Some Differences Between British And American English

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SOME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BRITISH AND

AMERICAN ENGLISH

A PAPER

BY

ELLEMINA TARIGAN

REG. NUM : 042202032

DIPLOMA III ENGLISH STUDY PROGRAM FACULTY OF LETTERS

UNIVERSITY OF SUMATERA UTARA MEDAN

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Approved by Supervisor

NIP: 131570486

Drs. Umar Mono, M.Hum

Submitted to Faculty of Letters University of Sumatera Utara

in partial fulfillment of the requirements for DIPLOMA (D-III) in English.

Approved by

Head of Diploma Three English Study Program,

NIP : 130702287

Dra.Syahyar Hanum,DPFE

Approved by the Diploma III of English Study Program

Faculty of Letters, University of Sumatera Utara As a paper for the Diploma (D-III) Examination.

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Accepted by the Board of Examiners in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the D-III Examination of the Diploma III of English Study Program, Faculty of Letters,

University of Sumatera Utara.

The examination is held on the

Faculty of Letters, University of North Sumatera Dean,

NIP : 132098531

Drs. Syaifuddin, M.A. Ph. D

Board of Examiners and Reader:

Supervisor : Drs. Umar Mono, M. Hum

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AUTHOR’S DECLARATION

I am, ELLEMINA TARIGAN, declare that I am the sole author of this paper. Except where reference is made in the text of this paper, this paper contains no material published elsewhere or extracted in whole or in part from a paper by which I have qualified for or awarded another degree.

No other person’s work has been used without due acknowledgement in the main text of the paper. This paper has not been submitted for the award of another degree in any tertiary education.

Signed : Date :

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COPYRIGHT DECLARATION

Name : Ellemina Tarigan

Title of paper : Some differences between British and American English Qualification : D-III/ Ahli madya

Study Program : English

I am willing that my paper should be available for reproduction at the discretion of the Librarian of the Diploma III English Study Program Faculty of Letters USU on the understanding that users are made aware of their obligation under law of the Republic of Indonesia.

Signed : Date :

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ABSTRAK

Kertas karya ini berjudul “Some Differences Between British and American English”. Kertas karya ini memaparkan secara singkat tentang perbedaan antara British and

American English baik dalam speling, grammar, maupun vocabulary sehingga akan

diketahui secara jelas perbedaan diantara keduanya. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kepustakaan dengan membaca beberapa buku bahasa Inggris sebagai bahan referensi yang dapat mendukung topik. Dari pemaparan diatas ada beberapa hasil temuan yaitu antara sejarah British dan American English, perbedaan antara British dan American English dalam segi vocabulary, grammar dan

spelling.

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Bismillahirrahmannirrahim

Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to Allah SWT, the Almighty, merciful and the most gracious for his loving and blessing that has given health, patience, strength in completing this paper then, I never forget to say shalawat to our big prophet Muhammad SAW who has brought us to the life full of knowledge and science like we have now.

Secondly, I would like to express my appreciation to those who have given me advice, motivation, and help in accomplishing my paper.

1. My beloved parents, Ramli Tarigan and Samaria Ginting who have supported me in material, education, motivation and always pray for me so that I am always healthy and can accomplish my paper.

2. My Brothers and sister, Edy Syahputra, Indra Lesmana and Marta Solina, who have become my cheeriness and motivation, I do love you all.

3. Drs. Syaifuddin, M.A, Ph.D. as the dean of Faculty of Letters, University of Sumatera Utara.

4. Drs. Syahyar Hanum,DPFE as the head of Diploma Three English Program who has agreed the title and proposal of my paper and for her advice and help.

5. Drs. Umar Mono, M. Hum as my supervisor who has spent his time in correcting this paper and giving advice and guidance to finish my paper. 6. Drs. Yulianus Harefa, M.Ed. TESOL as my reader who has helped and

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7. All lecturers in Diploma Three English Program who have taught and given me a lot of knowledge.

8. My lovely friends, Era sweet and Shanty cute who have supported me in accomplishing my paper.

9. My Ex-housemates friends, Wak Lab’s (Ira), D’ Nani, K’Gita, K’ Intan, Rini for living together in a happiness and sadness.

10. All of my friends in Diploma Three English Program also students in 2004, 2005 academic years who cannot be mentioned one by one for their moral support and friendship during her study .

