Understanding the differences between British and American English spelling is essential for consistent and accurate written communication. This guide will help you recognize and navigate these variations, which will enhance your performance in the writing section of the ЕГЭ English exam. By learning these differences and practicing their application, you will be able to write with greater precision and consistency.
British and American English are the two main varieties of English used globally, and while they share most of their vocabulary and grammar, they have notable differences in spelling. These differences developed over time due to historical, cultural, and political factors, particularly after Noah Webster's spelling reforms in the early 19th century in the United States. In the ЕГЭ English exam, it is important to be aware of these spelling differences and to maintain consistency by using either British or American spelling conventions throughout your writing. Mixing the two varieties can give the impression of carelessness or lack of attention to detail, potentially resulting in lower scores. This guide will explore the systematic differences between British and American English spelling, including variations in word endings, vowel usage, and consonant doubling. By familiarizing yourself with these patterns and practicing their application, you will be better equipped to write accurately and consistently in the exam.
The spelling differences between British and American English have their roots in historical developments:
Today, British and American spelling conventions are used in different parts of the world:
One of the most recognizable differences between British and American English is the spelling of words ending in -our (British) or -or (American):
| British English | American English | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| -our | -or | colour/color, favour/favor, humour/humor, neighbour/neighbor, labour/labor |
However, there are some exceptions where both varieties use -or:
And some words where the -our spelling affects the pronunciation:
Words ending in -re in British English typically end in -er in American English:
| British English | American English | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| -re | -er | centre/center, theatre/theater, metre/meter, fibre/fiber, litre/liter |
Exceptions include words where the -re ending is not pronounced as a separate syllable:
Many verbs can be spelled with either -ise or -ize in British English, while American English consistently uses -ize:
| British English | American English | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| -ise or -ize | -ize | realise/realize, organise/organize, recognise/recognize, apologise/apologize, specialise/specialize |
Note: Oxford spelling (used in some British academic publications) prefers -ize endings, while most British newspapers and publishers prefer -ise.
However, some words must always be spelled with -ise in both varieties because they are not derived from the Greek suffix -ize:
Words ending in -yse in British English typically end in -yze in American English:
| British English | American English | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| -yse | -yze | analyse/analyze, catalyse/catalyze, paralyse/paralyze |
Some words ending in -ogue in British English end in -og in American English:
| British English | American English | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| -ogue | -og | catalogue/catalog, dialogue/dialog, monologue/monolog |
However, some words retain -ogue in both varieties:
Many words of Greek or Latin origin are spelled with -ae- or -oe- in British English but with just -e- in American English:
| British English | American English | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| -ae- | -e- | anaemia/anemia, encyclopaedia/encyclopedia, paediatric/pediatric, anaesthetic/anesthetic |
| -oe- | -e- | oestrogen/estrogen, oesophagus/esophagus, diarrhoea/diarrhea, foetus/fetus |
Exceptions where both varieties retain -ae- or -oe-:
In British English, when adding suffixes to words ending in 'l', the 'l' is typically doubled if the final syllable is stressed or if the word has only one syllable. In American English, the 'l' is generally not doubled:
| British English | American English | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Double 'l' | Single 'l' | travelled/traveled, cancelled/canceled, counsellor/counselor, modelling/modeling, signalling/signaling |
Exceptions where both varieties use double 'l':
There are some other differences in consonant doubling between British and American English:
| Pattern | British English | American English | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Words ending in 'p' | Double 'p' in derivatives | Often single 'p' | worshipped/worshiped, kidnapped/kidnaped (though "kidnapped" is now common in both) |
| Words ending in 'm' | Often double 'm' | Often single 'm' | programme/program (though "program" is used in British English for computer programs) |
Some words end in -ence in British English but -ense in American English:
| British English | American English | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| -ence | -ense | licence/license (noun), defence/defense, offence/offense, pretence/pretense |
Note: In British English, "license" and "practice" are verbs, while "licence" and "practice" are nouns. In American English, "license" and "practice" are used for both the verb and noun forms.
A few words are spelled with -xion in British English but -ction in American English:
| British English | American English | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| -xion | -ction | connexion/connection, inflexion/inflection, reflexion/reflection |
Note: The -ction forms are increasingly common in British English as well.
