American English vs. British English: What are the differences? In this article, we’ll discuss the most common words across different English dialects, particularly focusing on the differences between American and British English. We will also provide translations to help you use these words in daily life. Additionally, we will introduce some apps available only for Android devices that can help you learn these similar words.
Today’s topic is particularly relevant to many people who want to avoid mixing up different English dialects. To aid in understanding these variations, we have created a table to help you familiarize yourself with these words and identify which dialect they belong to.
American English to British English Vocabulary
Here is a table showcasing some of the most common words to help you distinguish between American and British English:
| British Word | American Word |
|---|---|
| A Mark | A Grade |
| Accelerator | Gas pedal |
| Action replay | Instant replay |
| Aerial | Antenna |
| Aeroplane | Airplane |
| Allen key | Allen wrench |
| Alsatian | German shepherd |
| American Indian | Native American |
| Aniseed | Anise |
| Anorak | Jacket – Parka |
| Anti clockwise | Counterclockwise |
| Articulated Lorry | Tractor-trailer |
| Asymmetric bars | uneven bars |
| At the weekend | on the weekend |
| Aubergine | Eggplant |
| Autumn | Fall |
| Baking tray | Cookie sheet |
| Bank holiday | National holiday – Federal holiday |
| Barrister – Solicitor | Lawyer – Attorney |
| Base rate | Prime rate |
| Bat | Paddle |
| Costume | Swimsuit |
| Beetroot | Beet |
| Bill | Check |
| Bin – Dustbin | Garbage can – Trash can |
| Biro | Ball-point pen |
| Biscuit | Cookie |
| Blanket bath | Sponge bath |
| Blind | Shade |
| Boiler Suit | Coveralls |
| Bonnet | Hood |
| Caravan | Trailer |
| Casualty | Emergency |
| Catalogue | Catalog |
| Catapult | Slingshot |
| Chemist’s shop | Drugstore – Pharmacy |
| Chips | French fries |
| City Centre | Downtown |
| Cling Film | Plastic wrap |
| Cloakroom | Checkroom – Coatroom |
| Clothes peg | Clothespin |
| Common seal | Harbor seal |
| Consumer durables | Durable goods |
| Cornflour | Cornstarch |
| Cosy | Cozy |
| Creche | Daycare |
| Crossroads | Intersection |
| Current Account | Checking account |
| Crocodile clip | Alligator clip |
| Curriculum vitae (CV) | Resume |
| Curly brackets | Braces |
| Crash barrier | Guardrail |
| Cutlery | Silverware |
| Danger money | Hazard pay |
| Dear | Expensive |
| Dialling Tone | Dial Tone |
| Diamante | Rhinestone |
| Dinner jacket | Tux – Tuxedo |
| Directory enquiries | Directory assistance |
| Diversion | Detour |
| Dungarees | Overalls |
| Drinks party | Cocktail party |
| Earth | Ground |
| Eggy Bread | French Toast |
| Everywhere | Everyplace |
| Exam | Test |
| Expiry date | Expiration date |
| Flat | Apartment |
| Flavour | Flavor |
| Flick knife | Switchblade |
| Football | Soccer |
| Fortnight | Two Weeks |
| Flannel | Face cloth – Wash cloth |
| First floor | Second floor |
| Fish-fingers | Fish-sticks |
| Film | Movie |
| Fire engine | Fire truck |
| Fizzy Drink | Soda Pop |
| Full stop | Period |
| Gherkin | Pickle |
| Grill | Broil |
| Groundsman | Groundskeeper |
| Hairslide | Barrette |
| Harbour | Harbor |
| High Street | Main Street |
| Hire purchase | Installment plan |
| Holdall | Carryall |
| Hoover | Vacuum cleaner |
| Hatstand | Hatrack |
| Ice Lolly | Popsicle |
| Indicator | Blinker |
| Inverted commas | Quotation marks |
| Invigilator | Proctor |
| Jewellery | Jewelry |
| Jumble sale | Yard sale |
| Jumper | Sweater |
| Kilometre | Kilometer |
| Kit | Uniform |
| Letterbox – Postbox | Mailbox |
| Loudhailer | Bullhorn |
| Luggage van | Baggage car |
| Managing director | Chief Executive Officer |
| Minced meat | Ground meat |
| Monkey trick | Monkeyshines |
| Motorway | Freeway – Highway – Expressway |
| National Insurance Number | Social Security Number |
| Number plate | License plate |
| Off-licence | Liquor store – Package store |
| Pack of cards | Deck of cards |
| Paracetamol | Acetaminophen |
| Pedestrian crossing | Crosswalk |
| Plain chocolate | Dark chocolate |
By familiarizing yourself with these words, you’ll be able to use them in your daily conversations and interactions, whether you are speaking with a British or American friend. Additionally, if you are a teacher, you may need to specialize in one dialect. The choice is now yours to select the dialect that suits you best.
Here are the top three apps available on the Google Play Store that can help you study these words for free:
Top Apps to British VS American Words
British vs American English
This app is highly recommended for learning the differences between American and British English. It provides pronunciations and images for each word to aid in accurate pronunciation.
British VS American Words
This app helps you understand the most frequently used words in both dialects, featuring images from educational sources. However, it does not include pronunciation guides like the previous app.
British vs American English
This app offers three sections, each containing a set of different words with variations in American and British English. It also includes a unique feature: a quiz with 30 questions to test your knowledge of word meanings in both dialects without a timer.
In conclusion, we have provided most apps to know the difference between British and American English in this article. I hope you find this information helpful! If you have any further questions or need additional recommendations, feel free to ask in the comments section below.
