Teach English in TangguAntun Zhen - Tianjin

British english vs American EnglishWe all know that British english is the form of english used in the United Kingdom. It includes all english dialects used within the United Kingdom, and American english is the form of english used in the united states. It includes all english dialects used within the united states. There are certainly many more varieties of english, American and British english are the two varieties that are taught in most ESL/EFL programs. Generally, it is agreed that no one version is "correct" however, there are certainly preferences in use. The most important rule is to try to be consistent in your usage. If you decide to use American english spellings then be consistent in your spelling, this is of course not always easy - or possible. There are several differences between these two varieties of english, such as: 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. Probably the major difference between British and American english is in the choice of vocabulary. Some words mean different things in the two varieties for example: Mean- American english- Angry, bad humored; British english - not generous, tight fisted Rubber- American english ? condom; British english - tool used to erase pencil markings. There are many more examples. 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. American english?hood, British english?bonnet / American english?trunk, British english-boot American english?truck, British english-lorry There are also a few differences in preposition: American english - on the weekend British english - at the weekend American english - on a team British english - in a team American english - please write me soon British english - please write to me soon There are also verbs that 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. I will mention few of them as follows: 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 Speaking of differences they are also present in British and American spellings. Words ending in -or (American) -our (British) color, colour, humor, humour, flavor, flavour etc. Words ending in -ize (American) -ise (British) recognize, recognise, patronize, patronise etc. The best way to make sure that you are consistent in your spelling is to use the spell check on a word processor and choose which variety of english you would like. As we 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. I don?t mind using both American and British english but I must say that I prefer and I use more British english because I am more used to it, and I?ve studied all my life British english. Also according to me there is no difference what english someone uses until he/she uses it in the correct way.