American Words / British Words – ESL Lesson, FAQs, and Quiz

American Words / British Words

Understanding the differences between American and British English is crucial for English language learners, as it not only enhances comprehension but also improves communication skills across different English-speaking regions. While both varieties share the same roots, they have evolved distinct vocabularies, spellings, and sometimes even meanings over time. This section of the course will delve into these variations, helping you to recognize and use them appropriately in context.

As you know, even though North America and Great Britain share the same language, some words are completely different. Here are some of the most common differences.

Here’s a list of 20 common American words alongside their British counterparts, illustrating some of the vocabulary differences between American and British English:

  1. Truck (American) – Lorry (British)
  2. Apartment (American) – Flat (British)
  3. Cookie (American) – Biscuit (British)
  4. Elevator (American) – Lift (British)
  5. Flashlight (American) – Torch (British)
  6. French fries (American) – Chips (British)
  7. Chips (American) – Crisps (British)
  8. Faucet (American) – Tap (British)
  9. Diaper (American) – Nappy (British)
  10. Candy (American) – Sweets (British)
  11. Sweater (American) – Jumper (British)
  12. Subway (American) – Underground or Tube (British)
  13. Gasoline (American) – Petrol (British)
  14. Garbage can (American) – Bin (British)
  15. Vacation (American) – Holiday (British)
  16. Soccer (American) – Football (British)
  17. Zipper (American) – Zip (British)
  18. Mail (American) – Post (British)
  19. Pants (American) – Trousers (British)
  20. Eraser (American) – Rubber (British)

These examples highlight the diversity of vocabulary between the two variations of English, which can be particularly relevant in everyday conversation, shopping, and navigating around cities.

Practice Quiz on American and British Words

To reinforce your understanding of the vocabulary differences between American and British English, the following quiz will test your ability to identify and convert terms from one variety to another. Each question will provide a word in one form of English, and you’ll need to provide its counterpart. This practical exercise will help solidify your knowledge and prepare you for real-world usage.

Check Your Understanding

Can you fill in the blanks without looking back?


1. In North America, a person drives a truck down the road. In Great Britain, a person drives a _________________________.     

2. In Great Britain, the front of a car is called a bonnet. In North America, the front of a car is called a _________________________.      

3. In North America, the back of the car has a trunk. In Great Britain, the back of the car has a _________________________.

4. In Great Britain, people put petrol in their cars to make them go. In North America, people put _________________________ in their cars.

5. In North America, babies wear diapers before they learn to use the toilet. In Great Britain, babies wear _________________________. 

6. In Great Britain, food can be bought in tins. In North America, food is bought in _________________________.

7. In North America, people eat cookies. In Great Britain, the same things are called _________________________.

8. In Great Britain, people play football. In North America, the game is called _________________________.

9. In North America, you can see in the dark if you use a flashlight. In Great Britain, you use a _________________________ to see in the dark.      

10. In Great Britain, you go up the building in a lift. In North America, you use an _________________________.

11. In North America, when you make a mistake with a pencil, you can erase it with an eraser. In Great Britain, you use a _________________________.

Frequently Asked Questions About American and British Words

What are some common differences in vocabulary between American and British English?

American and British English often use different words for the same concept. For example, Americans use “apartment” while Britons would say “flat.” Similarly, “elevator” in the U.S. corresponds to “lift” in the U.K.

How do American and British English differ in spelling?

Several words are spelled differently in American and British English, primarily due to American English simplifying or altering certain spellings. For instance, “color” and “flavor” in American English are spelled “colour” and “flavour” in British English.

Are there pronunciation differences as well?

Yes, pronunciation can vary significantly. One notable difference is the pronunciation of the ‘r’ at the end of words; it is often pronounced in American English but silent in British English in words like “water” or “car”.

Do American and British English use tenses differently?

Yes, there are some differences in verb usage. For example, British English often uses the present perfect tense to describe an action that has recent relevance (e.g., “I have just eaten”), while American English might simply use the past simple (“I just ate”).

Can misunderstanding between American and British English lead to confusion?

Yes, sometimes the differences can lead to misunderstandings, especially with words that exist in both varieties but have different meanings. For example, the word “rubber” is an eraser in the U.K., but in the U.S., it typically refers to a condom.

Answer Key:

  1. lorry
  2. hood
  3. boot
  4. gas 
  5. nappies
  6. cans 
  7. biscuits 
  8. soccer 
  9. torch
  10. elevator
  11. rubber