Even though British and American English is comprehensible for both parties (most of the time), there are occasions when some confusion can arise due to different spellings and uses of certain words, prepositions and verbs.
It can be somewhat difficult to differentiate between British and American spelling. Most people know that there are spelling differences as well as different uses of words, but what these are is not always clear. Classic examples of calling items by different names are: pavements (British - GB) and sidewalks (American - US), lift (GB) and elevator (US), nappy (GB) and diaper (US).
In medicine and science especially, spelling differences are very noticeable. British English spellings are often linked to their French and Greek origins, whereas American spelling has its roots in Latin. Here are some examples:
Catalogue (GB), catalog (US)
Centre, centred (GB), center, centered (US)
Colour (GB), color (US)
Fulfil (GB), fulfill (US)
Grey (GB), gray (US)
Labelling (GB), labeling (US)
Tumour (GB), tumor (US)
However, there is not only the use of different words and spellings to consider. American and British English also differs in the use of some prepositions, verbs and phrases: "from May to September" is British English, whereas "from May through September" is American English. Another example is "I will write to you" (GB) compared to "I will write you" (US).
Another example, this time highlighting different verb use: He has got a prize (GB) and He has gotten a prize (US).
It should also be noted that there are differences concerning collective nouns. In British English, collective nouns can take either plural or singular verb forms, but in American English the form is usually singular:
The Government are changing the divorce laws. The committee were unable to agree on the matter. (GB)
The Government is changing the divorce laws. The committee was unable to agree on the matter. (US)
Special attention should also be given to -ise and -ize words. It has been commonly believed that British English spelling dictates that words end in -ise and American spelling ends the word in -ize. For many words, this is the case, but -ize is fast becoming the preferred spelling in British English although -ise is still viewed as an acceptable alternative. For many people, it will depend on their schooling and personal preference. However, it is crucial to be consistent and choose either one spelling or the other as they should never be mixed.
However, English typically has some exceptions where -ise is used in both British and American English:
advise
advertise
arise
comprise
compromise
devise
enterprise
excise
improvise
incise
merchandise
revise
supervise
surmise
surprise
televise
It is important to remember that neither British nor American English is superior to the other. If English is your second language, it is up to you to decide which variation you prefer. Once you have decided, it is vital that you remain consistent and do not mix British and American terms and spellings as this will make your writing appear not only odd, but unprofessional. If in doubt about whether a spelling is British or American, always check your dictionary!
KJ Hutchings is the founder of KJ Language Services, offering editing, writing and proofreading services and advice on how you can make your English language documents the very best they can be. For more information, visit http://www.kjlanguageservices.com/
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