Variations in spelling exist in English words. In Great Britain and Canada, some words have spellings that differ from American spellings. Readers of books by British and Canadian publishers will note these differences. Some confusion may arise depending on the writer’s experience with these variant spellings.
Many nouns that in American English end in –or, in British English end in –our.
| American English | British English |
|---|---|
| arbor | arbour |
| behavior | behaviour |
| candor | candour |
| color | colour |
| favor | favour |
| neighbor | neighbour |
| splendor | splendour |
Some nouns that in American English end in –er, in British English end in –re.
| American English | British English |
|---|---|
| center | centre |
| meter | metre |
| specter | spectre |
| theater | theatre |
Some nouns that in American English end in –se, in British English end in –ce.
| American English | British English |
|---|---|
| defense | defence |
| offense | offence |
| pretense | pretence |
Other words also have variant spellings.
| American English | British English |
|---|---|
| check | cheque |
| connection | connexion |
| curb | kerb |
| draft | draught |
| inquire | enquire |
| maneuver | manoeuvre |
| mold | mould |
| mustache | moustache |
| pajamas | pyjamas |
| plow | plough |
| program | programme |
| skillful | skilful |
| sulfur | sulphur |
| traveler | traveller |
Did you know that if you subscribe to our website, you will receive email notifications whenever content changes or new content is added.
1. Enter your e-mail address below and click the Sign Me Up button.
2. You will receive an email asking you to confirm your intention of subscribing to our site.
3. Click the link in the email to confirm. That’s all there is to it! Note: if you wish to unsubscribe from our site, click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email you received.
Then indicate you no longer wish to receive our emails.
Thank You
IWeb TEFL Team