British and American English Spelling

British English and American English spellings can vary. Look at the table below to see the main differences

British English	American English	Explanation
travel > travelled rebel > rebelled	travel > travelled rebel > rebelled	British English. The final -l is always doubled after one vowel. American English. The final –l is usually only doubled in stressed syllables.
Colour	color	British English ending –our American English ending -or
Finalize, finalise	finalize	British English ending –both ise or ize are acceptable. American English ending –only ize is acceptable.
centre	center	British English ending –tre American English – ter
catalogue	catalog	British English ending –ogue American English ending -og
Practise (verb) Practice (noun)	Practise (verb) Practise (noun)	British English ending (verb) –ise (noun) –ice American English: Both the verb and noun form end in -ise

Other Common Spelling Differences

British English American English

Through Thru

Doughnut Donut

Tyre Tire

Check Cheque

Click on the links below to learn more about Spelling Rules