15 British vs. American Spelling Differences
Learn the 15 most common British vs. American spelling differences with examples. See when to use each style and how to stay consistent.
Reviewed by: Karin Littlewood
We often write correct spellings, but spell checkers still highlight them. That’s because they are set in some other region.
Yes, spellings can change in different regions on the face of the Earth. Especially when it comes to British vs. American spellings.
Apparently, British people focus more on traditional spellings that can be confusing to some new learners. In contrast, American spellings are more convenient or simpler.
This change was implemented by Noah Webster in the primary American English spelling conventions. His differences only affect 10% of all English words. But they are concentrated in four major patterns (-our vs. -or, -re vs. -er, -ise vs. -ize, and doubled L vs. single L).
So, in this article, we’ll talk about 15 common British vs. American spelling differences with real examples and quick explanations.
15 British vs. American spelling differences
From colour vs. color to travelling vs. traveling, spelling variations can confuse, especially if you switch between British and American audiences.
Here are 15 spelling differences that show how the same language can look slightly different depending on which side of the Atlantic you’re on.
1. -our vs -or
One of the most common spelling differences is the -our (British) and -or (American) endings.
British English keeps the “u” in words like colour and favour. While American English drops it to make them color and favor.
Example:
- British: colour, honour, flavour, neighbour
- American: color, honor, flavor, neighbor
So, if you are writing for a UK audience, keep the “u.” If it’s for the US, leave it out!
2. -re vs -er
This is another very common British vs. American difference. British English words that end in -re usually switch to -er in American English.
The pronunciation stays the same, but the spelling changes.
Example:
- British: centre, theatre, metre, fibre
- American: center, theater, meter, fiber
Americans like to keep things simpler. So “theatre” becomes “theater.”
3. -ise vs -ize
This one often confuses writers the most.
In British English, many verbs end with -ise, while in American English, the same words usually end with -ize.
Both are pronounced the same way. It’s just the spelling that differs.
Examples:
- British: organise, recognise, realise, criticise
- American: organize, recognize, realize, criticize
Americans prefer -ize because it aligns with the original Greek root “-izo.” British English adopted the -ise ending later for consistency.
Note: Another interesting regional variation is between enquiry and inquiry. Learn when to use each in this simple guide
4. Double consonants vs single
Double consonants are another noticeable difference between British and American spelling. Especially when adding endings like -ed or -ing.
British English often doubles the final consonant when a word ends in a single vowel followed by a consonant. Americans sometimes keep it single.
Examples:
- British: travelling, labelled, cancelled, modelling
- American: traveling, labeled, canceled, modeling
5. -ce vs -se
British and American English also differ in certain noun and verb forms ending with -ce and -se.
In British English, nouns often end with -ce, while the corresponding verbs end with -se.
However, in American English, both forms typically use -se for simplicity.
Examples:
- British: defence, licence, offence, pretence
- American: defense, license, offense, pretense
If you see -ce, it’s likely British. If you see -se, it’s usually American. Especially in official or legal contexts.
6. -ogue vs -og
Here’s another common spelling variation.
British English tends to retain the longer -ogue ending, which reflects the word’s French origins.
American English, on the other hand, simplifies it to -og to make spelling more straightforward.
Examples:
- British: catalogue, dialogue, monologue, analogue
- American: catalog, dialog, monolog, analog
7. -ae vs -e
This difference comes from Latin and Greek words.
British English usually keeps the original -ae spelling. Americans, on the other hand, simplify it to just -e.
Examples:
- British: anaemia, encyclopaedia, orthopaedic
- American: anemia, encyclopedia, orthopedic
If you’re writing for international audiences, the American versions (-e) are more widely recognized online.
8. -yse vs -yze
This one’s quite simple! British English uses -yse, while American English changes it to -yze.
Both are correct depending on what audience you’re writing for.
