00 / Confusables
British and American
Colour and color, lift and elevator, maths and math: the same language, two habits.
23sets
01 / programme vs program
Programme is the standard British spelling for schedules and broadcasts, while program is the universal term for computing and the standard American spelling for all contexts.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I am watching a very interesting nature program on the BBC tonight.Right: I am watching a very interesting nature programme on the BBC tonight.
Wrong: The developer is updating the programme to fix several security vulnerabilities.Right: The developer is updating the program to fix several security vulnerabilities.
Remember
British 'programme' has extra letters for everything except computers.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
A sophisticated computer now helps city planners monitor traffic flow and reduce carbon emissions in real time.
- 2.
Many viewers across London tuned in to watch the live about the history of the premier league.
- 3.
We need to print the wedding before the guests arrive at the venue.
- 4.
The computer crashed immediately after I tried to save the final draft.
- 5.
The local community centre released a new of yoga classes and vegan cooking workshops for the summer.
02 / colour vs color
Colour is the standard spelling in British English, while color is the standard spelling in American English.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The London sky is often a grey color during the winter months.Right: The London sky is often a grey colour during the winter months.
Wrong: The American flag features the colour red, white, and blue.Right: The American flag features the color red, white, and blue.
Remember
British English uses the 'u'; American English drops it.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Leaves often change their when the temperature begins to drop in autumn.
- 2.
The Los Angeles designer updated the app interface using a vibrant palette for the California market.
- 3.
Many American streaming services allow users to adjust the settings for a better cinematic experience.
- 4.
Fans at the London stadium wore the team home to show support during the final match.
- 5.
You can adjust the settings on your monitor to reduce eye strain.
03 / centre vs center
Centre is the standard spelling in British English, while center is the standard spelling in American English.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The London community center offers free classes for local residents.Right: The London community centre offers free classes for local residents.
Wrong: The basketball game took place at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.Right: The basketball game took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Remember
British English uses -re; American English uses -er.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
He stood in the of the room to address the crowd.
- 2.
Please place the vase in the exact of the dining table.
- 3.
The new community garden will serve as a vibrant social for London residents this summer.
- 4.
The star striker dribbled the ball toward the pitch before taking a powerful shot.
- 5.
The city council plans to build a modern tech research in downtown Chicago next year.
04 / favourite vs favorite
British English uses the -our spelling, while American English uses the -or spelling.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: In London, fish and chips is the most favorite meal.Right: In London, fish and chips is the most favourite meal.
Wrong: The American president discussed his favourite policy during the interview.Right: The American president discussed his favorite policy during the interview.
Remember
ColoUr and favoUrite belong to the UK.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
A popular American tech reviewer recently named this electric car his model for city driving.
- 2.
What is your memory from your time living in New York?
- 3.
The London football club announced that a local academy player is the new for the starting role.
- 4.
Most users on the New York based streaming app save their shows to a personalized watch list.
- 5.
The teacher asked the students to name their literary character.
05 / travelling vs traveling
Travelling is the standard spelling in British English, while traveling is the standard spelling in American English.
Side by side
The British spelling of the participle.
She spent three months travelling across Europe after finishing her degree.
The American spelling of the participle.
The sales team is traveling to Chicago for the annual conference next week.
Watch out
Wrong: The company policy for traveling expenses follows UK government guidelines.Right: The company policy for travelling expenses follows UK government guidelines.
Wrong: Most Americans enjoy travelling to national parks during the summer months.Right: Most Americans enjoy traveling to national parks during the summer months.
Remember
Double L for London; single L for Los Angeles.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
by train is often more relaxing than driving through heavy traffic.
- 2.
British football fans are often seen across Europe to support their teams in international matches.
- 3.
The digital nomad shared a video about through California while working remotely from a van.
- 4.
My American colleague is to New York for a conference on sustainable city life next week.
- 5.
light makes it much easier to navigate busy airport terminals.
06 / cancelled vs canceled
British English doubles the final 'l' when adding suffixes to this verb, while American English uses a single 'l'.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The BBC reported that the show was canceled due to low ratings.Right: The BBC reported that the show was cancelled due to low ratings.
