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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes<\/em><\/p>\n British and American English differ in six areas: spelling, vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, prepositions and idioms. Usually the difference is harmless, but in business communication it can cause confusion, and inconsistent use looks sloppy. This article lists the main differences, with tips on which variant to choose for business.<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the most visible differences between British and American English is spelling:<\/p>\n Noah Webster introduced many of these spelling variations in the 19th century, resulting in a standardised American spelling that looks simpler than the British version.<\/p>\n British and American English use different words for the same objects and concepts, which can lead to confusion and funny misunderstandings:<\/p>\n A Brit asking for a biscuit expects a cookie, while an American thinks of a soft bread roll. And watch out with pants: trousers in America, underwear in Britain.<\/p>\n Pronunciation also differs considerably:<\/p>\n Americans also clearly pronounce the r at the end of words (car, water), where it often disappears in British English.<\/p>\n There are grammatical differences between the two variants as well:<\/p>\n Brits also use the present perfect more often, as in “I have just eaten”, while Americans tend towards the simple past: “I just ate”.<\/p>\n British and American English also differ in their use of prepositions:<\/p>\n These differences are subtle, but they help determine whether your English sounds natural and correct.<\/p>\n The differences are also reflected in idiomatic expressions:<\/p>\n Americans also say “to hit the books” (to study), where Brits would rather “do some revision”.<\/p>\n For business communication, the answer is simple: which variant you choose matters less than being consistent. A proposal with colour in one paragraph and color in the next looks sloppy. So look at your audience: working mainly with British or European partners? Choose British English. Focused on the American market? Choose American. Record the choice in a style guide, so the whole team uses the same variant, in email signatures, presentations and on the website.<\/p>\n Does your team regularly hesitate over choices like these, or does the English in emails and meetings sound just short of professional? Then it is rarely a matter of variant, but of proficiency.<\/p>\n More professional English for your team?<\/strong><\/p>\n In a Business English course, your team practises with real work situations: emails, meetings, presentations and negotiations. Tailored to your sector, in-company or online.<\/p>\n1. Spelling<\/h2>\n
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2. Vocabulary<\/h2>\n
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3. Pronunciation<\/h2>\n
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4. Grammar<\/h2>\n
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5. Prepositions<\/h2>\n
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6. Idioms and slang<\/h2>\n
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Which variant should you choose for business?<\/h2>\n