Finally, I realize that this paper is far from being perfect and without any help, support, and spirit from my beloved parties, this paper could not be completed, so I really hope and appreciate for constructive critics and suggestions. I do hope this paper will be worthwhile for all of us.

Medan, 25 June 2008 The Writer,

Reg. No. : 042202032 Ellemina Tarigan

AUTHOR’S DECLARATION

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COPYRIGHT DECLARATION

ABSTRAK ... i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ... ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS ... iv

1. INTRODUCTION ... 1

Background of The Study ... 1

Scope of The Study ... 3

Purpose of The Study ... 4

Significance of The Study ... 4

2. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF BRITISH AND AMERICAN ENGLISH ... 5

History of British English ... 5

History of American English ... 7

3. SOME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BRITISH AND AMERICAN ENGLISH ... 11

Differences in Vocabulary Between British and American English ... 11

3.1.1 Cars and Driving ... 11

3.1.2 Food ... 13

3.1 3 Others ... 14

Differences in Grammar Between British and American English ... 21

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3.2.1 The Usage of Present Perfect ... 21

3.2.2 The Usage of Preposition ... 22

3.2.3 The Usage of Possessions ... 23

3.2.4 The Usage of the Verb GET ... 24

3.2.5 The Usage of Past Simple/Past Participle ... 24

3.2.6 The Verb Agreement with Collective Nouns ... 25

3.2.7 The usage of delixical verbs HAVE and TAKE ... 25

3.2.8 The Usage of Auxiliaries and Modals ... 26

Differences in Spelling Between British and American English ... 27

4. CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS ... 31

4.1 Conclusions ... 31

4.2 Suggestions ... 34

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ABSTRAK

Kertas karya ini berjudul “Some Differences Between British and American English”. Kertas karya ini memaparkan secara singkat tentang perbedaan antara British and

American English baik dalam speling, grammar, maupun vocabulary sehingga akan

spelling.

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1.INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

English, a universal or an international language, has its own variety. for example, British English, American English, Indian English, and so forth. Variety happens because English is spoken in many different parts all around the world developed through colonialism, territorial expansion, urbanization and close cultural contact. As people speaking English live in different custom and background, therefore English shows gradual slight changes among native speaker of English and they display variety. In short, universal language, English has had variety in different parts.

Varieties of English are inclined to make principal differences between one kind of English to the other kind. British English is different from American English in some ways. If those differences are not well understood, the English learners will interpret English incorrectly in some aspects. John S. Hartanto (1996 : 362 – 407) states that there are six principal differences between British and American English namely vocabulary, spelling, number, business letter, grammar, and pronunciation differences. Some differences are just slight in one part but others are numerous in other part.

Problem will happen between English users if the spelling difference is not well understood. Mostly, the applicant’s English capability will be judged through the applicant’s English application letter at a glance. If the applicant mixes British and American English in application letter, the American selector might ignore the

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applicant’s letter because the selector regards that the applicant’s English is not qualified. This happens probably because teachers often mix both British and American while teaching or speaking so as the result, learners also mix British and American English because they do not understand the exact differences. Basically, the spelling difference is not wide. However, the English learners must know and apply the spelling difference in order to adjust the English with the condition.

Vocabulary is the builder of sentence. One English word can have different meanings in British and American English. The problem happens when the interpreter interprets a word. For example, the meaning of a word in British English which is used in context is interpreted into American English’s meaning. In addition, one notion can have different words in British English with American English. It means a word in British English can be different with American English for the same meaning. The problem also happens when an author writes a book whether scientific or educational English book as diction is crucial. The effect of problem will be fatal in medical department. The patient will die or get worse on account of wrong interpretation. Therefore the English users must learn and apply the vocabulary differences.

British English grammatical rules are different from American English grammatical rules in some aspects. English learners often doubt in adding the verb suffix for the subject of the word, government or team in which in British English, they are plural noun meanwhile in American English, they are singular noun. Knowing grammar is crucial in building a grammatical sentence. Therefore English learners must learn the Grammatical Differences between British and American

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English so that the job applicants can write an application letter and speak English grammatically based on the demanded English. It will also ease the English learners to study and apply English to avoid wrong interpretation. Furthermore, the adding of suffix in part of speech component can be implemented on the basis of certain English. In conclusion, Grammatical Difference between British and American English must be learned well in order to use English appropriately.

