English spelling can be tricky, even for native speakers. Americans, in particular, have some unique ways of spelling certain words that often leave people from other English-speaking countries confused. These spelling differences are rooted in history but can still cause mix-ups today.
In this blog, I’ll share 23 American spellings that might make you do a double-take.
Color vs. Colour
Americans spell this word without the ‘u.’ This spelling change was part of Noah Webster’s efforts to simplify American English. He thought removing silent letters would make spelling easier. Many other words followed this pattern, like ‘favor’ and ‘honor’.
Center vs. Centre
The American spelling puts the ‘er’ at the end. This change makes the word look more like how it sounds. It’s another example of Webster’s spelling reforms. The ‘er’ ending is used in many similar words like ‘meter’ and ‘theater.’
Aluminum vs. Aluminium
This spelling difference actually changes how the word is said. Americans use fewer syllables when they say this word. The British spelling came later and was meant to match other element names. This difference can cause confusion in scientific writing.
Jewelry vs. Jewellery
Americans drop the extra ‘l’ in this word. This spelling makes the word shorter and simpler. It’s pronounced slightly differently in American English too. The American version is now common in many parts of the world.
Traveling vs. Travelling
In American English, words ending in ‘l’ don’t double the ‘l’ before adding ‘ing.’ This rule applies to words like ‘cancel’ and ‘label’, too. It’s a simpler way to spell, but it can look strange to non-Americans, which can cause errors in international writing.
Canceled vs. Cancelled
Like ‘traveling’, this word follows the same rule in American English. Only one ‘l’ is used when adding ‘ed.’ This spelling is consistent with the base form of the word, ‘cancel.’ It’s another example of American English simplifying spelling rules.
Mustache vs. Moustache
Americans drop the ‘o’ in this word, making the spelling match the pronunciation more closely. The American version is shorter and easier to spell. Both spellings are understood worldwide, but each is preferred in different regions.
Pajamas vs. Pyjamas
The American spelling uses ‘a’ instead of ‘y’. This change makes the word look more like how it sounds in American English. The word comes from a Persian word, but each English version spells it differently. This difference can be confusing in international fashion writing.
Skeptic vs. Sceptic
Americans prefer the ‘k’ spelling for this word. This spelling is more consistent with the word’s Greek origin and matches how the word is pronounced. The ‘k’ spelling is becoming more common worldwide.
Tire vs. Tyre
In American English, ‘tire’ is used for the rubber part of a wheel. This spelling is simpler and matches the pronunciation. The ‘y’ spelling is used in British English and other countries. This difference can cause confusion in car-related discussions.
Plow vs. Plough
Americans use the simpler ‘ow’ ending for this farming tool. This spelling is easier to read and write. It matches other words with the same sound, like ‘now’ and ‘cow’. The American version is becoming more common in some other countries too.
Analog vs. Analogue
The American spelling drops the ‘ue’ at the end. This makes the word shorter and simpler to spell. It’s consistent with other words ending in ‘log’ in American English. This spelling difference can be significant in technical writing.
Fiber vs. Fibre
Americans spell this word with ‘er’ at the end. This matches the spelling of similar words like ‘number’ and ‘remember.’ It’s another example of American English preferring ‘er’ to ‘re’ endings. This spelling is now common in dietary and health discussions worldwide.
Flavor vs. Flavour
Like ‘color’, Americans drop the ‘u’ in this word. This spelling is shorter and matches how the word sounds. It’s used in many food-related words in American English. The American spelling is often seen in international food packaging and menus.
Catalog vs. Catalogue
Americans often drop the ‘ue’ at the end of this word. This shorter spelling is easier to write and type and is consistent with other simplified American spellings. Both versions are understood worldwide, but each is preferred in different regions.
Maneuver vs. Manoeuvre
The American spelling simplifies this tricky word. It removes the ‘oe’ and adds an ‘e’ before the ‘r’. This makes the word easier for many people to spell. The American version is becoming more common in international use.
Pediatric vs. Paediatric
Americans drop the ‘a’ in this medical term, making it shorter and easier to pronounce. This is consistent with other medical terms in American English, and this spelling difference can be important in international medical documents.
Esophagus vs. Oesophagus
The American spelling starts with ‘e’ instead of ‘oe’. This makes the word look more like how it sounds. It’s simpler and easier for many people to remember. This spelling is often used in international medical texts.
Sulfur vs. Sulphur
Americans use ‘f’ instead of ‘ph’ in this chemical element. This spelling is closer to the original Latin form. It’s also easier to spell and pronounce. The American version is now the standard in international scientific writing.
Archeology vs. Archaeology
The American spelling removes the second ‘a.’ This makes the word shorter and simpler. It matches how the word is usually pronounced in American English. Both spellings are used in academic writing around the world.
Judgment vs. Judgement
Americans often drop the middle ‘e’ in this word. This shorter spelling is easier to write and remember. It’s an exception to the usual rule about keeping the ‘e’ before ‘ment.’ Both spellings are accepted in legal documents internationally.
License vs. Licence
In American English, ‘license’ is used as both a noun and a verb. This makes it simpler, as there’s only one spelling to remember. In British English, ‘licence’ is the noun and ‘license’ is the verb. This difference can cause confusion in legal and business writing.
Accessorize vs. Accessorise
Americans use ‘z’ instead of ‘s’ in many words, ending with ‘ize’. This spelling matches how the word sounds in American English. It’s part of a larger pattern in American spelling. This difference is often seen in fashion and style writing.
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