Wrong: My flight to New York was cancelled because of the snowstorm.Right: My flight to New York was canceled because of the snowstorm.
Remember
Double L for London; single L for Liberty.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
He his subscription because he no longer used the service.
- 2.
She noticed that her subscription to the streaming service was after the payment method expired yesterday.
- 3.
The Los Angeles flight was after a sudden storm grounded all electric commuter planes at the airport.
- 4.
The London football match was because the stadium staff could not reach the venue during the strike.
- 5.
She felt relieved when the morning meeting was finally .
07 / maths vs math
Maths is the standard term in British English, while math is the standard term in American English.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The students in London are preparing for their math exams.Right: The students in London are preparing for their maths exams.
Wrong: I am moving to New York to study maths at NYU.Right: I am moving to New York to study math at NYU.
Remember
Maths = British plural-style; Math = American singular-style.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The new curriculum focuses heavily on problem solving and critical thinking.
- 2.
The London startup is looking for a developer with a strong background in advanced and statistics.
- 3.
The popular YouTuber from California explains complex concepts using simple animations and creative digital art.
- 4.
Our teacher gave us a very difficult set of equations for homework.
- 5.
Many football fans in Manchester use statistical to predict the final scores of the weekend matches.
08 / at the weekend vs on the weekend
At the weekend is the standard British English prepositional phrase, while on the weekend is the standard American English equivalent.
Side by side
at the weekend
British English for Saturday and Sunday.
We usually go for a long walk in the countryside at the weekend.
on the weekend
American English for Saturday and Sunday.
I need to finish painting the guest room on the weekend.
Watch out
Wrong: I am flying to London to see my family on the weekend.Right: I am flying to London to see my family at the weekend.
Remember
At for the UK, On for the USA.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Most London football fans prefer travelling to away matches by train .
- 2.
The museum is always much busier than during the week.
- 3.
Many New York professionals use fitness apps to track their long runs .
- 4.
British gamers often join international tournaments that host live streaming events .
- 5.
Do you have any special plans for what to do ?
09 / have got vs have
Have got is an informal, present-tense alternative to have for possession and obligation, used primarily in British English.
Side by side
have got
Not English
Informal possession or current obligation.
Possession, states, or habitual actions.
Most modern apartments in this city have central heating and double glazing.
Remember
Have got is for now; have is for always.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
They a great new series on that streaming platform about professional football scouts.
- 2.
Do you enough time to finish the report before the meeting starts?
- 3.
Most electric cars now a range that exceeds three hundred miles on a single charge.
- 4.
I to finish this video call before the gym class starts at six.
10 / shall vs will
Will is the standard marker for future intent and prediction, while shall is restricted to formal offers, suggestions, or legal obligations.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: Will I open the window for you since it is hot in here?Right: Shall I open the window for you since it is hot in here?
Wrong: We shall go to the cinema tomorrow if you are free.Right: We will go to the cinema tomorrow if you are free.
Remember
Will for the future; Shall for a formal offer.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The tenant maintain the property in good condition throughout the lease term.
- 2.
We begin the legal review of the remote work contract after the video call ends.
- 3.
Most urban commuters likely switch to electric cars as the city expands its charging network.
- 4.
The fitness app notify you when it is time to start your morning yoga session tomorrow.
- 5.
I call you as soon as the meeting finishes this afternoon.
11 / got vs gotten
Gotten is the standard past participle in American English for obtaining or becoming, while British English uses got for all past participle functions.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The traffic has got much worse since they started the roadworks.Right: The traffic has gotten much worse since they started the roadworks.
Remember
US: Gotten for getting; Got for having.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I realized I had the wrong directions halfway through the journey.
- 2.
Prices for electric cars have much lower since the government introduced the new climate subsidy last month.
- 3.
He has a new job working remotely for a tech startup based in London this year.
- 4.
The American producer had millions of views on his new gaming channel before the season finale aired.
- 5.
She has finally a new job after months of searching.
12 / in hospital vs in the hospital
British English omits the definite article to indicate a patient's status, while American English retains the article for both patients and visitors.
Side by side
Receiving medical treatment as a patient.
My grandmother has been in hospital for three days following her hip surgery.
in the hospital
Located inside the medical building.
