In this English vocabulary lesson, you learn 50 differences between American English and British English. Everyday English words that mean different in US English and UK English. Learn about spelling and pronunciation differences.
There's an old saying: America and Britain are two nations divided by a common language.
But are American and British English really so different?
The most noticeable difference between American and British English is vocabulary.
There are hundreds of everyday words that are different. In this English lesson, you will learn the 50 common everyday words that have noticeable differences in their spelling and pronunciation. Let's get started.
- Football (UK) / Soccer (US)
- Lorry (UK) / Truck (US)
- Biscuit (UK) / Cookie (US)
- Film (UK) / Movie (US)
- Fuel (UK) / Gas (US)
- Autumn (UK) / Fall (US)
- Rubber (UK) / Eraser (US)
- Chips (UK) / French fries (US)
- Crisps (UK) / Chips (US)
- Holiday (UK) / Vacation (US)
- Torch (UK) / Flashlight (US)
- Lift (UK) / Elevator (US)
- Tap (UK) / Faucet (US)
- Jumper (UK) / Sweater (US)
- Trousers (UK) / Pants (US)
- Sneakers (UK) / Trainers (US)
- Curtains (UK) / Drapes (US)
- Pyjamas (UK) / Pajamas (US)
- The pronunciation is almost the same. In British English it's spelled with a Y and Americans spell it with an A.
- Pants (UK) / Underwear (US)
- Nappy (UK) / Diaper (US)
- Waistcoat (UK) / Vest (US)
- Mobile phone (UK) / Cell phone (US)
- Postcode (UK) / Zip code (US)
- Vest (UK) / Undershirt (US)
- Takeaway (UK) / Takeout (US)
- Sweets (UK) / Candy (US)
- Courgette (UK) / Zucchini (US)
- Car park (UK) / Parking lot (US)
- Motorway (UK) / Highway (US)
- Boot (UK) / Trunk (US)
- Tyre (UK) / Tire (US)
- Timetable (UK) / Schedule (US)
- Caravan (UK) / Trailer (US)
- Bonnet (UK) / Hood (US)
- Post (UK) / Mail (US)
- Fringe (UK) / Bangs (US)
- An area of hair hanging over the forehead, almost touching the eyebrows, is called fringe or bangs.
- Draw (UK) / Tie (US)
- Plaster (UK) / Band-Aid (US)
- Queue (UK) / Line (US)
- Rubbish (UK) / Garbage or Trash (US)
- Ladybird (UK) / Ladybug (US)
- Dummy (UK) / Pacifier (US)
- Cot (UK) / Crib (US)
- Wardrobe (UK) / Closet (US)
- Cabinet (UK) / Chest (US)
- CV (UK) / Resume (US)
- Chemist's (UK) / Drugstore (US)
- Underground (UK) / Subway (US)
- Overpass (UK) / Flyover (US)
- Trash can (UK) / Dust bin (US)
Those were 50 everyday words in British and American English.
I think the difference between American and British English is often exaggerated. If you can understand one style, you should be able to understand the other style as well.
Now it's your turn: What style of English are you learning—American or the British English? And why did you choose it?
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Keep learning, keep practicing English. Bye for now.