American English

British and American English

​Why should we study the peculiarities of British and American English?

1. it opens the door to clearer communication;

2. it helps learners avoid misunderstandings;

3. it gives more confidence;

4. ​it makes deeper cultural understanding.

​

​because:

Let’s examine some potentially confusing situations.

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to understand basic differences between British and American English and avoid common misunderstandings.

​

​Goal:

American English

I can recognise the differences between American and British English.

- according to the word chosen;

- according to the spelling;

- according to the pronunciation.

Look at the British English words below. What are the American English equivalents? Listen to the three voicemails and check.

film (n) flat lift (n) petrol tap toilet

LEARN THIS!

1 American English uses completely different words for some British words. 

2 Some American English words have a completely different meaning in British English.

Find examples of American English in email.

To: [e-mail] 

Hey Sam! Can't wait for you to arrive! I've organized your accommodation - you'll be staying with a neighbor of mine. He's from Mexico, so you'll be able to practice your Spanish while you're on vacation. Public transportation's pretty good here and I live near the subway, but bring your driver's license anyhow. Maybe we could take a trip out to the theater one evening? Anyway, I'll meet you at the airport on Saturday. New York's beautiful in fall, so I know we'll have a great time, even if we just play soccer in the yard! 

Find examples of American English in email.

To: [e-mail] 

Hey Sam! Can't wait for you to arrive! I've organized your accommodation - you'll be staying with a neighbor of mine. He's from Mexico, so you'll be able to practice your Spanish while you're on vacation. Public transportation's pretty good here and I live near the subway, but bring your driver's license anyhow. Maybe we could take a trip out to the theater one evening? Anyway, I'll meet you at the airport on Saturday. New York's beautiful in fall, so I know we'll have a great time, even if we just play soccer in the yard! 

What are British equivalents?

• vacation

• public transportation

• subway

• anyhow

• fall

• soccer;

• yard

How are the two equivalents labelled?

Dictionary Strategy 

Many British English dictionaries include information on other varieties of English, for example on differences in spelling or pronunciation; as well as equivalents in American English. If you are unsure about the correct way to spell or use a word, remember to check it in the dictionary.

Exercise

Write down British or American equivalent.

Fill in the Blank

Biscuit (BrE)

Fill in the Blank

Candies (NAmE)

Fill in the Blank

Cell phone (NAmE)

Fill in the Blank

Queue (BrE)

Fill in the Blank

Sidewalk (NAmE)

Fill in the Blank

Sneakers (NAmE)

Fill in the Blank

Torch (BrE)

LOOK OUT! 

1 Some words are spelled differently in American English. Common differences are: -our / -or, -tre / -ter, -еnce / -ense, vowel + ll / vowel + l. 

2 American English uses -ize instead of -ise, though both may be acceptable in British English. 

3 There are some differences in stress and pronunciation between the way British and American speakers pronounce words.

Make note of British English spelling

To: [e-mail] 

Hey Sam! Can't wait for you to arrive! I've organized your accommodation - you'll be staying with a neighbor of mine. He's from Mexico, so you'll be able to practice your Spanish while you're on vacation. Public transportation's pretty good here and I live near the subway, but bring your driver's license anyhow. Maybe we could take a trip out to the theater one evening? Anyway, I'll meet you at the airport on Saturday. New York's beautiful in fall, so I know we'll have a great time, even if we just play soccer in the yard! 

British spelling

• Organise;

• Neighbour;

• Practise;

• Licence;

• Theatre.

Listen to the words below being said by an American and a British speaker. Which one do you hear first? Write Am or Br.

1 address Br 

2 advertisement __

3 brochure __

4 garage __

5 leisure __

6 tomato __

7 vase __

8 vitamins __

9 yoghurt __

10 zebra __ 

Listen to the words below being said by an American and a British speaker. Which one do you hear first? Write Am or Br.

1 address Br 

2 advertisement Br

3 brochure Am

4 garage Br

5 leisure Am

6 tomato Am

7 vase Br

8 vitamins Am

9 yoghurt Br

10 zebra Br

Listen to six speakers. Is each speaker American or British?

• 1 Am

• 2 Br

• 3 Am

• 4 Am

• 5 Br

• 6 Br

INTERNET RESEARCH

Work in small groups. How many more common American English words and phrases can you find online? What are their British English equivalents? 

Share the most useful ones with the class. 

Mad Lib Instructions

1. Answer the questions and write your words.

2. Use your answers to complete the dialogue.

3. Act out the dialogue with a partner.

4. The class watches and guesses:

• Who you are

• Where you are

• What happened

Let us laugh together!

Poll

I can recognise the differences between American and British English (the words acquired in the lesson).

• 100%

• 80%

• 50%

• less than 40%