Important American and British Spelling Differences

Last updated on December 18, 2024 by Isabella Claire

When writing in English, it’s important to recognize that there are two main standards of spelling: American English and British English. Although both versions are fundamentally the same language, they exhibit a variety of differences, particularly in spelling. These variations reflect historical, cultural, and linguistic influences that shaped the language as it developed in different regions.

American and British Spelling

American and British Spelling Differences
American and British Spelling Differences – Created by 7ESL

The most notable differences in spelling between American and British English were solidified in the 19th century. American spelling reforms led by Noah Webster aimed to simplify and differentiate American English, while British English retained many of its traditional spellings.

Understanding these distinctions can be crucial, especially in global communication, where the audience’s expectations regarding spelling might differ. While neither version is inherently “right” or “wrong,” consistency in usage is key depending on your audience. Common differences include variations in the use of “-our” versus “-or,” “-re” versus “-er,” and distinctions in verb forms like “-ize” and “-ise,” among many others.

American and British Spelling Differences

-or vs. -our

In British English, many words that end in “-our” are spelled with “-or” in American English. The British forms retain the older French influence, while the American forms reflect spelling reforms aimed at simplification.

Behavior <———-> Behaviour
Color <———-> Colour
Endeavor <———-> Endeavour
Favorite <———-> Favourite
Flavor <———-> Flavour
Glamor <———-> Glamour
Honor <———-> Honour
Humor <———-> Humour
Labor <———-> Labour
Neighbor <———-> Neighbour
Odor <———-> Odour
Rumor <———-> Rumour
Savor <———-> Savour
Splendor <———-> Splendour
Vigor <———-> Vigour

-ize vs. -ise

British English typically uses either “-ise” or “-ize” in verbs, while American English favors “-ize.” Notably, the Oxford University Press style recommends the “-ize” spelling, making this a more flexible rule in the UK.

Analyze <———-> Analyse
Apologize <———-> Apologise
Catalyze <———-> Catalyse
Colonize <———-> Colonise
Emphasize <———-> Emphasise
Appetizer <———-> Appetiser
Criticize <———-> Criticise
Civilize <———-> Civilise
Memorize <———-> Memorise
Minimize <———-> Minimise
Organize <———-> Organise
Paralyze <———-> Paralyse
Patronize <———-> Patronise
Prize <———-> Prise
Realize <———-> Realise
Recognize <———-> Recognise
Socialize <———-> Socialise
Specialize <———-> Specialise

American And British Spelling
American And British Spelling – Created by 7ESL

Ending in A Vowel Plus -l

Counseling <———-> Counselling
Counselor <———-> Counsellor
Equaling <———-> Equalling
Fueled <———-> Fuelled
Fueling <———-> Fuelling
Modeling <———-> Modelling
Quarreling <———-> Quarrelling
Signaling <———-> Signalling
Traveled <———-> Travelled
Traveler <———-> Traveller
Traveling <———-> Travelling

-er vs. -re

British English often uses the suffix “-re,” while American English switches it to “-er.” This is typically found in words of French origin.

Center <———-> Centre
Caliber <———-> Calibre
Fiber <———-> Fibre
Kilometer <———-> Kilometre
Liter <———-> Litre
Louver <———-> Louvre
Luster <———-> Lustre
Meager <———-> Meagre
Meter <———-> Metre
Saber <———-> Sabre
Scepter <———-> Sceptre
Somber <———-> Sombre
Specter <———-> Spectre
Theater <———-> Theatre

American And British Spelling
American And British Spelling – Created by 7ESL

-e vs. -oe/ ae

Encylopedia <———-> Encylycopaedia
Anemia <———-> Anaemia
Cesium <———-> Caesium
Cecum <———-> Caecum
Celiac <———-> Coeliac
Estrogen <———-> Oestrogen
Leukemia <———-> Leukaemia
Maneuver <———-> Manoeuvre
Medieval <———-> Mediaeval
Pedophile <———-> Paedophile
Pediatric <———-> Paediatric

-ll vs. -l

In British English, many verbs that end in “-l” double the “l” when forming certain verb tenses, while in American English, the “l” is often not doubled.

Enrollment <———-> Enrolment
Fulfill <———-> Fulfil
Installment <———-> Instalment
Jewelry <———-> Jewellery
Skillful <———-> Skilful

-se vs. -ce

In words like defense and offense, American English uses “-se,” while British English uses “-ce.”

Defense <———-> Defence
License <———-> Licence
Practise <———-> Practice
Offense <———-> Offence
Pretense <———-> Pretence

-og vs. -ogue

In some cases, words that end in “-ogue” in British English lose the “ue” in American English.

Analog <———-> Analogue
Catalog <———-> Catalogue
Monolog <———-> Monologue
Dialog <———-> Dialogue

-ck/ k vs. -que

Bank <———-> Banque
Check <———-> Cheque
Checker <———-> Chequer

-ed vs. -t: Past Tense Verbs

In British English, some verbs form their past tense by adding a “t” instead of “ed.” American English generally uses “ed.”

Dreamed <———-> Dreamt
Burned <———-> Burnt
Learned <———-> Learnt

Miscellaneous Differences

Other spelling differences that don’t follow specific patterns include:

Ass <———-> Arse
Cozy <———-> Cosy
Gray <———-> Grey
Mom <———-> Mum
Mustache <———-> Moustache
Pajamas <———-> Pyjamas
Plow <———-> Plough
Program <———-> Programme
Specialty <———-> Speciality
Tire <———-> Tyre
Whiskey <———-> Whisky
Aging <———-> Ageing
Judgment <———-> Judgement
Mold <———-> Mould
Sulfur <———-> Sulphur
Airplane <———-> Aeroplane
Maneuver <———-> Manoeuvre
Draft <———-> Draught

American And British
American And British – Created by 7ESL

American and British Spelling Differences

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