The writer herself knows little about the differences between British and American English and it is still difficult to differ them in context. Moreover, there are many problems happening on account of the lack of Differences' understanding being like the above examples. Therefore, those above deviations principally encourage me describe the differences between British and American in vocabulary, grammar, and spelling differences.

1.2 Scope of the Study

The differences between British and American English are quite wide. Every expert has different opinion and approach on the differences between British and American English. In this Paper, I focus on three differences between British and American English namely vocabulary, grammar, and spelling differences.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The purpose of writing this paper is to describe the vocabulary, grammar, and spelling differences between British and American English.

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1.4 Significance of the Study

Significance is the point of every work. I believe that by reading this paper, the learners will understand the three differences between British and American English namely vocabulary, spelling, and grammar differences. Therefore, the learners will be able to differ the British and American English in context while interpreting or reading, to adjust English with the suitable sort of English while writing, to add appropriate suffix in part of speech component so that wrong interpretation can be avoided and English speaker speaks and writes English in both grammar and meaning correct.

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2. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF BRITISH AND

AMERICAN ENGLISH

2.1 History of British English

English, Indo-European, was West Germanic language of Anglo Fused dialect. At the end of the fifth century, English was introduced to native Britisher, Celts through British Isles invasion by West Germanic invader including Anglia, Saxon, Frisian, Jute, and Frank tribes. Those tribes subjugated Celts as pushing back them to Western and Northern part of British Isles after two hundred years of invasion. During two hundred years of invasion, West Germanic invaders learned Celtic and Celts learned English. This mutual learning produced an English combination with Celtic. Then that language combination was also influenced by other native British languages such as Walsh and Gaelic language. Therefore, English also absorbed many Welsh and Gaelic words. This previous combination of some languages produced a language named old English. In conclusion, basically English was West Germanic language of Anglo Fussed dialect in which it was introduced to native Britisher, Celts through invasion by West Germanic invaders and as a result it got many influences previously from some native British languages namely Celtic, Welsh, and Gaelic.

Before West Germanic invaders arrived in British Isles, on the way to British Isles, they traded and held a war with society of Roman Empire. Therefore, many Roman words were absorbed into West Germanic invaders’ English. The absorbed Roman words were native Roman words and also Loan Roman words. Therefore,

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English brought by West Germanic invaders by British Isles, had absorbed many Roman words previously whether native or loan Roman words before it was introduced to Britisher.

The king of British Isles, Vortigern, invited Angle Kin tribe led by Hengest and Horsa in 449 in order to solve the conflict between the royalty and Pict tribe. And for the reply, the king gave Angle Kin tribe the southeastern part of England to be settled. Next, the king invited Ald Seaxum tribe to come to British Isles to be the witnesses. Therefore, both Angle Kin tribe and Ald Seaxum tribe were the English developer in Southeastern part of England as they established seven royalties called Heptarchy.

Roman Christian missionaries arrived in British Isles in 597. Their mission was to spread Christianity to Britisher. They spoke old English as mixing with Roman and Greek words for the sermon activity. In addition, Roman Christian missionaries also translated Bible, religious tracts, early historical books, and records of Germanic poetry (Beowulf epic) into English. And as a result, many Roman words were contributed into the English translation. Therefore, by Christianity spreading in British Isles, many Roman and Greek words became English word.

Second waves of Germanic invaders were Vikings, Norsemen, and Norway tribes from Denmark. They explored the West of England in the eight century and they settled in the Northeastern part of England. Then, they gradually blended with the Anglo-Saxon population. By their coming to Northeastern part of England, English got influence from Vikings and Norsemen words.

English was also added by thousands of French word as the result of the Norman Conquest. The Norman was descendant of Viking invaders who had settled in

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Northern France and had acquired a Northern French dialect. Norman noblemen took over the land of British Isles and Norman Clergymen took over the highest position in the church. Therefore, the language of the King’s court, government, law, and literature was French for several countries in British Isles. However, that English was still spoken by British citizen whether native British dweller or immigrants. But they accidentally learned French while interacting with French-speaking Norman or French –speaking residents. French words absorption and assimilation into English happened from 1100 to 1500 A.D. Most of absorbed words were words related to political role of overlord, aristocratic, and other words of other different aspects. In conclusion, English absorbed many French words as the English developed in British Isles.

