Liter vs Litre
What’s the difference between them?
Liter
Meaning:
A liter is a metric unit of volume equal to 1,000 cubic centimetres (or 1 cubic decimetre). It is sometimes spelled 'liter' in American English.
Examples:
1. A liter of water weighs one kilogram.
2. I usually fill up my car with 15 liters of petrol.
3. I mix a liter of paint with a liter of water to thin it out.
Litre
Meaning:
Meaning is the same, but such spelling is mostly used in British English.
Examples:
1. The recipe requires one litre of milk.
2. The tank can hold up to 30 litres of water.
3. The engine requires four litres of oil.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Liter
1. Cubic decimetre
2. Quart
3. Volumetric unit
4. Measure of capacity
5. Unit of liquid measure
1. Teaspoon
2. Ounce
3. Gallon
4. Short measure
5. Minuscule quantity
Litre
1. Cubic decimetre
2. Quart
3. Volumetric unit
4. Measure of capacity
5. Unit of liquid measure
1. Teaspoon
2. Ounce
3. Gallon
4. Short measure
5. Minuscule quantity
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Liter", "Litre".
1. In American English, 'liter' is a correct spelling, while in British English, 'litre' is used.
2. A mnemonic phrase to help remember the difference is: 'In America, we use a Liter, but in Britain, a Litre'.
3. If you find yourself misspelling either word, a good way to reinforce the correct spelling is to write it down multiple times.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word 'Liter' be used?
The word 'liter' is mainly used in the United States and other parts of North America as a unit of measurement for liquid volumes. It is usually abbreviated as 'L', and a liter of a liquid is equal to approximately 38 U.S. fluid ounces.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word 'Litre'?
The word 'litre' is mainly used in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world. It is the metric unit of measurement for liquid volumes, and it is equal to approximately 32 U.S. fluid ounces.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
Yes, the two words share the same pronunciation. They are both pronounced with a long 'i' sound, followed by a 't' sound and then an 'er' sound.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One of the common mistakes people make when using these words is confusing the unit of measurement for one with the other. In the U.S., the unit of measurement is 'liter' and in the U.K., the unit of measurement is 'litre'.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The cars fuel efficiency is remarkable; it can travel 20 kilometers per ___.
2. At the gas station in California, I noticed the fuel was priced per ___.
3. When youre in Birmingham, make sure to buy a ___ of milk for the recipe.
4. The bottled water came in two sizes: half a ___ and a full ___.
5. I was surprised to see that the soda was sold in a 2 ___ bottle.
6. While traveling through Toronto, I bought a ___ of orange juice for breakfast.
1. litre
Explanation: The term kilometers provides a hint towards metric usage, which is common outside of the U.S. Hence, the British spelling litre is more suitable here.
2. liter
Explanation: California is the regional clue in this sentence. In the U.S., the American English spelling liter is used.
3. litre
Explanation: Birmingham serves as a clue indicating the UK. Therefore, the British English spelling litre should be chosen.
4. liter/litre
Explanation: This sentence lacks a specific regional clue. Both liter (American English) and litre (British English) are acceptable.
5. liter
Explanation: The term soda is commonly used in the U.S. This suggests the American English spelling liter.
6. litre
Explanation: Toronto is in Canada, where British English spellings are commonly used. Therefore, litre is the appropriate choice.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.