“We (the British and Americans) are two countries separated by a common language”, asserted world-renowned playwright, G.B Shaw and rightly so.
The diversity prevailing in both spoken and written English further corroborates the difference between American and British English.
English originated in England in the 10th century A.D and was introduced in America in the 17th century by the British Empire. British Colonialists introduced the English Language in other colonies as well which adopted the language with little modifications. Americans, however (in the real sense of the word) Americanized English completely.
The American spellings are different from their British counterparts. Also, usage of Grammar and Syntax structure varies in both countries.
Let us look at the difference in spellings between American and British English:
American | British |
---|---|
color | colour |
favorite | favourite |
honor | honour |
endeavor | endeavour |
favor | favour |
humor | humour |
American | British |
---|---|
analyze | analyse |
criticize | criticise |
memorize | memorise |
recognize | recognise |
realize | realise |
*Surprise surprisingly remains Surprise in American English. Overgeneralizing the rule may lead to some errors.
American | British |
---|---|
enrollment | enrolment |
skillful | skilful |
fulfill | fulfil |
American | British |
---|---|
center | centre |
meter | metre |
theater | theatre |
American | British |
---|---|
analog | analogue |
catalog | catalogue |
dialog | dialogue |
American | British |
---|---|
encyclopedia | encyclopaedia |
maneuver | manoeuver |
medieval | mediaeval |
American | British |
---|---|
bank | banque |
check | cheque |
checker | chequer |
American | British |
---|---|
aging | ageing |
argument | arguement |
judgment | judgement |
*Management does not become Managment in American, so take care.
American | British |
---|---|
defense | defence |
license | licence |
offense | offence |
American | British |
---|---|
jewelry | jewellery |
pajamas | pyjamas |
plow | plough |
program | programme |
tire | tyre |
Base Word | American | British |
---|---|---|
counsel | counseling | counselling |
equal | equaling | equalling |
model | modeling | modelling |
quarrel | quarreling | quarrelling |
signal | signaling | signalling |
travel | traveling | travelling |
Base Word | American | British |
---|---|---|
excel | excelling | excelling |
propel | propelling | propelling |
The above list of differences is not all-inclusive but will definitely come in handy!
Using correct spellings in your copy will reflect very well on your merit as a copywriter especially when the content you are working on is country-specific and sensitive.
So spell correctly and keep up the Quality!
Looking for an experienced team that can write search engine optimized content for your business? Reach out to us at letstalk@cueblocks.com.
I am a writer, reader, and a part time adventure and travel enthusiast. The other three things that vie for my mind share are dark chocolate, coffee, and photography. I am highly motivated by user perspectives and addressing the common human experience when I write.
Committing to green claims as a business is a huge promise to deliver on. For ecommerce stores, Shopify is leading …
Continue reading “Evaluating the Carbon Emissions of Shopify Themes”
Introduction Dark mode, a feature that lets users switch the color scheme of an app or website to darker colors, …
Continue reading “Dark Mode: Accessibility vs Sustainable Web Design”
Given the major issues that our world is currently facing, such as pollution and climate change, sustainability becomes an inevitable …
For an eCommerce brand committed to good, success goes beyond creating excellent products; it extends to effectively communicating your values …
Continue reading “Show, Don’t Tell: Demonstrating Transparency in Your eCommerce Store”
In today’s market, sustainability has evolved from a passing trend to a pivotal consideration for both consumers and businesses. Globally, …
Continue reading “How to Market Sustainable Products Effectively”
Today, businesses place high importance on sustainability and ethical practices. For B2B and e-commerce leaders, being a certified B Corp. …
Continue reading “Decoding B Corp Marketing Challenges: Strategies for Success”