Differences between British and American English

-our / -or Many words end in -our in Britain, and in -or in America. colour color favour favor neighbour neighbor -tre / ter Words ending in -tre in Britain end in -ter in America, for example : centre center litre liter theatre theater Doubling of letters In Britain, the 'l' is doubled in an unstressed syllable : travelling traveling marvellous marvelous Different spelling analyse catalogue cheque defence kerb plough pyjamas tyre (for a wheel) analyze catalog check defense curb plow pajamas tire

Different words handbag holiday lorry motorway nappy pavement tap Verbs In Britain some verbs end in either -ize or -ise. Both are used. In America, they always end in -ize. Here are some examples : US : apologize, organize, realize purse/pocketbook vacation truck freeway diaper sidewalk faucet

UK : apologise, organise, realise

Regular - Irregular forms of verbs Some verbs have alternative regular and irregular past tense and past participle forms, for example : dream - dreamed or dreamt. In Britain, the irregular form is more often used, whereas in American English, there is a preference for the regular form. Here are some of those verbs : dream dreamed / dreamt learn learned / learnt spell spelled / spelt spoil spoiled / spoilt The pronoun 'one' Americans do not often use 'one' to mean 'people in general', nor do they use 'one's'or 'oneself'. GB : One should look after one's health. US : You should look after your health./People should look after their health. Dates

There are differences in the way dates are said and written. GB : 4th July - the fourth of July US : July 4 - July four - July fourth Numbers The British use 'and' between hundred and the rest of the number. The Americans do not. GB: Two hundred and twenty. US: Two hundred twenty.