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Writer's pictureCiiindy English

American VS British words

American English VS British English: Do you know the difference?



Travel-related words:

  • Where is the nearest subway station? // Where is the nearest underground station?

  • Let's grab (=get) a taxi. // Let's grab a cab.

  • Where is the bathroom/restroom/washroom? // Where is the toilet/loo/lavatory?

  • At a restaurant: May I have the check, please? // May I have the bill, please?

  • How was your vacation? // How did your holidays go?


Shopping related words:

  • May I try on these pants? // May I try on these trousers?

  • I don't like to line up for food. // I don't like to queue up for food.

  • You should get that vest. // You should get that waistcoat.

  • These sneakers aren't the right size. // These trainers aren't the right size.

  • Can you hold the elevator for a sec. // Can you hold the lift for a sec.


Food related words:

  • Can you pass me that can of coke? // Can you pass me that tin of coke?

  • Would you like some cookies? // Would you like some biscuits?

  • I used to love these candies. // I used to love these sweets.

  • I love to add ketchup with my fries. // I love to add ketchup with my chips. (In England, there is a famous dish called fish and chips = deep-fried fish with French fries)

  • Let's get Chinese take-out for dinner. // Let's get Chinese takeaway for dinner.



Take note that there is a difference in spelling of certain words:

  • -o VS -ou (color VS colour)

  • -er VS -re (theater VS theatre)

  • -ze VS -se (analyze VS analyse)

  • What's your favorite color? // What's your favorite colour?

  • Can you do me a favor, please? // Can you do me a favour, please?

  • Let's go to the theater to watch Toy Story 4. // Let's go to the theatre to watch Toy Story 4.

  • I like being center of attention. // I like being centre of attention.

  • We should analyze the problem. // We should analyse the problem.



↘ Do you know more words that are used differently in America and Britain? Comment below!↙

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