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English is a language with a global reach, spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide. Not all English speakers use the language in the same way. American and British English, two of the most widely spoken variants of the language, have many differences in spelling, pronunciation, and vocabulary. These differences can lead to communication challenges between speakers of the two varieties.
For example, consider this sentence, which a British English speaker might say:
I ate some jelly moments before the football match, then realized I’d forgotten to bring my trainers.
An American listener might find it confusing, because:
In England, people use the word “jelly” for what Americans call Jell-O—a jelly-like sweet usually served cold, with bright colors and fruity tastes. If you’re looking for a fruit spread (like what you put on bread), the English word is “jam.”
The terms “soccer” and “football” refer to the same game in many regions of the globe, but they can suggest separate things based on the location. In countries such as England, Spain, and Brazil, “football” is the sport played with a round ball that’s mostly kicked. In North America, “football” usually refers to “American football”—a very different game played with an elliptical object, protective gear, and lots of muscular collision.
In England, the term for footwear made for games and physical activity is “trainers.” In America, these are called “sneakers.”
He’ll likely think the Englishman meant that he’d gone to an American football game with his trainers—that is, people who help sportsmen improve their physical health and abilities.
Now, on his way out the door, if the customer further states something like, “Now that I think about it, I just may still have my trainers in my boot,” at this point, the bartender might think that both of them have gone mad. “Boot” is the British word for “trunk” in America, and many people know the differences, but one can imagine the hilarity that can ensue in certain situations.
Keep reading to learn more about the differences between British and American English.
1. Spelling ✍️
There are several spelling differences between British and American English, such as “colour” vs. “color,” “favour” vs. “favor,” and “centre” vs. “center.” American lexicographer Noah Webster played a key role in shaping American English spelling. Many British words have kept the older form. His goal was to make American spelling different from British English.
The following are words with different spellings in England and the US:
| 🇬🇧 British English | 🇺🇸 American English |
|---|---|
| Colour | Color |
| Favourite | Favorite |
| Centre | Center |
| Organise | Organize |
| Defence | Defense |
| Licence | License |
| Realise | Realize |
| Theatre | Theater |
| Aluminium | Aluminum |
| Jewellery | Jewelry |
2. Vocabulary 🗞
As we have already covered, different words are sometimes used to refer to the same thing. Other words besides those that we have mentioned include “lorry,” which in British English is equivalent to “truck” in American English, while “flat” in British English is equivalent to “apartment” in American English. There are thousands of such differences, but here are a few more:
| 🇺🇸 American English | 🇬🇧 British English | |
|---|---|---|
| 🏢 | Apartment | Flat |
| 🍪 | Cookie | Biscuit |
| 🍟 | Fries | Chips |
| ⛽ | Gasoline | Petrol |
| 🔦 | Flashlight | Torch |
| 🏢 | Elevator | Lift |
| 🚰 | Faucet | Tap |
| 🧥 | Sweater | Jumper |
| 🍬 | Candy | Sweets |
3. Pronunciation 🔊
Pronunciation can also vary between British and American English, with differences in stress, intonation, and vowel sounds. For example, the word “schedule” is pronounced with a hard “k” sound in American English, while it is pronounced with a soft “sh” sound in British English.
Other words that vary in pronunciation depending on the speaker’s country include:
- Tomato
- Privacy
- Mobile
- Lever
- Route
- Herb
- Either
These are just a few examples; there are many more words with different pronunciations in American and British English.
4. Grammar 📘
There are also some grammatical differences between the two varieties of English. For example, in American English, collective nouns are often treated as singular, while in British English they are more commonly treated as plural.
🇬🇧 The family are arriving today.
🇺🇸 The family is arriving today.
Past Simple vs. Present Perfect
- 🇬🇧 British English: Often uses the present perfect for actions that have relevance to the present.
Example: I’ve lost my phone. - 🇺🇸 American English: May use the simple past instead.
Example: I lost my phone.
5. Date Format 📅
One of the most noticeable structural differences between British and American English is the way dates are written and interpreted. In British English, the date format follows day–month–year (DD/MM/YYYY), while in American English the order is month–day–year (MM/DD/YYYY). Although this may seem like a small detail, it can easily cause misunderstandings in international communication, scheduling, or travel planning.
For instance:
- 🇬🇧 British English: 2/6/2020 = 2 June 2020
- 🇺🇸 American English: 6/2/2020 = June 2, 2020
To avoid confusion, British English often prefers written forms such as 2 June 2020, while American English typically writes June 2, 2020. In business, banking, aviation, or legal contexts, many organizations use the ISO standard 2020-06-02, which is clearer in global settings.