2.2 History of American English

American English is the form of English used in United States. English was firstly introduced to America in 17th century by British subjects colonizing the East Coast of North America. They colonized for farming the land of America and they finally settled in East Coast of North America as mixing with previous settlers namely German, French, Dutch, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish, Scots, Welsh, Irish, Scottish, Gaelic, and Finnish. In short, before the colonization by British subject and others to North America, there were already some Native American settlers lived in North America of United States.

British subjects are the English carriers to East Coast of North America. They settled on East Coast of North America in 17th century in which German and French

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are the met settlers on East Coast of North America. On account of their colonization to East Coast, ninety percent of East Coast dwellers are British subjects. Therefore, English becomes commonly spoken language for interaction among dwellers of different origin. However, English stands variety on account of various origins of British subjects and also the settler’s raising from other country. Basically, they were eager to move to America specially North America because they farm the America land. English used in America is influenced by native language such as Native American place names. For examples: Allegheny, Chicago, Mississippi, and Potomac and also Native American names for things not found in Europe or Asia. For example: moose, opossum, squash, moccasin, tomatiawk, and totem. And some of Native American words were spelled into English spoken by British subjects such as the word, Wuchak becomes Woodchuck. Therefore, English carried by British subjects, gets variety on account of various settlers’ origin and also gets influences from Native American language.

People from Ireland and Northern Europe settled with British settlers in the 18th century. Therefore, there were numerous amount of Ireland, Northern Europe and British settlers living in East Coast of North America. Living in America by American revolution time in 1775 until 1783. Some European settlers established the new settlement as separated settlement such as Pennsylvania Germans but most European settlers mixed with British settlers and they contributed some of their own words into American English for instance the words, pumpkin, bayou, and bureau from French; cookie, waffle, and boss. From Dutch, Pietzel, Pinochle, and Phooey from German. Scottish and Irish also influenced the American settlers with r

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pronunciation after vowel in which in Scottish and Irish. It was pronounced meanwhile British subjects often neglect the r pronunciation after vowel. But in fact, American settlers whether British subjects or other European settlers pronounced the

r after vowel in a word for instance in the word car, far

Many Africans were imported as slaves throughout the East Coast of North America. By the American Revolution, one quarter of American population consisted of African Americans. Ninety five percent of African Americans lived in plantation area and slaves were not allowed to share with Gevecoeur’s Native American. Therefore, they learned American English from their leader, overseers, and other slaves on plantations. Some slaves have developed Creole language, Native American languages in which combinated with other settler’s languages and gradually many African words were also absorbed into American English. For example: the words, gumbo, okra, voodoo, etc.

, etc. Therefore, American English brought by British subjects also got influences from other European languages such as French, Dutch, German, Scottish, and Irish.

Many settlers moved into the West part of America during 19th and 20th century. This happened because North America is fully dominated by the French, the Spanish, and the Native Americans. In addition, many settlers also moved into the urban area in order to work in industry as the industry sector developed. Therefore, during this term, farm and industry were main factor of America colonization. Some city immigrants during these area immigrants still preserved their own native language but others often mixed their original language with the met language. For example, Northern European settled in West and Southwest of America, adapted and

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influenced Spanish-speaking settlers who were already there previously. Spanish also donates some words for American English for instance the words, enchilada, pueblo, sombrero, tortilla, alfalfa, cockroach, marina, plaza, and ranch. In conclusion, settlers moved to west part of America or to industry area during 19th and 20th century also adapted and influenced the previous language met in immigration area.

Scandinavians established homesteads in the upper Midwest. Scandinavians donated some words for American English, for instance, The Wads, Kosher, Kibitz, etc. Polish immigrants settled in Chicago. Polish Immigrants contributed The Words, Kielbasa, Pierogi, etc. Chinese immigrants settled in San Francisco or Los Angeles. They donated The Wads, Chow Mein, Mahjong, etc. Italians immigrants, settled in many cities of America, contributed the ward, spaghetti, pizza, etc. Finally, settlers, derived from various different countries, besides settled in America, they also influenced the Native American language by contributing their original words into Native American language and they also adapted their native language with Native American Language. These Mutual influences gradually established a language called American English.

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3. SOME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BRITISH AND

AMERICAN ENGLISH

3.1 Differences in Vocabulary between British and American English

There are some differences vocabulary between British and American English, but has similar meaning.

