

Rubber - Boot

Zip - Zipper

Bowler/ hard hat  - Derby

 

Example: Have you packed dressing gown and pyjamas? No, but I have packed a swimming costume.

Have you packed bathrobe and pajamas? No, but I have packed a bathing suit.

 

On the road in Britain vs. America

Dual carriageway - Divided highway

Sleeping Policeman/ speed bump - Speed bump

Car park - Parking lot

Car journey/ drive - Road trip

Zebra Crossing/ Pedestrian Crossing - Cross walk

Lolipop man or lady - Crossing Guard

Motor way -  Super highway

Lorry  - Truck

Articulated lorry -  Tractor Truck/ Trailer Truck

Estate car  - Station wagon

Skip  - Dumpster

Petrol  - Gas/ Gasoline

Pavement  - Sidewalk

Roundabout (road) - Traffic circle

Fly-over - Overpass

Fire Engine  - Fire Truck           

Convoy  - Caravan               

Caravan  - Trailer

 

Example: Be careful! There is a sleeping policeman near that school. - British            

Be careful! There is a speed bump near that. - American

 

Parts of a car

 

Which one do you prefer to use? Take a look at the differences between British and American English.

 

Bonnet  - Hood

Boot - Truck

Gear level - Gear shift

Exhaust pipe - Tail pipe/ Muffler

Number plate - Reversing plate

Reversing light - Back-up lights

Windscreen  - Windshield

 

Example: I need to have repaired my windscreen. - British

I need to have repaired my windshield. - American

 

British English or American English - At school

 

How do British and American English differ in these terms? Do they differ at all?

Here are some of the words that clearly show the huge difference between British and American vocabulary.

 

Friend/ Mate  - Friend

Rubber - Eraser

Holiday - Vacation

Marking Scheme - Grading Scheme

Mucking Around/ Off Task - Off Task/ Fooling Around/ Goofing off

Open Day/ Open Evening - Open House

Play Time/ Break Time - Recess

Packed Lunch - Bag Lunch

School Dinner - Hot Lunch

Public School - State School

State School  - Public School

Drawing pins  - Pushpins/ Thumbtacks

Headmaster/ Headmistress/Headteacher - Principal

Caretaker/ Porter   - Janitor

 

Example: Our headmaster is a charming man.

Our principal is a charming man.

 

What about words and phrases about people?

 

British English - American English

Girl/ Lass  - Girl

Boy/ Lad  - Boy

Man/ Bloke/ Chap/ Gentleman/Guy - Man/ Guy

Policeman/ Bobby/ Copper - Cop

Postman - Postal Worker/ Mailman/ Mail Carrier

Dustman - Garbage Man

Friend/ Pal/ Chum/ Mate/ Buddy - Friend/ Buddy

Cashier  - Teller

Lollypop Man - Crossing Guard

Guard ( railway) - Conductor

Solicitor  - Lawyer/ Attorney

Caretaker/ Porter - Janitor

Nutter  - Crazy Person

 

British English vs American English – Other useful differences

 

A little hard to organize the following words, but interesting to mention them. Take a glance at them.

 

Autumn - Fall

To book  - To make a reservation

Butter muslin/ Cheese cloth - Cheese cloth

Catapult - Slingshot

Conscription  - Draft

Cotton  - Thread

Cotton reel  - Spool

Cotton wool - Cotton batting

 

Example: The most beautiful thing in autumn are leaves.                     

The most beautiful thing in fall are leaves.

 

The most beautiful word in every language

Like the cherry on top of the cake, just like in every language, the most beautiful word in English is the following: Mum and Mummy.

When people came to America, they took the spelling with them so in American English, you can say Mom or Mommy,

In British English, however, Mum and Mummy are old English words.

So, here it is:

British English - American English

Mum/ Mummy  - Mom/ Mommy

 

What do you think? Are there too many differences between these two dialects?

Are you using British or American English while (or should we say whilst) you are talking in English?

Don’t worry. Even if you mix some of the words or phrases in your conversations, native speakers won’t get mad.

However, they will undoubtedly correct you and emphasize whether it is, in fact, British or American English.

 

Start by downloading our list of words in PDF –

British English vs. American English Words PDF

 

Keep it near you until you get completely familiar with all the differences between these accents.

There are many more differences, as well as many interesting facts, and you can learn and acquire all of them with our native English tutors.

It can be a hard decision because all of them are amazing! However, choose one of them and start your Justlearn journey.