British Vs American English Spelling- II
Dear
readers, in the previous post we learnt about the basic differences such as io/ou,
l/ll, z/s, and usage of hyphens between the British and American
spelling systems. In continuation with the previous post, let us discuss the
remaining facts in this aspect of spelling differences between British and
American English.
-er/-re?
It
is found that in British English -re is the common spelling in
words like, metre, theatre, and centre. It is contrary to the American
spelling system, i.e., -er is added instead of -re.
For example, meter, theatre, center.
-ce or -se?
In
British English the noun words that end with -ce sometimes
end with -se in verb forms. For example, advice (noun) – advise
(verb), practice (noun) – practise (verb), licence (noun) –
license (verb). Whereas, in American English generally -se
is used at the end for both nouns and verbs. For example, practise, advise,
defense as nouns; practise, advise, defense are
used as verbs.
-oe or -ae?
-oe
and
-ae differences are common in English. In British English, -oe
is accepted. For example, anaesthesia, homoeopathy, and diarrhoea.
Whereas in American English, -e alone is used instead of -oe.
For instance, homeopathy, diarrhea, anesthesia.
-e or -ue?
In
British English, -e or -ue is used without any
change at the end of a word like dialogue, catalogue and analogue.
But in American spelling -e or -ue is removed. For
example, dialog, catalog, and analog.
-eable or -able?
In
British English “-eable” is accepted in words like unshakeable,
likeable, ageing. On the other hand, in American English “e”
is usually removed. For example, likable, unshakable. Contrarily, “manageable”
is allowed to be used in American English as well.
In the next post, let us learn more about these differences between British and American English.
Author:
K.
Nandhakumar
Assistant
Professor of English
Sri
Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science (Autonomous)
Coimbatore-
641 020
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