Differences Between British English and American English
Introduction
The English language is the third most spoken language globally, and it has become a global language used in commerce, academics, and entertainment. However, the English language has variations depending on the region where it is spoken. The two most widely known variations are British English and American English. Although these two variations stem from the same language, they have some unique differences which are vital to identify. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between British and American English.
Spelling
One of the significant differences between British English and American English is the spelling of several words. For example, in British English, words such as “colour,” “neighbour,” and “favour” are spelled with “u” in them, where in American English, these same words are spelled “color,” “neighbor,” and “favor.” Another difference is that British English tends to use double “L” in words like “travelling” and “counselling,” while American English spells these words as “traveling” and “counseling.”
Pronunciation
The pronunciation of words in British English is often seen as more melodious and smooth-sounding than in American English. For example, the typical British accent is heard when pronouncing the word “schedule” as “shed-yool,” while the traditional American accent pronounces it as “sked-yool.” Similarly, the word “tomato” is pronounced “to-mah-to” in British English and “to-may-to” in American English.
Vocabulary
British English and American English also have variations in their vocabulary. Several words have different meanings in these two versions, and meaning can change depending on where the word is being used. For instance, the word “biscuit” in British English is a type of cookie, whereas in American English, it is a type of salty scone. The word “pavement” in British English means a pedestrian walkway, while in American English, it means the road surface.
Grammar
Grammar is another area where there are differences between British and American English. One of the most significant differences is the verbal tense. In British English, the present perfect tense is typically used for actions that happened in the recent past. In contrast, in American English, the past simple tense is often used to talk about events that happened recently. Another difference is the use of singular and plural nouns. For example, in British English, a group of people or objects is referred to as a “group.” Still, in American English, it is referred to as “groupes.”
Conclusion
Despite its worldwide usage, the English language has its minor variations globally, and the two most widely spoken variations are British English and American English. The differences between these two variations of the language range from spelling, vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar, and these differences may seem small. Still, they are significant enough to create confusion or misunderstandings for non-native speakers or individuals learning the language. Understanding these differences and using the appropriate variation in the right context is crucial in ensuring effective communication.
Table difference between british english and american english
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| Colour | Color |
| Centre | Center |
| Traveller | Traveler |
| Organise | Organize |
| Programme | Program |
| Realise | Realize |
| Defence | Defense |
| Labour | Labor |
| Centre forward | Center forward |
| Pyjamas | Pajamas |