Spelling differences between British English and American English

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Spelling differences between British English and American English

There are several differences in spelling between British English and American English. These differences are often due to the fact that British English often retains the spelling of the source language, such as French, while American English adjusts the spelling in order to correctly reflect the actual pronunciation of words.

If you want to write something for the British, you should only use British spelling. In a few cases, American spelling is also acceptable in British English, especially words ending in -ize/-ization. In this case, -ise/-isation or -ize/ization can be used in British English, but it is important to be consistent in an article and use one spelling from beginning to end.

Today, we list several major spelling differences and compare the spelling differences between British and American English.

1) Words ending in–re: English ends in–re; American style ends with -er.

Spelling differences between British English and American English

2) Words ending in -our: English ends in -our; American usually ends with -or.

Spelling differences between British English and American English

3) Words ending in -ize or -ise: In British English, verbs spelled with -ize or -ise are acceptable; In American English, it is always spelled -ize.

Spelling differences between British English and American English

4) Words ending in -yse: In British English, this kind of verb is written as-yse; American English is always writing -yze.

Spelling differences between British English and American English

5) Words ending in vowel+letter L: In British spelling, when a verb ends in vowel+letter L, if you need to add vowel, you will double write L; In American spelling, there is no need for double writing.

Spelling differences between British English and American English

6) diphthongs’s spelling: In British English, diphthongs ae or oe are both two letters; In American English, they are all written as a letter e.

Spelling differences between British English and American English

Tip: In American English, some specific words, such as archaeology, still retain the spelling of ae. This is the standard spelling method, and if it is only written as e, it is archeology, which is usually acceptable.

7) Nouns ending in -ence: nouns ending in -ence in British English are written as -ense in American English.

Spelling differences between British English and American English

8) Nouns ending in–OGUE: English spelling is–OGUE; American spelling can be -og or -ogue.

Spelling differences between British English and American English

This difference is not difficult to grasp. In American English, the writing of analogue is acceptable, but not universal; The spelling of catalog has become the standard form in the United States, and the writing of catalog is not uncommon; Dialogue is still more popular than dialogue.

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Spelling differences between British English and American English

(Source: Oxford Dictionary Editor: Julie)