Types of English: A Closer Look at American, British, and Australian English

Key takeaways

• English has diverged over centuries: American, British, Canadian and Australian variants each use different spelling, grammar, and vocabulary.
• Differences can be subtle (spelling “colour” vs “color”) or more significant (vocabulary like “biscuit” vs “cookie”).
• Companies producing global content need consistent language standards to avoid confusion across audiences.
• Markup AI’s Content Guardian Agents^SM help enforce language variants and style rules automatically across content at scale.

From humble beginnings on a small island more than 1,400 years ago, the English language has grown to become the de facto lingua franca around the world. And while it’s the third most spoken language (after Chinese and Spanish), there are significant differences in speech, spelling, pronunciation, terminology, and meaning depending on where it’s spoken.

Although Americans, the British, and Australians all communicate easily enough, our use of the mother tongue has definitely evolved enough to create very distinct versions of the language. And that matters. When you’re writing for different international audiences, you’ve got to get it right. And you can’t just assume that what flies in your country will be suitable in another, even if it’s the same language it could have a different meaning.

Do you know your cilantro from your coriander? Your Labor Party from your Labour Party? Or your plough from your plow? Let’s take a look at how UK, US, and Australian English came to be, and how different nations use them.

Where did the different types of English come from?

The earliest forms of English were brought to Britain by Anglo-Saxon settlers in the fifth century. After the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, French influenced the language. Early Modern English then developed in the late 15th century when the printing press was introduced and the King James Bible was published. With the subsequent expansion of the British Empire, English as we know it spread across the world over the following centuries.

Types of English: British

British English has its own conventions for spelling, vocabulary, and grammar. Key examples include:

• Colour vs American color
• Flavour vs American flavor
• Organise vs American organize
• Traveller vs American traveler
• Cheque vs American check
• Theatre vs American theater

These differences reflect the historical roots of British English, which often retains spellings from other languages such as French or German. In British English, collective nouns — used to refer to a group of individuals — can be singular or plural, for example “The team are ready”. They also frequently use the present perfect tense for recent actions (“I have just eaten”). Punctuation, date formats, and preposition usage may also differ from American conventions.

Now let’s talk about verbs. When it comes to auxiliary verbs (otherwise known as “helping” verbs), the British usually opt for terms like “shall,” instead of the less formal “should” that Americans prefer. Another grammar difference lies in the use of past tense irregular verbs. Take the verb to learn. In British English, the past form can be both “learnt” and “learned,” yet in American English only “learned” is used.

Currently, British English is most commonly taught in Europe, Asia, and Africa, while the Americas favor teaching and using American English.

Types of English: American

The biggest difference between American and British English is spelling, vocabulary, and usage. Here are some key examples:

• Traveler vs British traveller
• Realize vs British realise
• Theater vs British theatre
• Center vs British centre
• Plow vs British plough
• Unique American words added by Noah Webster, such as skunk and squash
  

So why all these differences? The two versions of English diverged around 250 years ago, gradually evolving separate spelling and vocabulary conventions.

America began formalizing its version in the 1800s with lexicographer and language reformer Noah Webster. His American Dictionary of the English Language aimed to standardize American English. 

Webster changed spellings to make US English distinct from British English, simplifying complex rules and introducing words pronounced as written. He also added thousands of uniquely American words, helping to define a separate linguistic identity for the United States.

Types of English: Canadian

Interestingly, Canadian English is a mixture between American English, British English, Quebec French, and unique Canadianisms. Canadians prefer to use British English words, such as “colour” or “travelled,” yet their pronunciation is more similar to their American neighbors.

Fancy learning more about the nuances of Canadian English? Check out this informative blog by Babbel. 

 Types of English: Australian

Australian English blends elements of British and American English but has its own distinctive features. Key examples include:

• Colour vs American color
• Organise vs American organize
• Travelling vs American traveling
• Biscuit vs American cookie
• Lift vs American elevator
• Holiday vs American vacation
  

Australian English generally follows British spelling, but vocabulary can be unique and include slang or idiomatic expressions. Grammar is also similar to British English, with collective nouns sometimes singular or plural depending on context. These characteristics make Australian English distinct while still recognizable to British or American readers.

Australia also developed a large lexicon of its own, giving the world new terms for flora and fauna from indigenous Aborigines, such as kangaroo and dingo. Words like cobber (friend), battler (a worthy person who is struggling to survive), and bludger (someone who lives off the work of others) are unique Australian words that you won’t find elsewhere.

There are many nouns that Australians and Americans share. Zucchini, for example, owes its existence to Italian migrants that moved to both countries, leaving the UK with the French version courgette. You’ll find eggplant in the supermarkets of America and Australia, but not in Britain where it’s called an aubergine. But don’t be fooled. Not all produce is the same Down Under; cilantro is still the British version coriander, and arugula remains rocket.

Common vocabulary differences across English-speaking countries

Australians are a pretty flexible bunch and employ words from both sides of the pond. They will talk about both gas and petrol and takeout and takeaway, with little attention paid to the difference.

However, there are some regular terminology that are completely different in all three versions of English. A schedule is a rota in the UK and a roster in Australia. We might talk about candy, but they say sweets and lollies. Sneakers in the US are known as trainers in Britain and runners in Australia. Depending on the country you’re in, you’d go to a liquor store, an off-licence, or a bottle shop to buy beer. It’s hot outside, so are you having a popsicle, an ice lolly, or an icy pole? When it’s cold at night do you wrap yourself up in a comforter, a duvet, or a doona?

You need to think about your target audience when you’re creating content, otherwise it won’t resonate with them. We might all speak the same language, but in practice, all English-speaking countries have their own linguistic idiosyncrasies, unique lexicons, and just plain differences. If you’re in doubt, engage the services of someone who can help localize your content. That way, you’ll sort your bell peppers from your capsicums and your cell phone from your mobile, and you’ll truly be speaking your readers’ language.

If you want to standardize the type of English you write your content in, learn more about Markup AI’s Content Guardian Agents.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Why are there different versions of English? 

Because over centuries of geographical, cultural, and linguistic evolution, variations developed across spelling, grammar, and vocabulary.

What are the main differences between American and British English? 

Spelling (color vs colour), vocabulary (elevator vs lift), punctuation, collective noun usage, and verb forms among others.

Can I use more than one English variant in content? 

It’s possible — but inconsistent usage may confuse readers. It’s best to choose one variant (e.g., American or British) and stick to it.

How can Markup AI help with language consistency? 

Markup AI’s Content Guardian Agents enforce regional English spelling, grammar, and vocabulary rules automatically across all content creators.