You know summer is over when “autumn is coming” and “it’s brass monkey weather.” Or at least, you know this if you’re British. An American may say “fall’s on its way” or “I’m freezing my tail off.” Both speakers may scratch their heads over the other’s way of speaking. 

The divergence between British English and American English is a topic of perennial fascination. While both versions of the language are mutually intelligible, they have distinctive differences in vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and usage. Let’s take a closer look. 

A Brief History 

British English originated from Old English, called Englisċ, with the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons in the 5th century. It developed further with influence from Latin, Norse, and Norman French. Modern English emerged around the 16th century and brought with it a standardization of grammar and spelling. 

When British settlers brought English to America in the 17th century, it began to evolve separately due to cultural and environmental changes. Later, Americans pushing westward on the frontier in the 19th century often coined new words when needed, and the 20% of settlers who spoke a language other than English also influenced it’s early development.  

Different Vocabulary 

One of the most noticeable differences between British and American English is their vocabulary. While “autumn” and “fall” are used in both variants, British English speakers prefer “autumn” — from the Latin “autumnus” — while Americans favor “fall,” derived from the 16th century British expression “fall of the leaf.” 

Did you know that many words we categorize as typically American were originally British? “Soccer” and “sidewalk,” for example, were once common in British English but became outdated, while remaining in use in America. In some cases, words that are commonly used in one variant may be unfamiliar or have different meanings in the other. For example: 

  • British English: lift, lorry, petrol, biscuit 
  • American English: elevator, truck, gasoline, cookie 

These differences extend to everyday objects, clothing, and food. In British English, you might put on a “jumper” (sweater) and “trainers” (sneakers) before going to the “cinema” (movie theater) to watch a “film” (movie).  

Spelling Divergences 

British English spelling was inconsistent before the invention of the printing press, as evidenced by Middle English classics like Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales,” published in the late 14th century.  

British spelling became standardized after Samuel Johnson published “A Dictionary of the English Language” in 1775. In response, Americans created their own standard with Noah Webster’s “An American Dictionary of the English Language” in 1828. Webster aimed to simplify English spelling and reflect pronunciation more closely, likely influenced by the United States’ newfound independence from Great Britain. 

Common examples of this type of spelling divergence include: 

  • British English: colour, centre, favourite, realise, defence 
  • American English: color, center, favorite, realize, defense 

Grammar and Usage 

While the basic rules of English grammar remain consistent across both variants, there are subtle differences. British English speakers often use the present perfect tense to describe recent actions with present relevance, while American English speakers commonly use the simple past tense. An example would be: 

  • British English: “I have just eaten.” 
  • American English: “I just ate.” 

Prepositions and collective nouns also often differ slightly between the two dialects. A British speaker may say “at the weekend” while an American says “on the weekend.” In British English, “the team are winning,” while in American English, “the team is winning.” 

Pronunciation 

British and American speakers are easily distinguishable by their pronunciation and enunciation. The most noticeable difference is the use of the letter “r”. Many British accents, especially Received Pronunciation (RP), do not pronounce the “r” at the end of words before consonants (e.g., “car” sounds like “cah”). Most American English accents are rhotic, pronouncing all instances of “r”.  

Regional accents can vary, however, and some regions of England (such as Cornwall) use rhotic pronunciation, while some U.S. dialects like the Boston accent drop the “r” sound. 

Confused yet? These differences extend to vowels, as well. American English speakers tend to emphasize vowels, while British speakers use different vowel sounds and enunciate the entire word more distinctly. For instance, in British English, “bath” is pronounced with a broad “a” (like in “ah”), while in American English, it has a short, elongated “a” sound. 

Idiomatic Expressions 

Idioms reflect cultural differences and historical contexts, so it’s unsurprising that British and American English differ here as well. Some idioms like “break the ice,” which originated from ships breaking through frozen waters, are used in both variants. But most idioms have evolved to incorporate local culture and experiences. 

For example: 

  • British English: Tea is a cultural staple in the British Isles, and the idiom “It’s not my cup of tea” (it’s not to my taste) is very common. 
  • American English: Baseball is a popular sport in the United States, and the idiom “ballpark figure” is commonly used to refer to an estimate of cost or quantity, similar to the term “ballpark” referring to a general area or range in baseball. 

Explore the Rich Diversity of the English Language at The University of Texas Permian Basin 

Are you fascinated by the contextual and historical differences between British and American English? Consider The University of Texas Permian Basin’s two English programs: 

Both programs are taught entirely online and cover linguistic differences, literature, and cultural contexts, equipping students with a profound understanding of the English language. While our online MA in English requires a bachelor’s degree, it can lead to higher earnings and opportunities for doctoral studies or a career in law. 

Graduates pursue careers in fields like: 

  • Education 
  • Publishing 
  • Communication 
  • Civil services 
  • Advertising 

An English degree is incredibly versatile, leading to numerous and diverse opportunities based on your interests and goals. If you’re passionate about the English language and want to explore its rich diversity, take the next step in your educational journey and apply here.