She works as a senior surgeon in the hospital downtown.
Watch out
Wrong: The doctor says I need to stay in the hospital for observation tonight.Right: The doctor says I need to stay in hospital for observation tonight.
Remember
No 'the' means you're the patient.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
He cannot attend the meeting because he is still recovering.
- 2.
The Premier League striker is currently following a collision during yesterday's match in London.
- 3.
Recovery takes time when you are after a major operation on your knee.
- 4.
He spent two hours visiting his sister who works there as a surgeon.
- 5.
I am waiting cafeteria until the visiting hours begin.
13 / at university vs at college
British English uses 'at university' for higher education, while American English uses 'at college' for the same level of study.
Side by side
at university
Studying for a degree in British English.
She is currently studying law at university in London.
at college
Studying for a degree in American English.
My brother is a sophomore at college in California.
Watch out
Wrong: My cousin is studying engineering at college in Oxford.Right: My cousin is studying engineering at university in Oxford.
Wrong: He decided to play football while he was at university in Texas.Right: He decided to play football while he was at college in Texas.
Remember
UK: University. US: College.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
He studied sustainable engineering in London before joining a green energy startup.
- 2.
British graduates often stay in touch via group chats with the friends they met .
- 3.
Many American students use fitness apps to track their workouts while living in dorms .
- 4.
They spent four years before starting their careers.
- 5.
We met while we were both twenty years ago.
14 / holiday vs vacation
Holiday is the standard British term for time away from work or school, while vacation is the preferred American equivalent.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I am taking a two-week holiday to visit my cousins in New York.Right: I am taking a two-week vacation to visit my cousins in New York.
Remember
Holiday = UK. Vacation = USA.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
My London office will be closed next Monday because it is a bank in the United Kingdom.
- 2.
The football fans traveled to Spain for their annual to watch the pre-season friendly matches.
- 3.
She posted a video of her summer in California to her social media stories yesterday.
- 4.
The family rented a small cabin in the mountains for their winter .
- 5.
The office will be closed because Monday is a public in England.
15 / flat vs apartment
Flat is the standard British term for a self-contained home on one floor, while apartment is the preferred American term.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I am looking for a cheap apartment in London near the underground.Right: I am looking for a cheap flat in London near the underground.
Remember
Flat = British. Apartment = American.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The young developer in New York works from his small while managing a popular gaming server.
- 2.
British football fans gathered in a crowded to watch the championship match on a streaming app.
- 3.
My cousin in London just posted a video tour of his new two-bedroom on social media.
- 4.
Her new has a wonderful view of the park from the balcony.
16 / lift vs elevator
Lift is the standard term in British English, while elevator is the standard term in American English.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: When I visited London, I took the elevator to my hotel room.Right: When I visited London, I took the lift to my hotel room.
Wrong: The lift in the New York apartment building was very small.Right: The elevator in the New York apartment building was very small.
Remember
Lift is British; Elevator is American.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
A delivery driver in Manhattan waited for the service to reach the penthouse floor.
- 2.
Please hold the for me while I grab my suitcase.
- 3.
The modern apartment complex in Manchester features a high-speed powered by renewable energy.
- 4.
The London football fans crowded into the narrow after the match ended in a draw.
17 / lorry vs truck
Lorry is the standard British term for a heavy goods vehicle, while truck is the American equivalent.
Side by side
British term for a heavy goods vehicle.
The lorry driver stopped at a service station near Manchester for a break.
American term for a heavy goods vehicle.
He drove his truck across the state line to deliver the construction materials.
The shipping company purchased a new fleet of trucks for long-haul routes.
Watch out
Wrong: The driver parked his lorry outside the diner in downtown Chicago.Right: The driver parked his truck outside the diner in downtown Chicago.
Remember
Lorry = London. Truck = Texas.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The driver parked his electric near the London football stadium to unload the team merchandise.
- 2.
Heavy rain caused a delivery to skid while navigating the narrow streets of the British capital.
- 3.
A massive food serves gourmet tacos to remote workers gathered in the downtown Seattle park.
- 4.
A large blocked the narrow country lane during the morning delivery.
