Differences Between American and British English  Present Perfect Possession Get Vocabulary Past simple and participles Prepositions Spelling Present perfect In British English the present perfect is used to express an action that has occurred in the recent past that has an effect on the present moment. For example: I've lost my key. Can you help me look for it? In American English the following is also possible: I lost my key. Can you help me look for it? In British English the above would be considered incorrect. However, both forms are generally accepted in standard American English. Other differences involving the use of the present perfect in British English and simple past in American English include already, just and yet. BritE: I've just had lunch I've already seen that film Have you finished your homework yet? AmE: I just had lunch OR I've just had lunch I've already seen that film OR I already saw that film. Have your finished your homework yet? OR Did you finish your homework yet? Possession There are two forms too express possession in English. Have or Have got Do you have a car? Have you got a car? He hasn't got any friends. He doesn't have any friends. She has a beautiful new home. She's got a beautiful new home. While both forms are correct (and accepted in both British and American English), have got (have you got, he hasn't got, etc.) is generally the preferred form in British English while most speakers of American English employ the have (do you have, he doesn't have etc.) The Verb Get The past participle of the verb get is gotten in American English. Example He's gotten much better at playing tennis. British English – He's got much better at playing tennis. Vocabulary Probably the major differences between British and American English lie in the choice of vocabulary. Some words mean different things in the two varieties, for example: Mean: AmE = angry, bad humored, BritE = not generous, tight fisted Rubber: AmE = condom BritE = tool used to erase pencil markings There are many more examples. If there is a difference in usage, your dictionary will note the different meanings in its definition of the term. Many vocabulary items are also used in one form and not in the other. One of the best examples of this is the terminology used for automobiles. AmE – hood  BritE – bonnet (capô) AmE – trunk  BritE – boot  (porta-malas) AmE – truck  BritE – lorry  (caminhão) Once again, your dictionary should list whether the term is used in British English or American English. For a more complete list of the vocabulary differences between British and American English use this British vs. American English vocabulary tool. Prepositions There are also a few differences in preposition use, including the following: Am E – on the weekend           BritE – at the weekend AmE – on a team                      BritE – in a team  AmE – please write me soon  BritE – please write to me soon Past Simple/Past Participles The following verbs have two acceptable forms of the past simple/past participle in both American and British English. However, the irregular form is generally more common in British English (the first form of the two) and the regular form is more common to American English. Burn Burnt OR burned Dream dreamt OR dreamed Lean leant OR leaned Learn learnt OR learned Smell smelt OR smelled Spell spelt OR spelled Spill spilt OR spilled Spoil spoilt OR spoiled Spelling Here are some general differences between British and American spellings: Words ending in 'or' (American) and 'our' (British) color, colour, humor, humour, flavor, flavour etc. Words ending in 'ize' (American) and 'ise' (British) recognize, recognise, patronize, patronise etc. The best way to make sure that you are being consistent in your spelling is to use the spell check on your word processor (if you are using the computer of course) and choose which variety of English you would like. As you can see, there are really very few differences between standard British English and standard American English. However, the largest difference is probably that of the choice of vocabulary and pronunciation. For further information concerning these areas please refer to the following links below. American-British/British-American Dictionary An impressive resource for reference information concerning the differences in vocabulary use between American and British English. American Vs. British English An exhaustive study by the University of Tampere on the differences between American and British English and the geo-political reasons behind these differences. English Around The World An excllent link page to information, recordings, and vocabulary examples of English as it is used in many different countries around the world. United Kingdom English for the American Novice An amusing (some might find patronizing) instructive site dedicated to helping Americans understand United Kingdom English. home advanced