Example:

3.1.1. Cars and driving

American British

Antenna (“aerial” used regionally in the past but has faded from use)

Aerial

Hood Bonnet

Trunk Boot

Parking lot Car park muffler Car silencer Reflectors (embedded in road) Cats eyes

Median Central reservation Odometer Clock

Detour Diversion Drunk driving Drink-driving Driver’s license Driving license Divided highway Dual carriageway Dump truck Dumper truck Dead battery Flat battery Overpass Flyover Crossroads Fourway High beams Full lights Gear shift Gear lever Rental car Hire car Turn signals Indicators Low beams Lights dipped Freeway Motorway beltway Orbital Gasoline

Gas

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Drive shaft Propeller shaft Towing Recovery Circle

Rotary

Roundabout Straightaway( as at a race

track)

Straight Fill up

Top off

Top up Power train Transmission Left turn Turning left Right turn Turning right

Tire Tyre

Dirt road, unpaved road Unmade road Windshield Windscreen Defroster

Defogger

Window heater

Fender Wing

Transmission Gear box 3.1.2 Food

American British

Eggplant Aubergine Cookie Biscuit Cotton candy Candy floss French fries Chips cornstarch Corn flour Zucchini

Zucchini squash

Courgettes Potato chips Crisps Fish sticks Fish fingers

Jelly Jam

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3.1.3 Others

American British

Prenatal Antenatal Counterclockwise Anticlockwise Fall (“autumn” is used, but

only in formal or poetic language)

Autumn

Baggage claim Baggage reclaim (airport)

Bicentennial Bicentenary Check (restaurant) Bill

Trash bag Bin liner Reservations

(verb-to reserve as in restaurant, hotel)

Bookings (verb-to book) Botanical garden Botanic garden

Suspenders Braces

Rebate, cash back Cash back (noun) Non-profit organization

Non-for-profit

Charity Inexpensive

(not necessarily in a negative light)

Cheap Pharmacy, drug store Chemists Movie theater, theater Cinema “clued in” “clued up”

Bus Coach

Car (railroad) Coach (railway) “for that matter” “come to that” Crib (for a baby) Cot

Clippings

(as in news clippings)

Cuttings Do it yourself DIY Trash bin Dustbin

Busy Engaged (as in telephone)

Tuition Fee (for schooling) Equip, fit out Fit (verb)

Fixtures Fittings

Set Fix (verb-as in “fix a date”)

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Soccer Football Toll-free Free phone Business reply mail (no

stamp needed)

Freepost Dress (noun) Frock

Period Full stop (punctuation) Men’s room Gents

principal headmaster Blind

(noun-as in duck blind)

Hide (noun) Rent (rent a car) Hire (hire a car) Stove, stovetop Hob

Vacation Holiday Homey (pleasant)

(In the U.S., “homely” describes a person as plain or unattractive)

Homely

Sick Ill

“from now on” “in future” “get on the train” “join the train” Sweater Jumper

Sleep in Lie in Elevator Lift

Laundromat Launderette Truck Lorry Tent Marquee

Math Maths

Cell (phone) Mobile(phone) For a short time

(but not “in a second”)

Momentarily

Mom Mum

Diapers Nappies Nothing, zero Nil Bill (currency) Note On line On stream Open house Open day

Field Pitch ( for playing sports)

Turtle neck Polo neck, roll neck

Mail Post

Stroller Pram Line

(noun as in “bus queue”

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and verb as in “queue up”)

Railroad Railway

Study Read

(verb-“read a subject in college”)

Layoff (verb-to lay off) Redundancy

Moving Removal (as in removal van)

Round trip (as in round trip ticket)

Return

Collect call Reverse charge call Raise Rise (noun in salary) Eraser (in U.S., rubber is

slang for condom

Rubber Backpack Rucksack

Fire Sack (verb-from employment)

Pruners or clippers Secateurs Cheap Shoddy

Shopping cart Shopping trolley Sports Sport

Lawyer, attorney Solicitor “excuse me”, “pardon me” “sorry” Wrench (noun) Spanner

Run (for election) Stand (for election) Appetizers Starters

Garter Suspenders Curse word Swear word Underpass Subway Faucet Tap Rates, prices Tarrifs Asphalt (tarmac is used in

U.S. only in airport context)