Being aware of these conventions is especially useful when reading contracts, academic documents, appointment reminders, and transportation timetables.
6. Time Format ⌚
British and American English also differ in how time is displayed and expressed. British English commonly uses the 24-hour clock in transport schedules, government systems, hospitals, and workplaces. American English mostly uses the 12-hour clock with AM and PM markers.
Compare the following examples:
- 🇬🇧 British English (24-hour): 18:30 = half past six in the evening
- 🇺🇸 American English (12-hour): 6:30 PM
In everyday conversation, British speakers may still say half six or half past six, while Americans almost always say six-thirty. The 24-hour system helps reduce ambiguity in timetables and official documents, particularly for flights, trains, and emergency services.
When arranging international meetings or travel, clarifying the time format can prevent missed appointments or scheduling confusion.
7. Punctuation ❗❓
Punctuation style varies between British and American English in several subtle but meaningful ways. One of the most recognizable differences is in the choice of quotation marks. British English generally uses single quotation marks, while American English prefers double quotation marks.
- 🇬🇧 British English: He said it was ‘brilliant’.
- 🇺🇸 American English: He said it was “brilliant.”
Another distinction involves where commas and full stops (periods) are placed in relation to quotation marks. American English usually places punctuation inside the quotes, while British English often places it outside, unless it belongs to the quoted material.
- 🇺🇸 American: She called it “a wonderful idea.”
- 🇬🇧 British: She called it ‘a wonderful idea’.
The use of the Oxford (serial) comma also differs. American style guides tend to favor it more consistently, while British publishers vary by house style.
These differences rarely change meaning, but they do affect tone, style, and the visual rhythm of written English.
8. Prepositions ➡️
Preposition usage is another area where British and American English diverge. The meaning remains the same, but phrasing can differ in everyday expressions, locations, transportation, and time references.
Here are some common examples:
at the weekend
on the weekend
in a team
on a team
write to someone
write someone
different to / different from
different from / different than
British English often favors at for locations and activities, whereas American English more commonly uses on. These variations reflect natural language evolution rather than grammatical correctness.
9. Idiomatic Expressions 💬
Idiomatic expressions often differ between British and American English, and many phrases don’t translate directly in meaning. These expressions can be especially confusing for learners because their meanings are not always literal.
These examples show how everyday expressions can vary widely between the two varieties of English. Understanding them not only improves communication, but also provides insight into cultural attitudes, humor, and ways of thinking in each region.
10. Slang 🏴☠️
British and American English also differ widely in slang and informal expressions. Many of these words are understood only within their regional context, and using them in the wrong setting can sometimes create confusion or unintended humor.
*In British English, “cheers” is often used to mean “thanks,” and may also be used as a casual goodbye or toast. Many slang expressions also carry cultural meaning, reflecting humor, social habits, and everyday attitudes. Understanding them helps language learners.
*In England, “cheers” may also be used as a toast or as a casual goodbye.
Tips to Learn Differences Between American and British English
Those interested in learning the differences between American and British English should consult dictionaries, grammar guides, language blogs, and radio and TV shows, which can help you understand the distinctions. You could even try a language club, where you can converse with natives of both England and the USA. Whatever method you decide on, know that the distinctions aren’t all that major. With practice and enough exposure to both versions of English, you’ll find that both versions are more similar than different. And in most cases, you won’t find yourself in a difficult position like the bartender and his patron.
Recommended Books* on British vs. American English
1. British English A to Zed by Norman W. Schur
2. The Prodigal Tongue by Lynne Murphy
3. The UK & USA Dictionary of British & American English
*Affiliate links
Last Updated on January 2, 2026
by Daniel Zohar
I’m an entrepreneur and digital marketing enthusiast who loves helping people grow—not just in affiliate marketing, but in all areas of online business. I enjoy showing others how to build a strong brand, create meaningful content, and use tools that make work easier. Over the years, I’ve learned what truly works in digital marketing, from creating websites that convert to building an engaged audience through email and social media. After more than ten years in the field, I’ve gathered plenty of lessons I enjoy sharing through my writing and talks. I use my own experiences to help others reach their goals and build something lasting. Besides running my business, I’m a fiction writer in the speculative genre, with dozens of short stories published in various magazines and anthologies. For eighteen years, I was a Top 10% Reviewer at Zoetrope, an online venue for creatives, where I helped members strengthen their writing. When I’m not working as a writer or marketer, you’ll probably find me cooking, reading, or watching a good baseball game. I live in New York City, where I was born and raised.