American and British EnglishPeople in the United States and in Britain both speak English. But American English and British English can be very different. First, some words have a different spelling. The British like the letter “u”, and they write “colour” and “favourite”. Americans stopped using it in these words. They write “color” and “favorite”. Sometimes the two countries use different words for the same thing. Americans live in apartments with elevators. The British live in flats with lifts. Americans put gas in their cars, but the British put in petrol. When it is dark, Americans use a flashlight. The British use a torch. Some expressions are different too. In Britain, people sometimes say “Bob’s your uncle” at the end of some simple instructions. It has nothing to do with a real uncle called Bob! Americans might say “and there you have it” or “Ta-da!” A long talk with a friend is a “chat” in the United States. The British sometimes call it a “chin-wag”. When British people are very surprised, they may say they are “gobsmacked”. Americans say they are “shocked” or “blown away”. Both countries use the word “cheers”, but in different ways. Americans say it over drinks, when they wish someone good health. The British use “cheers” to say “thank you”. So which one is better? You do not have to choose. American English and British English both have their strong points.