Tarmac Dish towel

Dish cloth

Tea towel Telephone both Telephone box Bid (as in bid for building

contract)

Tender (noun or verb) For rent To let

By trade To trade Restroom Toilet Flashlight Torch

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Sneakers Trainers Triple Treble

Transportation Transport (noun) Pants Trousers

Cart Trolley Subway Tube

Tucked in Tucked up (as in “the baby was tucked up for the night)

Study of Tuition for (noun as in “tuition for the flute” Subway Underground

Upscale Up market Vacuum tube Valve Undershirt Vest Walker (device to assist the elderly)

Walking frame Doing the dishes Washing up Vest Waistcoat

3.2 Differences in Grammar between British and American English

There are some differences in Grammar between British and American English. They are:

3.2.1 The usage of Present Perfect

In British English, The Present Perfect is used to express an action that has accrued in the recent past that has an effect on the present moment.

Example:

▪ I’ve lost my key. Can you help me look for it? (British English)

▪ I lost my key. Can you help me look for it? (American English)

In British English, the usage above would be considered incorrect. However, both forms are generally accepted in standard American English.

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Other differences involving the usage of present perfect in British English and American English include already, just and yet

Example:

●British English ▪ I’ve just had breakfast

▪ I’ve already watched the program

▪ Have you finished your duty yet? ● American English

▪ I just had breakfast or I’ve just had breakfast

▪ I already watched the program or I’ve already watched the program

▪ Have you finished your duty yet? 0r Did you finish your duty yet?

3.2.2 The usage of Preposition

There are few differences in using Preposition in British English and American English, such as: the, a, for, past/after, to/of, till

AMERICAN BRITISH Be in the hospital Be in hospital

Be at the university Be at university Go to a university Go to university Go to class Go to a class In the future In future Did it the next day Did it next day

Haven’t done something for/in weeks Haven’t done something for weeks

Ten minutes past / after six o’ clock Ten minutes past six o’clock

Five minutes to/of/till seven o’clock Five minutes to seven o’clock

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On the weekend At the weekend On a team In a team

Please write me soon Please write to me soon Different from/than Different from/to 3.2.3 The usage of Possession

There are two forms to express possession in English. They are have and have got. In America English, the possession uses have and in British English uses have got.

Example:

▪ Do you have a car? (AmE) Have you got a car? (BrE)

▪ He doesn’t have any friends (AmE) He hasn’t got any friends (BrE) ▪ She has beautiful new home (AmE) She has got a beautiful new home (BrE)

3.2.4 The usage of the verb Get

The past participle of the verb get is Gotten in American English Example:

▪ He has gotten much better at playing tennis

But, in British English, the past participle of the verb get is got Example:

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3.2.5 The usage of past simple/ past participles

The form of past simple/ past participle is acceptable in both American and British English, however, the irregular form is generally more common in British English and the regular form is more common to American English. Example:

American British Burned Burnt

Dreamed Dreamt Leaned Leant Learned Learnt Smelled Smelt Spelled Spelt Spoiled Spoilt Spilled Spilt 3.2.6 Verb agreement with collective nouns

In British English, collective nouns(i.e. nouns referring to particular groups of people or things), (e.g. staff, government, class, team)can be followed by a singular or plural verb depending on whether the group is thought of as one idea, or as many individuals.

Example:

▪ My Team is winning

▪ The other team are all sitting down

▪ Which team is/are losing? (Both plural and singular forms of the verb are possible)

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Example:

▪ The other team is all sitting down ▪ Which team is losing?

3.2.7 The usage of delixical verbs Have and Take

In British English, the verb Have frequently functions as what is technically referred to as a delixical verb, i.e. it is used in contexts where it has very little meaning in itself but occurs with an object noun which describes an action.

Example:

▪ I’d like to have a bath

Have is frequently used in this way with nouns referring to common

activities such as washing or resting. Example:

▪ She’s having a little nap

▪ I’ll just have a quick shower before we go out.

In American English, the verb Take, rather than have, is used in these contexts.

Example:

▪ Joe’s taking a shower ▪ I’d like to take a bath

▪ Let’s take a short vacation ▪ Why don’t you take a rest now?

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3.2.8 The Usage of auxiliaries and modals

In British English, the auxiliary Do is often used as a substitute for a verb when replying to a question.

Example:

▪ A: Are you coming with us? B: I might do.

