British and American English Gema Bañuls Estela Collado

American English is the form of English used in the United States. It includes all English dialects used within this country. British English is the form of English used in the United Kingdom. It includes all English dialects used within this country.

Words such as color, favor and honor are spelled with a -U- in British English: colour, favour, honour. American English words ending in -ER are switched to -RE in British English. center > centre American English words ending in -SE are switched to -CE in British English. license > licence American and British spelling differences

Most words in American and British English are spelled the same. However, there are a few important differences, like: - In the U.S., you fill up your car with gas → In the U.K. you fill it up with petrol. (gasolina) - In San Francisco, one walks on the sidewalk → In London, one walks on the pavement. (acera) - In New York, one uses a wrench → In Manchester, one uses a spanner. (llave) Different American and British words

More examples… BRITISHAMERICAN LorryTruck LiftElevator FortnightTwo weeks HolidayVacation PostmanMailman AutumnFall Take-awayTake-out CupboardCloset FootballSoccer CaravanTrailer

And now…

Corrections: activity 1 British English American English TrousersPants Play Time / Break TimeRecess Car parkParking Lot PetrolGasoline FilmMovie SweetsCandy SconeBiscuits Black or white?(coffee)With or without? SofaDavenport/Couch BillCheck (restaurant) 1.Write the words in the box next to the words of the table. Remember that the words of the box are Americanisms.

Corrections: activity 2 a) A: We’d like to hire a car, please. B: Ok. Sign these papers and let’s go out to the car park. British b) A: I’ve changed the baby’s diaper. B: Good. Now put her in the stroller, please. American 2. Are the speakers in the following dialogues British or American?

c) A: My mom must be worried about me. B: Why don’t you ring her on your cell phone? American d) A: Would you like a return ticket, sir? B: No, I’d like a single ticket, please. British

Nappy…… One-way…………………….... Mobile phone………………. Parking lot………………..…. Round trip……………………. Mum……………………………. Pushchair…………………..… Rent …………………………….. 3. Replace the American words above with British words and vice versa. Use the words below. Corrections: activity 3 Diaper Single Cell phone Car park Return Mom Stroller Hire

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