British vs. American English – Spelling Differences

There are some well-known spelling differences between British English and American English. Many of these spelling differences result from French influence on English. British English has a tendency to keep the spelling of many words of French origin. Americans try to spell words more closely to the way they sound phonetically and they tend to omit some letters.

The general spelling differences between British and American English are listed below.

British -our vs. American -or 

[col type=”one-fourth”]
  • Behaviour
  • Colour
  • Favourite
  • Flavour
[/col] [col type=”one-fourth”]
  • Behavior
  • Color
  • Favorite
  • Flavor
[/col] [col type=”half last”] [/col]

British -re vs. American -er
difference

[col type=”one-fourth”]
  • centimetre
  • centre
  • kilometre
  • theatre
[/col] [col type=”one-fourth”]
  • centimeter
  • center
  • kilometer
  • theater
[/col] [col type=”half last”] [/col]

British -ise vs. American -ize
difference

[col type=”one-fourth”]
  • apologise
  • civilise, 
  • criticise
  • organise
[/col] [col type=”one-fourth”]
  • apologize
  • civilize,
  • criticize
  • organize
[/col] [col type=”half last”] [/col]

British -ll vs. American -l
difference

[col type=”one-fourth”]
  • counsellor
  • travelling
  • quarrelling
  • fuelled
[/col] [col type=”one-fourth”]
  • counselor
  • traveling
  • quarreling
  • fueled
[/col] [col type=”half last”] [/col]

British -ae vs. American -e
difference

[col type=”one-fourth”]
  • archaeology
  • orthopaedic
  • gynaecology
  • toxaemia
[/col] [col type=”one-fourth”]
  • archeology
  • orthopedic
  • gynecology
  • toxemia
[/col] [col type=”half last”] [/col]

British -ogue vs. American
-og difference

[col type=”one-fourth”]
  • analogue
  • catalogue
  • dialogue
  • monologue
[/col] [col type=”one-fourth”]
  • analog
  • catalog
  • dialog
  • monolog
[/col] [col type=”half last”] [/col]

British –ce vs. American
-se difference

[col type=”one-fourth”]
  • defence
  • licence
  • offence
[/col] [col type=”one-fourth”]
  • defense
  • license
  • offense
[/col] [col type=”half last”] [/col]

It is useful to learn both British and American English forms, but a good recommendation is to aim for consistency in your spelling.

1 comment

  • Ceema,
    I like you so much. You are very easy going, you make very clear your teaching. I always learn something new from your videos. This video in particular reveals me how confused I was about spelling. It happened to me just the same as you in my “Word” corrector. Now I understand why it did not match certain documents. Your lesson has been very helpful. I appreciate it very much. And last but not least, with all respect, you are really Professional, very smart, and also super attractive. Have a shiny, profitable and happy day!

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