With so many things in common, it´s perhaps a little surprising that there are so many differences in the common language spoken by both Brits and Americans. British English and American English can differ in spelling, pronunciation and even the meanings of words.

Accent changes regionally within Britain or within America can have a huge impact on words, with the same words being spoken but pronounced completely differently. Spread this accent difference across the water and you can imagine how different the same words can sound.

Let´s take a look at the spelling. There are simple changes that most people are already familiar with from reading books by American authors, seeing information on the Internet, using Americanised phone apps etc. Simple changes such as ‘colour’ in British English but ‘color’ in American English, ‘centre’ in British English but ‘center’ in American English, ‘programme’ in British English but ‘program’ in American English; you get the idea.

Then there are slight spelling changes that slightly alter how a word is pronounced. For example, the word ‘aluminium’ is used in British English but the second ‘i’ is removed in American English changing the word to ‘aluminum’. Objects can have completely different names: the part of someone´s hair covering their forehead is known as a fringe in Britain whereas Americans call it their ‘bangs’; an aubergine in Britain is called an eggplant in America; when asking for a bill in Britain, you´d ask for the check in America; and you´d go flat hunting in Britain but look for an apartment in America.

Some words used in both countries can have completely different meanings. Brits refer to pants as underwear whereas Americans call their trousers ‘pants’. Brits would keep money in a purse; Americans refer to a handbag as their purse. Jam in British English is called jelly in American English, but what is known as jelly to the Brits is actually jello for Americans.

Confused? Although the same language is spoken, individual differences occur in both versions. Each country has put its own stamp on the language to keep a bit of originality about it. Next time you´re reading a book, flicking through a magazine or browsing the Internet, take some time to notice the spelling and identify the origin of the piece. And next time you´re travelling (or should that be traveling?) listen out for the differences in the way people speak the English language and you should be able to work out which type they´re speaking.