English isn’t just English. That would be way too simple! As we all know, whilst they are essentially the same language, there are many differences between British and American English. Some glaringly obvious (Britain likes the letter u, the US doesn’t for instance), but some surprisingly subtle.
I was asked a question the other day, about a simple phrase used in an email and whether it was British or American.
- First thought: Oh easy, British vs. American English
- Second thought: Oo, hold on, this isn’t immediately obvious
- Third thought: Clearly it sounds more American
- Fourth thought: Except I would probably say that myself…
- Fifth thought: Oh my word I don’t actually know!
(Turns out I got it wrong…)
Beyond a spelling test, would you know the difference?
Have a look at the phrases below and see how easily you can sort them into British and American English.
| My children’s behaviour has gotten a lot worse! | My children’s behaviour has got a lot worse! |
| Did you see my handbag anywhere? | Have you seen my handbag anywhere? |
| Emily is hyper this afternoon. She’s eaten too much sugar! | Emily is hyper this afternoon. She ate too much sugar! |
| You don’t need to come to the meeting this morning | You needn’t come to the meeting this morning |
| Tommy enjoys Science at school | Tommy enjoys Science in school |
Now see if you still think you’re right
Here are some grammatical rules distinguishing between British and American English.
| British English | American English |
| The past participle of get is got | The past participle of get is gotten |
| The present perfect is commonly used | The past simple is commonly used |
| Needn’t is sometimes used instead of don’t need to | Don’t need to is the usual form |
| At is often used when referring to institutions | In is often used when referring to institutions |
How often does the other version slip into your everyday speech and writing? Would you notice if a colleague or friend mixed and matched? Comment below any other tricky rules that trip you up!
Important note to finish on: Offer a Brit a squash and they’d probably choose orange or Ribena. Offer a squash in the US and they’d wonder why you were handing them a drink, on account of expecting a vegetable similar to a pumpkin. You never know when that might come in useful, huh?
On the subject of grammar, why is the present perfect called the present perfect? For the answer to this question and ideas for your lessons, have a look (or take a look…) at our post on classroom activities for teaching the present perfect.