Sage-Tips

Do more people use American English or British English?

American English is more widely spoken across the world, according to the findings of a book titled The Fall of the Empire: The Americanization of English. The book claims that American vocabulary is more commonly used in Europe and even in the UK.

Do Canadians follow British or American spelling?

Spelling In British, American And Canadian English Not really. Canadian spelling combines British and American rules and adds some domestic idiosyncrasies. For example, French-derived words such as “colour” or “centre” retain British spellings.

Why is Canadian English and American English different?

Another difference between American English and Canadian English is in how each adds suffixes to words. Canadians prefer to use double consonants, while Americans keep their consonants single. For example, Canadians will turn “travel” into “travelled,” but Americans will use “traveled” instead.

Why do Canada speak English?

Canadian English owes its very existence to important historical events, especially: the Treaty of Paris of 1763, which ended the Seven Years’ War and opened most of eastern Canada for English-speaking settlement; the American Revolution of 1775–83, which spurred the first large group of English-speakers to move to …

Can I use American spellings in British English?

In one or two cases, the preferred American spellings are acceptable in British English as well, especially the – ize / -ization endings. While you can use both the – ise / -isation or the – ize / ization endings in British English, it’s important to stick to one style or the other throughout the same piece of writing.

What is the difference between British and American spelling of -Yze?

Verbs in British English that end in -yse are always spelled -yze in American English: In British spelling, verbs ending in a vowel plus l double the l when adding endings that begin with a vowel. In American English, the l is not doubled:

What is the preferred spelling of words ending in -our in American English?

In British English, the preferred spelling of words ending in –our is not maintained in American English; in the United States, the “u” is dropped from the word.

What is the difference between American English and British English?

American English uses the –ize spelling at the end of words, and while some people in Britain accept that as a valid spelling, you’ll usually see those same words spelled with the –ise ending instead. British English. apologise, organise, recognise. American English. apologize, organize, recognize.