There are various other spelling differences that don't follow the patterns above:
| British English | American English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| aluminium | aluminum | Different number of syllables |
| grey | gray | Different vowel |
| jewellery | jewelry | Different syllable count |
| mould | mold | Different vowel |
| plough | plow | Different spelling pattern |
| pyjamas | pajamas | Different vowel |
| sceptical | skeptical | Different consonant |
| tyre | tire | Different spelling (for the wheel covering) |
| cheque | check | Different spelling (for the banking item) |
| draught | draft | Different spelling pattern |
British and American English sometimes differ in how they form compound words:
| British English | American English | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Two words | One word | car park/carpark, post box/postbox |
| Hyphenated | One word | co-ordinate/coordinate, pre-eminent/preeminent |
| One word | Two words | afterwards/afterward, towards/toward |
General trends in hyphenation between the two varieties:
Sometimes British and American English use entirely different words for the same concept, which naturally leads to spelling differences:
| British English | American English | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| autumn | fall | The season after summer |
| flat | apartment | A self-contained housing unit in a building |
| lift | elevator | A moving platform for transporting people between floors |
| lorry | truck | A large vehicle for transporting goods |
| petrol | gas/gasoline | Fuel for vehicles |
| railway | railroad | A track for trains |
| rubbish | trash/garbage | Waste material |
| underground | subway | An underground train system |
Some words are spelled the same but have different meanings in British and American English:
| Word | British English Meaning | American English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| football | Soccer | American football |
| biscuit | Sweet, flat baked good (cookie) | Soft, savory bread roll |
| chips | French fries | Thin, crisp potato slices (crisps in British English) |
| vest | Undershirt | Sleeveless garment worn over a shirt |
| pants | Underwear | Trousers |
British and American English use different conventions for quotation marks:
| Feature | British English | American English |
|---|---|---|
| Primary quotation marks | Single quotes: 'example' | Double quotes: "example" |
| Quotes within quotes | Double quotes: 'example "quoted" text' | Single quotes: "example 'quoted' text" |
| Punctuation with quotation marks | Outside quotes if not part of the quoted material: She said 'hello'. | Inside quotes: She said "hello." |
Date and number formatting also differs between British and American English:
| Feature | British English | American English |
|---|---|---|
| Date format | Day/Month/Year: 19/05/2025 | Month/Day/Year: 05/19/2025 |
| Written dates | 19 May 2025 | May 19, 2025 |
| Large numbers | Often use spaces: 10 000 | Use commas: 10,000 |
| Decimal point | Full stop (period): 3.14 | Full stop (period): 3.14 |
In the ЕГЭ English exam, you can use either British or American spelling, but you should be consistent throughout your writing. Here are some guidelines:
When dealing with British and American spelling differences in the exam, be careful to avoid these common pitfalls:
To maintain consistency in your spelling during the exam:
Identify whether each word is in British or American English spelling.
Answers:
1. color - American English (British: colour)
2. centre - British English (American: center)
3. organize - Could be either American English or British English (Oxford spelling). The -ize ending is standard in American English and acceptable in British English, though many British publications prefer "organise".
4. travelled - British English (American: traveled)
5. aluminum - American English (British: aluminium)
Convert these sentences from British to American English spelling.
Answers:
1. The theater was located in the city center.
2. She specializes in pediatric medicine.
3. The gray truck was parked near the curb.
4. He traveled through Europe and analyzed the different cultures.
5. The program focused on labor issues in the aluminum industry.
Convert these sentences from American to British English spelling.
Answers:
1. The aeroplane's tyres needed to be replaced.
2. She wrote a cheque for the jewellery.
3. The paediatrician prescribed medication for diarrhoea.
4. The programme was cancelled due to bad weather.
5. He was sceptical about the defence's arguments.
Identify and correct the inconsistent spelling in these sentences (choose either British or American English).
Answers:
British English versions:
1. The theatre was showing a film about the labour movement.
2. She specialises in analysing the behaviour of children with learning centres.
3. The organisation's headquarters are located in the city centre.
4. He travelled to Europe to finalise the business deal.
5. The programme focused on the defence industry's use of aluminium and other metals.
American English versions:
1. The theater was showing a film about the labor movement.
2. She specializes in analyzing the behavior of children with learning centers.
3. The organization's headquarters are located in the city center.
4. He traveled to Europe to finalize the business deal.
5. The program focused on the defense industry's use of aluminum and other metals.
In the ЕГЭ English exam, consistency in spelling contributes to your overall writing score. Remember:
Remember that while spelling consistency is important, it's just one aspect of your writing. Focus on clear communication, appropriate vocabulary, and correct grammar as well.