UK US Spelling Main Differences

There are key differences between UK and US spelling. In IELTS, you should not mix your spelling. You should choose either British English or American English spelling. This is not the case with accents in the speaking test. In the speaking test, mixed accents are fine.

British and American Spelling Differences

Below are the key differences in spelling between American English and British English writing. However, please note this is not a complete list.I have listed some of the main words that are commonly used in English and IELTS. The list below are organised as UK spelling first and US spelling second.

1) – ise / -ize

In British English spelling, some words end with -ise whereas they end with -ize in American English spelling.

  • realise / realize
  • sympathise / sympathize
  • organise / organize
  • specialise / specialize
  • authorise / authorize
  • criticise / criticize
  • recognise / recognize
  • characterise / characterize
  • standardise / standardize

Also note words ending -yse and -yze, such as analyse / analyze and paralyse / paralyze are spelled differently.

Please note there are exceptions. Nowadays, the following words are spelled the same in both UK and US spelling: surprise, exercise, prize, seize, advise, advertise. There may be other words, but these are the most common. 

3) -re / -er

  • centre / center
  • theatre / theater
  • litre / liter
  • metre / meter (this also applies to other measurements – km, cm, mm)
  • fibre / fiber

4) ller / ler

Note that British English words ending ller have a double “l” compared to the US spelling which is only one “l”.

  • traveller / traveler
  • levelled / leveled
  • cancelled / canceled
  • fuelled / fueled
  • jewellery / jewelry (jewelery)

This same rule applies to other forms of words such as travelled, travelling.

5) -l / -ll

Now we see the opposite rule to the one above. With UK spelling, some words have one “l”, while in US spelling they have two.

  • fulfil / fulfill
  • appal / appall 
  • skilful / skillfull
  • unskilful / unskillful
  • enrol / enroll
  • instil / instill

However, the rule above is limited. Most words are actually spelled the same in both UK and US English: successful, refill, harmful, resourceful, meaningful, thoughtful. 

6) -our / -or

  • colour / color
  • behaviour / behavior
  • favourite / favorite
  • honour / honor
  • flavour / flavor
  • neighbour / neighbor
  • humour / humor
  • labour / labor

Note the word “hour” is spelled the same.

7) -ogue / -og

  • dialogue / dialog
  • catalogue / catalog
  • travelogue / travelog

I hope you found this page useful ๐Ÿ™‚ All the best, Liz

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Comments

  1. What about Canadian English spelling on the IELTS exam? Would they mark that wrong? In Canada, spelling rules are a standardized mixture of UK and US rules (e.g. Canadians spell them “colour” and “litre”, but also “realize” and “fulfill”).

    • International spelling is allowed as long as it is recognised officially as coming from one country.

  2. Dear Liz,
    Thanks for your helpful information, I’ve been enjoying it since I started to practice for IELTS Exam.

    I have a question that I couldn’t find any answer for it yet.
    I use American English in my writing and speaking, and I’m wondering what happens when for example in writing task 1, there is a figure for “Holiday” (or any other British English word)?

    I know I shouldn’t use “Holidaymaker” as it’s inconsistent with my format, but so is holiday. Should I change holiday, despite being on the chart, to vacation and consequently, vacationer? Or the inconsistency isn’t that important in this case?

    I’d really appreciate an answer as I can’t find anything as mentioned.
    Cheers!

    • It is fine to paraphrase the word holiday with the word vacation. We do sometimes use that word in the UK.

  3. Thanks a bunch.I think it’s really useful;)

  4. Manpreet says

    It is extremely beneficial for me thank you โค๏ธ

  5. Malinda says

    Dear Liz.
    I hope each new day brings you closer to a full and speedy recovery!

  6. ALASGUNARATHNA says

    Thank you very much Mrs. Liz, your lessons overwhelming valuable for our dream target.

  7. Blanche says

    Hi Liz, sorry if it took so long before sending you this grateful comment as I have been bustling around in this new country for me and my family to settle; nevertheless, I have arrived to my UK goal .

    Thank you so much deeply for being a part of this success . . . Your tips and lessons (EVEN A FEW of your examples came out exactly in same format) made a great deal in my band score. I am proud to say that I got an overall band score of 8 with each skill above 7 during my second attempt after I subscribed to your channel.

    Almost a year after being a UKRN license, with humble heart, I would say I am proud being a LIZian subscriber- forevermore I AM SO GRATEFUL…

    • I’m so pleased to hear how well you’ve done. It’s wonderful – good for you ๐Ÿ™‚ I really hope you enjoy life here in the UK and feel settled in your work. Thanks for your lovely message. Wising you all the very best ๐Ÿ™‚

  8. It is very helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  9. Chinyere Mary Godwin says

    Thank you so much Liz.
    This piece came at the right time. Please I need more tips in reading as that has been my only challenge in passing my ielts. I need band 7 but, in all my previous results I was stucked with 6 and 6.5. Please help me with tips to pass not just tips to pass but the ones that explains speed and accuracy.
    Thanks in anticipation!
    Best regards,
    Mary.

  10. Olubukola says

    Thanks so much I appreciate this!!! You’re the best!!!

  11. Hi Liz,
    Thank you for this tips and others on this site, they’ve been helpful as I’ve come to realise the difference.

  12. Liz,
    Thank you so much for this info. Now I understand the reason why I needed to check again and again my spelling with that words:)

  13. Rashmi says

    Hi Liz,

    I’m using American English as it is much more convenient for me. However, I have seen in the IELTS practice tests the questions are written in British spellings. In this case, should I write my answer in the UK spelling as well? For example, there was a bar chart mentioning details of two kinds of drinks spread in Australia, and the details were mentioned in “litre”. So, will they reduce my score by writing “liter” as I prefer to write in the US spelling?

  14. Aziza says

    Hello Liz,how are you?
    I think, it’s interesting and very useful post.I saw this post few minutes ago and I read it, it was great ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘

  15. Fariba says

    Thank you so much, Dear Liz for your helpful tips. I really enjoy getting new ideas through your posts.

    • You’re welcome ๐Ÿ™‚

      • Nabeel Yaqoob says

        Mam you are just amazing, I’m very happy that you are back. I was really missing your new post.
        I’m very impressed by your simplicity specially your smile, and the way you speak and teach.
        I pray for your health
        May God heal you soon, and give you more strength.
        Ameen.

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