In American English, Do is not used in this way.

Example:

▪ A: Are you coming with us? B: I might.

In British English, needn’t is often used instead of don’t need to. Example:

▪ They needn’t come to school today.

In American English, needn’t is very unusual and the usual form is

don’t need to.

Example:

▪ They don’t need to come to school today.

In British English, shall is sometimes used an alternative to will to talk about the future.

Example:

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In American English, shall is unusual and will is normally used. Example:

▪ I will be there later.

In British English, shall I /we is often used to ask for advice or an opinion. Example:

▪ Shall we ask him to come with us.

In American English, should is often used instead of shall. Example:

▪ Should we ask him to come with us?

3.3 Differences in Spelling between British and American English

There are some differences of words in spelling between British and American English.

Example:

-or vs -our

American British

color colour favorite favourite honor honour

-ll vs –l

American British

Enrollment Enrolment Fulfill Fulfil Skillful Skilful

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-og vs –ogue

American British

analog analogue catalog catalogue dialog dialogue

-ck or –k vs –que

American British

Bank Banque Check Cheque Checker Chequer

-ense vs –enze

American British

Defense Defence License Licence

-ze vs –se

American British

analyze Analyse criticize critise memorize memorise

-er vs –re

American British

center centre meter metre theater theatre

-e vs –oe or –ae

American British

encylopedia encylycopaedia Maneuver manoeuvre Medieval mediaeval

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-dg vs –dge (or –g vs –gu)

American British

aging Ageing Argument Arguement Judgment judgement

Other

American British

Jewelry Jewellery Draft Draught pajamas Pyjamas plow Plough Program programme Tire tyre

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4. CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS

4.1 Conclusions

There are 3 differences between American and British English: 1. Differences in vocabulary

There are some differences vocabulary between British and American English, but has similar meaning.

Example:

Antenna ( Ame) Aerial ( Bre) Hood ( Ame) Bonnet ( Bre) Trunk ( Ame) Boot ( Bre) Parking lot ( Ame) Car park( Bre)

2. Differences in grammar

There are some differences in Grammar between British and American English. They are:

• The usage of Present Perfect

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. Other differences involving the usage of present perfect in British English and American English include already, just and yet.

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There are few differences in using Preposition in British English and American English, such as: the, a, for, past/after, to/of, till.

• The usage of Possession

There are two forms to express possession in English. They are have and have got. In America English, the possession uses have and in British English uses have got.

• The usage of the verb Get

The past participle of the verb get is Gotten in American English. But, in British English, the past participle of the verb get is got.

• The usage of past simple/ past participles

• Verb agreement with collective nouns

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In American English, collective nouns are always followed by a singular verb.

• Use of delixical verbs Have and Take

Have is frequently used in this way with nouns referring to common

activities such as washing or resting.

In American English, the verb Take, rather than have, is used in these contexts.

• Use of auxiliaries and modals

In British English, the auxiliary do is often used as a substitute for a verb when replying to a question. In American English, do is not used in this way.

In British English, needn’t is often used instead of don’t need to. But, in American English, needn’t is very unusual and the usual form is don’t need to.

In British English, shall is sometimes used an alternative to will to talk about the future. But, in American English, shall is unusual and will is normally used.

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In British English, shall I /we is often used to ask for advice or an opinion. But, in American English should is often used instead of shall.

3. Differences in Spelling between British and American English

There are some differences of words in spelling between British and American English.

Example:

Color ( Ame) Colour (Bre) Favorite ( Ame) Favourite (Bre) Honor ( Ame) Honour (Bre)

4.2 Suggestions

By writing this paper, the writer wants to suggest that the readers should know the differences between American English and British English so it is easy for them to understand it.

Besides, the writer also wants to emphasize that the readers should not get confused in using the both differences and also can apply them in daily conversation.

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REFERENCES

Brown, Keith, 1975, Oxford Advanced Dictionary, Oxford : Oxford University Press. Charles, Eliot W., 1995, Essay English and American, Dumbury : Connecticut

Glorier Enterprises.

Echols, John M. and Shadily, Hassan, 1975, An English –Indonesian

Dictionary,New York : Cornell University Press.

Hartanto, John S., Koentjoro, S. and Seputro, Manaf Asmoro, 1996, Accurate Brief

and Clear English Grammar,Surabaya : penerbit Indah Surabaya.

