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Learn British English? Let’s look at American and British English!

“England and America are two countries divided by a common language.”

–George Bernard Shaw

Many of the lexical differences between the two dialects are a result of the rapid technological development that occurred in the 19th and 20th centuries.

As new machines were invented, new words were created to describe the machines.

Because of the distance between Great Britain and the United States, there was little or no attempt to standardize the vocabulary.

That’s why British and American words for automobiles, airplanes, and railroads are different. A few examples for automobiles and driving are below. The British word is given first, followed by the American.

bonnet – hood

boot – trunk

car park – parking lot

flyover – overpass

lorry – truck

12 Essential  Differences You Should Know
British English

At the weekend

Have got (preferred)

She wrote to him

Got (past of get)

Learnt, burnt, earnt (preferred/common)

From (date) to (date)

Mr, Mrs, Dr etc.

 

   American English

On the weekend

Have (preferred)

She wrote him

Gotten (past of get)

Learned, burned, earned

(Date) through (date)

Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.

 

Vocabulary
Toilet

Holiday

Bank holiday

VAT

Post,

Bathroom, washroom, restroom

Vacation

Public holiday

Sales tax

Mail,

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