The Differences Between Using An English Or American Proofreading Service

When it comes to the finer points, there are numerous distinctions between British and American English. It may be challenging and time-consuming if you have no prior experience in both.

We’ll go through five of the most important differences between English Proofreading and American Proofreading.

At the end of words, –er vs –re

The British –re, a linguistic gesture to the many English words from French, is one of the most prevalent spelling distinctions between British and American English. British English accent is much more popular than American English. Students are seen to pick up the pronunciation of British English quite fast and quick.

Here are several examples:

centre (US) vs centre (Canada) (UK)

litre vs litre, fibre vs fibre

After past-tense verbs and gerunds, –l vs –ll

When creating the past tense or gerund (–ing) form, a lesser-known variation between British and American English adds an extra “l” to a word. Note that this only applies to certain words: When adding –ed or –ing to a word that ends in a vowel and then –l, British English typically requires “ll,” whereas American English has deleted that e.

Here is an example:

travelled in the United States vs travelled in the United Kingdom (UK)

ize vs –ise

Words like “organise” always assume the “–ize” form in American English. To add to the confusion, both “organise” and “organise” are allowed in British English (the Oxford English Dictionary favours “–ize”). It is up to you to decide which one to utilise based on your personal preferences and the style of your home. Here are few examples:

“civilization” vs “civilisation”

“nationalizing” vs “nationalising”

Use of the words “give” vs “take.”

When speaking of numerous behaviours in British English, such as showering, bathing, napping, and so on, it is usual to say “take a nap/shower/bath.” The Americans, on the other hand, would use “take,” as in “She is taking a bath.” (To which the British/Australian English speaker would respond with a chuckle, “Oh really, where is she taking it?”)

Wording differences

Finally, several terms and idioms differ between British and American English. While the following examples are unlikely to be encountered in academic writing, they may be helpful in everyday life and assist avoid misunderstandings.

American/British

Diapers/Nappies

Mad/ enraged (in Britain, “mad” would imply insane)

Auxiliaries and modals are used.

The British use “do” far more frequently in natural speech than Americans (as was just done here).

When asked, “Are you coming to the movies with me?” the British respond, “Are you coming to the movies with me?”

Americans would say, “I might do,” whereas the British would say, “I might.” Similarly, in British English, the phrase “need not” is sometimes condensed as “needn’t,” although it is not American English.

Lastly,

Whether you are speaking British English or American English, you must be comfortable with the language. Adopting a foreign language is commendable in all aspects.

If you’re unsure that whether your English writing is perfect or not, you may get a Proofreading Service for your written work before you submit the same.