Hornby, As., 1974, Oxford Advanced Learner `s Dictionary of Current English, Great Britain : Oxford University Press.

Kachru, Braj B, 1986, The Alchemy of English, United States of America: Pergamon Press.

Matthies, Barbara F. and Azar, Betty Schrampfer, 1993, Understanding and Using

English Grammar for Teacher`s Guide, United States of America: Prentice Hall,

Inc.

Preston and Roger, W., 1984, Varieties of American English, Washington: United States Information Agency.

Robert, Chapman L., 1989, Thesaurus of American Slang , New York : Herper Perennial.

Webster, 1960,Webster`s New Dictionary of American Language, New York: The World Publishing Company.

Www. Google. Com / History of American English /

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-dg vs –dge (or –g vs –gu)

American British

aging Ageing

Argument Arguement

Judgment judgement

Other

American British

Jewelry Jewellery

Draft Draught

pajamas Pyjamas

plow Plough

Program programme

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4. CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS

4.1 Conclusions

There are 3 differences between American and British English: 1. Differences in vocabulary

There are some differences vocabulary between British and American English, but has similar meaning.

Example:

Antenna ( Ame) Aerial ( Bre) Hood ( Ame) Bonnet ( Bre) Trunk ( Ame) Boot ( Bre) Parking lot ( Ame) Car park( Bre)

2. Differences in grammar

There are some differences in Grammar between British and American English. They are:

• The usage of Present Perfect

(3)

There are few differences in using Preposition in British English and American English, such as: the, a, for, past/after, to/of, till.

• The usage of Possession

There are two forms to express possession in English. They are have and have got. In America English, the possession uses have and in British English uses have got.

• The usage of the verb Get

The past participle of the verb get is Gotten in American English. But, in British English, the past participle of the verb get is got.

• The usage of past simple/ past participles

• Verb agreement with collective nouns

(4)

In American English, collective nouns are always followed by a singular verb.

• Use of delixical verbs Have and Take

Have is frequently used in this way with nouns referring to common activities such as washing or resting.

In American English, the verb Take, rather than have, is used in these contexts.

• Use of auxiliaries and modals

In British English, the auxiliary do is often used as a substitute for a verb when replying to a question. In American English, do is not used in this way.

In British English, needn’t is often used instead of don’t need to. But, in American English, needn’t is very unusual and the usual form is don’t need to.

In British English, shall is sometimes used an alternative to will to talk about the future. But, in American English, shall is unusual and will is normally used.

(5)

In British English, shall I /we is often used to ask for advice or an opinion. But, in American English should is often used instead of shall.

3. Differences in Spelling between British and American English

There are some differences of words in spelling between British and American English.

Example:

Color ( Ame) Colour (Bre) Favorite ( Ame) Favourite (Bre) Honor ( Ame) Honour (Bre)

4.2 Suggestions

By writing this paper, the writer wants to suggest that the readers should know the differences between American English and British English so it is easy for them to understand it.

Besides, the writer also wants to emphasize that the readers should not get confused in using the both differences and also can apply them in daily conversation.

(6)

REFERENCES

Brown, Keith, 1975, Oxford Advanced Dictionary, Oxford : Oxford University Press. Charles, Eliot W., 1995, Essay English and American, Dumbury : Connecticut

Glorier Enterprises.

Echols, John M. and Shadily, Hassan, 1975, An English –Indonesian Dictionary,New York : Cornell University Press.

Hartanto, John S., Koentjoro, S. and Seputro, Manaf Asmoro, 1996, Accurate Brief and Clear English Grammar,Surabaya : penerbit Indah Surabaya.

Hornby, As., 1974, Oxford Advanced Learner `s Dictionary of Current English, Great Britain : Oxford University Press.

Kachru, Braj B, 1986, The Alchemy of English, United States of America: Pergamon Press.

Matthies, Barbara F. and Azar, Betty Schrampfer, 1993, Understanding and Using English Grammar for Teacher`s Guide, United States of America: Prentice Hall, Inc.

Preston and Roger, W., 1984, Varieties of American English, Washington: United States Information Agency.

Robert, Chapman L., 1989, Thesaurus of American Slang , New York : Herper Perennial.

Webster, 1960,Webster`s New Dictionary of American Language, New York: The World Publishing Company.

Some Differences Between British And American English