AMERICAN VS BRITISH ENGLISH

The differences between British and American English grammar are small. Here are the main differences.

Americans often use the past simple where British people use the present perfect (especially with just, already and yet).

AMERICAN ENGLISH BRITISH ENGLISH

Zoe just arrived. Zoe has just arrived. Did you talk to Carl yet? Have you talked to Carl yet? I already saw the show. I’ve already seen the show.

Americans often use have (with do or does in negatives, questions and short answers) where British people use have got.

I have two sisters.

I’ve got two sisters. I don’t have a bike. I haven’t got a bike.

– Do you have any money?

– Yes, I do

– Have you got any money?

– Yes, I have

British people use got as the past participle of get. Americans often use gotten

I’ve gotten a broken nose!

I’ve got a broken nose!

There are some differences in spelling. For example: traveled travelled color colour theater theatre zip code postcode elevator lift

There are also some differences in the use of words and in their meaning.

French fries chips

Work together with a classmate and make a list of more words that are different in American and British English.