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American and British English_ differences in vocabulary
American and British English_ differences in vocabulary
British and American English are very similar. However, there are some differences of
grammar, vocabulary and spelling. Here is a list of words that have different spellings or
meanings in British and American English.
Both British and American speakers use the word anywhere. In American English, anyplace
can also be used with similar meanings.
In British English, both apartment and flat are possible. Americans prefer the word
apartment.
The words attorney and lawyer are mainly used in American English. British speakers prefer
the other two – barrister and solicitor.
Both cab and taxi are possible in American English. Cab is not used in British English.
The container that is called can in American English is called tin in British English.
Cookie and cracker are mainly used in American English. Biscuit is the British equivalent for
these two words.
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American and British English: differences in vocabulary
These words have different meanings. Crazy is the American equivalent for mad. In American
English, mad means angry whereas in British English mad means crazy.
Stupid has the same meaning in both British and American English. In American English
dumb can also be used to mean stupid.
The word eraser is used in both British and American English. In British English, the word
rubber is also possible.
Both fall and autumn mean the same in American English. Fall does not mean autumn in
British English.
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