British English vs American English
Knowing the difference between British English and American English will help you to decide which form of English should be used at which point. British English and American English are two different types of English language that are employed by the two countries when it comes to the vocabulary and spelling of words. Though we say there is a difference between the vocabulary and pronunciation of British English and American English, this difference is not so fast as to make the speakers of both English types not understand each other. One can say that these two types of English, British English and American English, are the two most popular kinds of English in the world.
What is British English?
British English does not mind the use of ‘u’ when it follows the primary vowel as in words ‘colour’, ‘flavour’, ‘demeanour’ and the like. There is a difference between British English and American English when it comes to the vocabulary. For example, what the British people call ‘block of flats’ is called ‘apartment building’ by the Americans. When it comes to words denoting household furniture too there exists a difference. The ‘cot’ of American English is the ‘camp bed’ of British English. Similarly the ‘dresser’ of American English is the ‘chests of drawers of British English. What is ‘minced meat’ for the Londoner is ‘ground meat’ for the American. What is ‘sweets’ for the Londoner is ‘candies’ for the American. ‘Accelerator’ of the British is ‘gas pedal’ of the American. ‘Pavement’ of the British becomes ‘sidewalk’ for the Americans.
What is American English?
American English generally avoids the use of the vowel ‘u’ when it follows the primary vowel as in words ‘color’, ‘flavor’, ‘demeanor’ and the like. Here are some other examples for vocabulary differences that exist between British English and American English. ‘Baking tray’ and ‘cooker’ of British English are ‘cookie sheet’ and ‘stove’ of American English respectively. Fruits and vegetables also undergo change in the two types of English. British people call ‘beetroot’ what the Americans call ‘beet.’ They call ‘marrow’ what the Americans call ‘squash.’ What is ‘cookies’ for the American is ‘biscuits’ for the Londoner. What is ‘fall’ for the American the ‘autumn’ for the British. Moreover, ‘gas cap’ of the American is ‘petrol cap’ of the British. ‘Bookstore’ of the American becomes the ‘bookshop’ of the British.
What is the difference between British English and American English?
• American English generally avoids the use of the vowel ‘u’ when it follows the primary vowel as in words ‘color’, ‘flavor’, ‘demeanor’ and the like. British English does not mind having a ‘U’ in such circumstances.
• There are many differences in terms of vocabulary too between the two types of English language.
• The two types show difference when it comes to words denoting household furniture such as a cot, dresser and the like.
• British English and American English differ from each other in terms of vocabulary related to words used to denote automobile parts, road, shops, apparel and the like.