18 / queue vs line
Queue is the standard British term for a waiting row, while line is the American equivalent.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: When I visited London, I stood in a long line for the underground.Right: When I visited London, I stood in a long queue for the underground.
Wrong: Americans usually wait in a queue at the grocery store checkout.Right: Americans usually wait in a line at the grocery store checkout.
Remember
Queue is for the Queen; Line is for Liberty.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Shoppers in London often join a digital when a popular new smartphone is released online.
- 2.
The commuters stood in an orderly at the bus stop this morning.
- 3.
Commuters in New York usually wait in a long at the station to recharge their transit cards.
- 4.
I waited in for twenty minutes just to get a coffee.
- 5.
The British fans had to for hours outside the stadium to secure tickets for the final match.
19 / petrol vs gasoline/gas
Petrol is the standard term in British English, while gasoline or gas is used in American English.
Side by side
Refined fuel for cars in Britain.
The price of petrol has risen sharply at stations across London this month.
gasoline/gas
Not English
Refined fuel for cars in America.
Remember
Petrol for the UK; Gas for the USA.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Many British commuters now use app alerts to find the cheapest available in their local neighborhood.
- 2.
The new road trip movie features a group of friends stopping at a remote station for .
- 3.
Drivers across London are switching to electric cars because the price of has risen sharply this year.
- 4.
We should stop for before we head out onto the motorway.
20 / underground/tube vs subway
Underground and tube refer to the London rail network, while subway is the standard term for American systems.
Side by side
underground/tube
Not English
The subterranean railway system in London.
An underground urban railroad in America.
The New York subway runs twenty-four hours a day for commuters.
Remember
London takes the Tube; New York takes the Subway.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The London football fans posted live updates on their group chat while riding the to the stadium.
- 2.
He missed the last home and had to call a taxi.
- 3.
Remote workers in London often prefer the when meeting colleagues for coffee in the city center.
- 4.
New York commuters often stream their favorite series on mobile devices while traveling on the during rush hour.
21 / crisps vs chips
British crisps are thin, cold potato snacks, while British chips are thick, hot, fried potato strips.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I bought a packet of chips to eat at my desk.Right: I bought a packet of crisps to eat at my desk.
Wrong: The steak comes with a side of hot, salty crisps.Right: The steak comes with a side of hot, salty chips.
Remember
Crisps are crunchy; chips are chunky.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I bought a packet of salty to eat while watching the football match on my phone.
- 2.
We ordered a large portion of hot from the local shop after our evening gym session.
- 3.
The remote worker opened a bag of crunchy during the casual Friday afternoon video call.
- 4.
The pub serves thick-cut with a side of garlic mayonnaise.
- 5.
The children are eating cheese and onion at the picnic.
22 / biscuit vs cookie
Biscuit refers to a hard, dry cracker in British English, while cookie refers to a soft, sweet treat in American English.
Side by side
A small, hard, flat baked product.
He dipped his digestive biscuit into the tea to soften it.
The tin was filled with plain biscuits and shortbread for the guests.
A sweet, often soft, baked treat.
She baked a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies for the party.
The bakery sells giant cookies that are still warm from the oven.
Watch out
Wrong: I bought a packet of chocolate biscuits at the grocery store in New York.Right: I bought a packet of chocolate cookies at the grocery store in New York.
Remember
British Biscuits are brittle; American Cookies are chewy.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
She posted a photo of a soft chocolate chip from the new American bakery on her feed.
- 2.
During the remote team meeting he dipped a plain tea into his mug of English breakfast tea.
- 3.
The London football fans shared a dry while waiting for the match to start in the rain.
23 / football vs soccer
Football refers to the world's most popular sport in British English, while soccer is the standard term for that same sport in American English.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I watched a great soccer match at Wembley Stadium in London.Right: I watched a great football match at Wembley Stadium in London.
Remember
Soccer is American; Football is British (unless you're in the US).
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The sports app sent a notification about the latest scores from the league in Los Angeles.
- 2.
The kids are playing at the park after school today.
- 3.
He joined a local club to improve his dribbling skills.
- 4.
American fans used a streaming app to watch the national team compete in the summer tournament.
- 5.
Many Londoners gathered at the local pub to cheer for their favorite club during the final.