Spelling variations between British and American English

Picture this: You're innocently engaged in a friendly conversation when suddenly, the topic of spelling arises. Little did you know that a seemingly innocent word like "colour" could ignite such a heated debate. Some people take their spelling conventions very seriously.

Many countries boast their unique spelling quirks. However, they tend to align more closely with one of two main variations — British or American English. Let’s dive into the world of these spelling differences and why they matter for English language learners.

What words are spelled differently in British and American English?

The diverging paths of British English and American English can be traced back to historical, cultural, and linguistic influences. British English tends to retain older spellings and spellings derived from Latin and Greek origins, whereas American English favours simplifications and phonetic spellings.

Spelling variations often follow common patterns. A few examples include:

• Words that end in “-tre” in British English are often spelled “-ter” in American English (centre vs center, theatre vs theater, metre vs meter).

• Verbs that are spelled with an “s” in British English are often spelled with a “z” in American English (organise vs organize, analyse vs analyze, criticise vs criticize).

• Words with “ou” in British English often have the “u” dropped in corresponding spellings in American English (favour vs favor, neighbour vs neighbor, colour vs color).

• Words spelled with a double ‘l’ in British English often have the duplicate letter dropped in the corresponding American spelling (travelling vs traveling, labelled vs labeled, counselling vs counseling). Interestingly, this isn’t always the case — in some cases the American spelling uses a double ‘l’ when the British does not (enrolment vs enrollment, fulfil vs fulfill).

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it might help you and your students identify common patterns in spelling variations between British and American English.

Which spelling convention is correct?

Here's the thing: there's no definitive "right way" to spell in English. Both British and American conventions are acceptable, but consistency is key. For English language learners, it's crucial to be aware of these spelling differences and strive for consistency within their chosen convention. This awareness will help English learners navigate the diverse English-speaking world with confidence.

Which spelling convention is used in ClarityEnglish programs?

The good news is that our online English programs allow you to choose between two versions — British and North American — so you can choose the spelling convention that is most appropriate for you and your students.

Some of our programs, such as Clear Pronunciation 1 and 2, even allow the students to choose their preferred version themselves. That way, they can stick with their chosen spelling convention and accent — or alternate between versions to familiarise themselves with other variations and understand regional differences.

Conclusion

In the end, the debate about spelling conventions may continue, but embracing the diversity of English spelling can be an interesting journey. So, whether you're a passionate defender of "colour" or an advocate of "color," let's celebrate the richness of English language and help our students confidently navigate the fascinating world of spelling.

If you have any questions about our online English programs, please get in touch.