Some advice on American and UK English

US vs UK English

What is the difference, or is there any difference really?

No, we don't think there is any real fundamental difference. There are actually many different versions of English around the world, and they are mostly mutually intelligible. We must recognise that Australia, Ireland, Scotland, Singapore and many other locations have their own way of speaking the language, as do the USA and the south of England. 

There are differences and learners should be aware of them, so let's have a look and learn to communicate internationally. 

Differences Between British and American English in Formal Writing

With British and American English, there really isn't a big difference beyond variations of vocabulary, pronunciation and spelling. They are NOT different dialects but one and the same language. However in speaking and writing, especially in business, professional, and financial contexts, there are a few vocabulary choices that vary between these two forms of English.

The reality is that UK or British should be called 'rest of the world English' as the spelling variety in UK English tends to be shared by countries such as Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa. 

Spelling Variations: One of the most noticeable differences is in spelling. For example, British English often uses "-our" (e.g., "colour") where American English uses "-or" (e.g., "color"). Similarly, British English uses "-re" (e.g., "centre") while American English uses "-er" (e.g., "center").

Vocabulary Differences: Some words are used differently, with British English preferring one term and American English another. In a formal context, choosing the appropriate word can be important to match the audience's expectations. For example, in British English, you might say "curriculum vitae" (often shortened to "CV"), while in American English, the term "resumé" is more common.

Concepts: There are a few concepts which are a little different. For instance, Americans talk about the first floor as the floor which is on ground level, whereas UK English calls this the ground floor. The first floor in UK English is therefore the second floor in the USA. 

Here are a few more examples: 

University vs. College

• UK English: In the UK, the term "university" is used to refer to higher education institutions. "College" usually refers to a part of a university, a secondary school, or an institution that offers further education but not degree-level courses.
• US English: In the US, "college" and "university" are often used interchangeably to refer to institutions that offer degree-level education. "College" is commonly used even when referring to a university.

Public School vs. Private School

• UK English: In the UK, a "public school" is actually a type of private school, often prestigious and fee-paying. "State school" is the term used for schools funded by the government.
• US English: In the US, a "public school" is a school that is funded by the government and free to attend. A "private school" is a fee-paying school that is independently funded.

A Billion

• UK English (Traditional): Traditionally, a "billion" in the UK meant a million million (1,000,000,000,000), which is now called a "trillion" in both the UK and the US. However, this usage is now outdated.
• US English and Modern UK English: A "billion" in both modern UK and US English refers to a thousand million (1,000,000,000).

Lawyers

• In the UK and many other English-speaking countries, there are two levels of lawyer. These are solicitors, who prepare a case and do a lot of the work outside court, and barristers, who present the case in court. 
• In the USA, an attorney would do both the duties of solicitors and barristers. 

The three words are used in different legal systems of English-speaking countries or contexts around the world, so sometimes the difference can be very local. 

Formality and Tone: Generally, British English tends to maintain a slightly more formal tone, which can be seen in the use of certain phrases and structures. American English, while still formal in professional contexts, often leans towards being more direct and concise.

Here are two lists of synonymous words that are commonly found in British and American English. The vocabulary here is neither formal or informal and is used in everyday contexts like business or on the street with friends.

Punctuation in the different varieties of English

This can be slightly different, so business people and academics preparing university work should take note. 

Comma After Salutations

• UK English: In British business correspondence, it's common to use a comma after the salutation and closing. For example:
  • Dear Mr. Smith,
  • Yours sincerely,
• US English: In American business correspondence, a colon is often used after the salutation, while a comma is still used after the closing. For example:
  • Dear Mr. Smith:
  • Sincerely,

Use of the Oxford Comma

• UK English: The Oxford comma (the comma before the conjunction in a list of three or more items) is optional in British English. It’s more commonly omitted in British business writing, unless it’s needed for clarity.
  • Example without Oxford comma: We need to purchase pens, paper and envelopes.
• US English: The Oxford comma is more commonly used in American English, especially in formal or business writing.
  • Example with Oxford comma: We need to purchase pens, paper, and envelopes.

Periods, full stops and Commas with Quotation Marks

• UK English: In British English, a period is known as a full stop. Full stops and commas are typically placed outside the closing quotation marks unless they are part of the quoted material.
  • Example: The contract states that the work will be completed "as soon as possible".
• US English: In American English, periods and commas are usually placed inside the closing quotation marks, regardless of the context.
  • Example: The contract states that the work will be completed "as soon as possible."

Date Format

• UK English: In British English, dates are typically written in the day-month-year format, often with punctuation marks like commas.
  • Example: 15 August 2024 or 15th August, 2024
• US English: In American English, dates are usually written in the month-day-year format, sometimes with commas.
  • Example: August 15, 2024

Abbreviations and Initialisms

• UK English: British English tends to omit the full stops in abbreviations and initialisms in business writing.
  • Example: Mr Smith, Dr Jones, Ltd
• US English: American English typically includes periods in abbreviations and initialisms.
  • Example: Mr. Smith, Dr. Jones, Inc.

Quotation Marks in Business Correspondence

• UK English: In British English, single quotation marks (' ') are commonly used in business writing, such as when quoting text or referencing a term or phrase. For example, a British business letter might say, Please find the attached document marked 'Confidential'.
• US English: In American English, double quotation marks (" ") are the standard for the same purpose. An American business letter would likely say, Please find the attached document marked "Confidential".

These differences in punctuation practices can subtly influence the tone and perceived professionalism of business correspondence, so it's important to be aware of the conventions appropriate for your audience.

Advice for using the different varieties of English

It doesn't really matter which you use but one word of advice regarding spelling variations is to stay consistent. It really doesn't matter if you call it a lorry or a truck, or if you say a rubbish bin or trash can, but remaining consistent with the spelling norms does leave a good impression on readers. 

Your English-language teacher might be from any part of the world and might have travelled to specific spaces, so knows more about the language and dialect of specific areas. The important thing is that the teacher is well prepared, experienced and qualified, and the student is ready to learn. The student should be prepared to expose themselves to many different ideas and versions of the language, and with that genuine interest, learning will happen more rapidly. 

What variety do we use at Tailtiu Languages?

We do not discriminate. We use both, so you might notice some articles and activities using one form of spelling or the other. However, we try to remain consistent within these articles and activities with one variety or the other.