Regional Spelling Differences
We cannot properly talk about English literature without talking about the way something is written, a big part of which is spelling. A constant source of irritation with grammar snobs is the difference in dialects. Indeed, the way that the English language has developed can be very different depending on the region. Today’s post will provide a brief rundown of the most significant spelling differences between British English, American English and Australian English. Common practice is that Australian English tends to follow the rules of British English, though there are some exceptions.
In all cases, the most important thing is to maintain consistency in your writing and not to switch between styles and dialects for the same word. The best practice is to check a dictionary if you are unsure or, as we are so fortunate to be able to do, google it. The below should be a good overview of the typical spelling differences to keep an eye out for.
For your convenience, I have provided a printable summary of everything that is below to use as quick reference whenever needed, that can be found here.
Happy writing!
| -or (US) | -our (UK and AUS) |
| Color Behavior Flavor Labor | Colour Behaviour Flavour Labour |
| -er (US) | -re (UK and AUS) |
| Fiber Theater Meter | Fibre Theatre Metre |
| -og (US) | -ogue (UK and AUS) |
| Analog (sometimes used by AUS as well) Pedagog dialog/dialogue | Analogue Pedagogue dialogue |
| -ize (US) | -ise (UK and AUS) |
| Familiarize Realize Recognize capitalize | Familiarise Realise Recognise Capitalise |
Exceptions: The following words are written with -ise even in the US.
Advertise
Advise
Apprise
Chastise
Compromise
Despise
Disguise
Excise
Exercise
Improvise
Incise
Prise
Promise
Revise
Supervise
Surmise
Surprise
Televise
| -yze (US) | -yse (UK and AUS) |
| Analyze Catalyze paralyze | Analyse Catalyse paralyse |
| -s- (US) | -c- (UK and AUS) |
| Defense Expense Offense Exceptions: Silence absence | Defence Offence Silence Absence Exception: expense |
It is worth noting that the adjective forms of some words can be different. For example the, the UK uses -c- in defence but the adjective form uses -s- in defensive.
| -oe- vs. -ae- vs. -e- | ||
|---|---|---|
| UK | AUS | US |
| Encyclopaedia Manoeuvre Paediatric | Encyclopedia Manoeuvre Paediatric | Encyclopedia Maneuver Pediatric |
| -eable v. -able | ||
|---|---|---|
| UK | AUS | US |
| Likeable Sizeable Changeable notable | Likeable Sizeable Changeable notable | Likable Sizable Changeable notable |
Other Common Spelling Differences
| UK | AUS | US |
| Cheque Programme Aluminium Jewellery Aeroplane Moustache Orientated Pyjamas Speciality Annexe Artefact Cypher Cosy Doughnut Grey Liquorice Mould Omelette Plough Tyre Foetus | Cheque Program Aluminium Jewellery Aeroplane Moustache Orientated Pyjamas Specialty Annexe Artefact Cipher Cosy Doughnut or Donut Grey Liquorice or Licorice Mould Omelette Plough Tyre Fetus | Check Program* Aluminum Jewelry Airplane Mustache or Moustache Oriented Pajamas Specialty Annex Artifact Cipher Cozy Donut Gray Licorice Mold Omelet Plow Tire Fetus |
* Note that the UK and AUS use this spelling when referring to computers
Noun and Verbs and Spelling Difference
The spelling of some words depends on its usage as a noun or verb. Best practice is to check a dictionary if unsure. Trying to distinguish between proper noun and verb usage can be difficult for spell checks to catch as the word itself is not spelt wrong, but may only be used wrongly. As such it is useful to familiarise yourself with differences.
| UK | AUS | US |
| Practice – noun Practise – verb | Practice – noun Practise – verb | Practice – both noun and verb |
| Licence – noun License – verb | Licence – noun License – verb | License – both noun and verb |
| Advice – noun Advise – verb | Advice – noun Advise – verb | Advice – noun Advise – verb |
Different Spellings, Different Meanings
| UK | AUS | US |
| Dependant (noun) Dependent (adjective) | Dependant (noun) Dependent (adjective) | Dependent (both noun and adjective) |
| Ensure (to make certain) Insure (to guarantee) | Ensure (to make certain) Insure (to guarantee) | Ensure (to make certain only) Insure (both to guarantee or to make certain) |
| Matt (non glossy surface) Matte (the motion-picture technique) | Matt (non glossy surface) Matte (the motion-picture technique) | Matte (both meanings apply) |
| Draught (amount of liquid) Draft (plans and sketches) | Draught (amount of liquid) Draft (plans and sketches) | Draft (both meanings apply) |
Past Tenses
| UK uses -ed and -t interchangeable for past tense verbs and adjectives | AUS follows the UK | US almost always use -ed for past tense verbs, but sometimes use -t for adjectives |
| smelled/smelt burned/burnt dreamed/dreamt | smelled/smelt burned/burnt dreamed/dreamt | Smelled burned/burnt dreamed |
Percent and Per cent
In formal writing, percent is usually preferred over the symbol (%). However, this often depends on the university or company style guide, so if you are unsure, that is a good place to look. It is also differently written in different dialects.
British English traditionally prefers separating the word into two, per cent whereas the US keep it as a single word, percent. Both are acceptable in either dialect. As mentioned before, the key is consistency. Pick one and stick to it.
~S~
Featured Image by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
