The Differences Between American and British EnglishI. Introduction

The Differences Between American and British English
    Good morning, everyone, today we are going to talk about the differences between American and British English.(1)While there are certainly many more varieties of English, American English and British English are the two varieties that are taught in most programs of teaching non-native speakers. Generally, it is agreed that no one version is " correct" , however, there are certainly preferences in use. The three major differences between American and British English are: pronunciation—differences in both vowel and consonants, as well as stress and intonation: vocabulary—differences in nouns and verbs, especially phrasal verb usage: spelling—differences are generally found in certain prefix and suffix forms.
     (2)The most important rule of thumb is to try to be consistent in your usage. If you decide that you want to use American English spellings, then be consistent in your spelling. In another word, the color of the orange is also its flavour—color is American spelling and flavour is British. This is of course not always easy—or possible. The following guide is meant to point out the principal differences between these two varieties of English.
    Firstly, use of the present perfect in British English.(3)The present perfect is used to express an action that has occurred in the recent past and 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?(4)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. In British English: I’ve just had lunch. I’ve already seen that film. Have you finished your homework yet? In American English: I just had lunch or I’ve just had lunch. I’ve already seen that film or / already saw that film. Have your finished your homework yet? or Did you finish your homework yet?
    Secondly, possession. There are two forms to express possession in English. Have or Have got: Do you have a car? Have you got a car?
    He hasn’t got any friends. He doesn’t have any friends. She has a beautiful new home. She’s got a beautiful new home. While both forms are correct and accepted in both British and American English,(5)have got, have you got, he hasn’t got, etc. are generally the preferred forms in British English while most speakers of American English employ the "have" : do you have, he doesn’t have, etc.
    Thirdly, the verb get. The past participle of the verb get is gotten in American English. For example, he’s gotten much better at playing tennis. In British English, they say he’s got much better at playing tennis.
    Fourthly, vocabulary. Probably the major difference between British and American English lies in the choice of vocabulary.(6)Some words mean different things in the two varieties, for example, mean: in American English—angry, bad humored, while in British English—not generous, tight fisted: rubber: in American English—condom, while in British English—tool used to erase pencil markings. There are many more examples, too many for me to list here. If there is a difference in usage, your dictionary will note the different meanings in its definition of the term.(7)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. Once again, your dictionary should list whether the term is used in British English or American English.
    Fifthly, prepositions. There are also a few differences in preposition use, including the following: 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.
    Sixthly, past simple/past participle. The following verbs have two acceptable forms of the past simple/past participle in both American and British English, burn, burnt or burned, dream, dreamt or dreamed, learn, learnt or learned, smell, smelt or smelled, spell, spelt or spelled, spill, spilt or spilled, spoil, spoilt or spoiled. 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.
     (8)Seventhly, spelling. Here are some general differences between 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.(9)The best way to make sure that you are being consistent in your spelling is to use the spell check on your word processor if you are using the computer and choosing which variety of English you would like.
    As you can see, there are really very few differences between standard British English and standard American English. However,(10)the largest difference is probably the choice of vocabulary and pronunciation. No matter which dialect you have chosen, you need to be consistent in the usage. I hope that you, by adopting my suggestions, can speak fluent and standard American or British English with perfect pronunciation, carefully selected vocabulary and correct grammar. Thanks for your attention.