Examples:
- British: analyse, paralyse, catalyse
- American: analyze, paralyze, catalyze
The -yze spelling aligns with other American conventions like organize and recognize.
Meanwhile, British -yse retains its Greek roots. It is still common in academic writing and UK publications.
9. Dropped silent “e”
In American English, writers often drop the silent “e” before adding suffixes like -able or -ing. British English tends to keep it.
This small difference can subtly change the word’s look. But not its pronunciation.
Examples:
- British: ageing, judgement, likeable
- American: aging, judgment, likable
10. Hyphenation and compound forms
British English tends to keep hyphens in compound words for clarity. In contrast, American English often drops them to make words simpler and more modern.
Both versions are correct. But you must ensure consistency in professional or academic writing.
Examples:
- British: co-operate, e-mail, ice-cream
- American: cooperate, email, ice cream
11. Programme vs program
This is one of the most noticeable differences in British and American spelling.
In British English, programme is used when referring to TV shows, events, or educational courses. But in American English, program is used for all contexts, whether it’s about software, TV, or events.
Examples:
- British: I watched a new cooking programme last night.
- American: I watched a new cooking program last night.
When talking about computer software, both British and American English now prefer programs.
12. -mme vs -m
This spelling difference is another area where British English keeps the traditional form and American English simplifies it.
In British English, words often end with -mme, while in American English, the same words drop one “m” and the “e” to end with just -m.
Examples:
- British: gramme → American: gram
- British: programme → American: program
- British: tonne → American: ton
Whenever you see -mme at the end of a British word, just remove one “m” and the “e” to make it American.
13. Licence vs license
This is one of the trickiest differences. Because both forms exist in British English, but they serve different grammatical purposes.
In British English, licence is a noun, while license is a verb.
However, in American English, license is used for both the noun and the verb forms.
Examples:
- British: I have a driving licence. / The council will license new vendors.
- American: I have a driver’s license. / The city will license new vendors.
In British English, remember, licence is the thing you hold, and license is the action you do.
In American English, just use a license for both.
14. Word ending with -ll vs -l
American and British spellings differ here as well, the use of double “l” versus single “l.”
In British English, many words that end with -l double the l when adding a suffix (like -ed, -ing, -er).
In American English, the l is often kept single unless the stress is on the final syllable.
Examples:
- British: travel → travelling, cancelled, fuelled
- American: travel → traveling, canceled, fueled
If you see double l, it’s likely British.
If it's a single l, it’s almost always American. Especially in past tense or gerund forms.
15. Other minor variations
Besides the major patterns we’ve discussed, there are a few smaller spelling differences as well.
They don’t always follow a strict rule. But are still noticeable in British and American English.
Examples:
- Jewellery (UK) → Jewelry (US)
- Grey (UK) → Gray (US)
- Plough (UK) → Plow (US)
- Cheque (UK) → Check (US)
- Tyre (UK) → Tire (US)
- Mould (UK) → Mold (US)
These differences may seem small, but they can change how natural your writing sounds to your audience.
Which form should you use?
The answer depends on who you’re writing for.
If your audience is in the UK, use British English. If it’s in the US, stick with American English.
What matters most here is consistency. Don’t mix the two styles in one piece of writing. Switching between “colour” and “color” in the same document will definitely look unprofessional and confuse your readers.
Luckily, modern AI writing tools like a paragraph writer are trained to maintain consistency automatically. You can simply select your preferred English variant (British or American) before generating content.
The tool will adjust spellings, word choices, and even tone accordingly.
So, always choose your audience first, set your tool preferences, and you’ll have perfectly consistent writing every time.
Conclusion
British and American English share the same roots. But their spelling styles reveal how language evolves with culture and geography.
We can’t say which one is “more correct,” they’re simply different reflections of the same language. What matters is using the one that best fits your audience and purpose.
With smart writing tools available today, staying consistent has never been easier. After all, clear and consistent spelling is a sign of confident communication.