British Words vs American Words

English is a global language, but it has significant differences depending on the region where it is spoken. The two main varieties are American English (AmE) and British English (BrE).

If you are learning English, it’s useful to understand these differences so you can communicate better depending on the context. In this article, we will teach you some British and American English words to help you understand their differences.

Let’s get started!

Key Differences Between British and American English

Although both varieties of English are mutually understandable, there are three key differences that can sometimes cause confusion for beginner learners:

Pronunciation Differences

One of the most noticeable aspects between British and American English is pronunciation. Sometimes, a word written the same way can sound entirely different in each version.

Some key pronunciation differences include:

• The letter "R" at the end of words:
  • American English: Pronounced strongly. Example: : Car → /kɑr/
  • British English: Sounds softer or is not pronounced. Example: Car → /ka:/ 
• Words with "T" in the middle:
  • American English: Sounds like a soft "R". Example: Water → /ˈwɑː.t̬ɚ/ 
  • Británico: Sounds like a clear "T". Example:  Water → /ˈwɔːtə/ 
• Vowel pronunciation in certain words:
  • "Schedule" in British English → /ʃɛdjuːl/ 
  • "Schedule" in American English → /skɛdjuːl/ 

Spelling Differences

Another common difference between American and British English is the way some words are spelled. In many cases, British English keeps the original spelling, while American English simplifies it.

Some common spelling patterns include:

1. Words ending in -our vs. -or

• British: Colour, Honour, Favour
• American: Color, Honor, Favor

2. Words ending in -re vs. -er

• British: Theatre, Centre, Metre
• American: Theater, Center, Meter

3. Words ending in -ise vs. -ize

• British: Realise, Organise, Analyse
• American: Realize, Organize, Analyze

4. Words with extra letters in British English

• British: Travelling, Programme, Jewellery
• American: Traveling, Program, Jewelry

Expression Differences

The most noticeable difference between British and American English is the use of different words or expressions to refer to the same objects or concepts. Here are some examples:

• "I’ll call you" (AmE)  vs. "I’ll ring you" (BrE)
• "Can I get the check?" (AmE)  vs. "Can I have the bill?" (BrE)
• "Let’s take the elevator" (AmE)  vs. "Let’s take the lift" (BrE)
• "I'm going on vacation" (AmE)  vs. "I'm going on holiday" (BrE)
• "My car is out of gas" (AmE)  vs. "My car is out of petrol" (BrE)

List of 100 Words in British and American English

Below, we’ll explore a few lists with examples of some terms that differ between British and American English.

General Vocabulary Differences

Many everyday words vary between British and American English due to differences in language evolution and the influence of other languages. Here are some of the most common vocabulary differences between the two variants:

Differences in Food and Meal Terms

If you visit a restaurant or supermarket in the U.S. or the U.K., you will notice that some foods and dishes have different names.

Differences in Clothing and Accessories Terms

Clothing is another area where British and American English differ significantly.

Differences in Transportation and Mobility Terms

From how to hail a taxi to how to refer to the subway or gasoline, there are many differences between American and British English that might cause confusion if you're not familiar with them:

Differences in Educational Terms

The American and British education systems have different structures, which is why different terms are used:

Differences in Health and Medical Terms

If you ever need medical attention in an English-speaking country, it’s important to know these terms to ask for help correctly.

Differences in Home and Household Terms

Words used to describe rooms and common household objects also vary between British and American English.

Differences in Place Names

If you travel to an English-speaking country, you’ll notice that some places have different names in British and American English:

Differences in Verbs and Phrasal Verbs

Besides vocabulary and pronunciation differences, there are also verbs and phrasal verbs that vary between British and American English. For example:

As you can see, there are many words and phrases that vary between American and British English. Although these differences may seem confusing at first, the important thing is to learn them gradually.

Take note of the words or phrases from each list that you don’t know or that catch your attention, and review them frequently until you memorize them.

Which English Variant Should I Learn?

The answer to this question really depends on your personal goals and where you would like to develop your English skills:

• American English (AmE): It’s ideal if you plan to travel, study, or work in the United States or Canada. It is also the most commonly used variant in international business and Hollywood entertainment.
• British English (BrE): It’s more useful if you plan to travel or move to the United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand. Additionally, it is the official variant in many institutions and international exams.

However, you don’t necessarily have to choose just one variant. Knowing both will make your skills more flexible and improve your understanding of global English.

Conclusion

British and American English are very similar, but these differences can be confusing at first if you’re unfamiliar with them. Don’t worry! With time and practice, you’ll master them and be able to communicate with native English speakers from any region without difficulty.

Don’t forget to combine what you learned today with the daily lessons in the Promova app, and you’ll see how you make faster progress on your path to English fluency!