English is the most spoken language around the world. It’s not only spoken by native English speakers, but also by tons of people that learn it as their second language.
That’s why, if you travel abroad and don’t know the local language, you might be able to communicate in English. It also gives you an advantage at work, knowing English will make you a key piece for a company. So, it’s not a surprise so many people want to learn the language.
But, since there are many different English-speaking countries, it can be difficult to choose which type of English to learn. As there are some differences among them. Like some words that have the same meaning but are written differently. Don’t stress yourself too much, you definitely can understand someone that speaks an English different than yours.
But, if you have certain dreams and goals, you might prefer to learn a specific kind of English. Like if you want to go to an American college. Or if you’re an American about to move to England.
Two very popular types of English are American and British. That’s why in this blog, we’ve gathered some American vs British vocabulary words that are different but have the same meaning. This will help you if you’re a foreign person learning English as a second language. Or if you’re a native English speaker traveling to the USA or the UK.
American vs British Food & Kitchen Vocabulary
- Cookie / Biscuit
- Biscuit / Scone
- Oatmeal / Porridge
- Corn / Maize
- Eggplant / Aubergine
- Cilantro / Coriander
- Scallion / Spring onion
- French fries / Chips
- Chips / Crisps
- Toasted cheese / Grilled cheese
- Candy / Sweets
- Candy store / Sweet shop
- Takeaway / Takeout
- Cling film / Plastic wrap
- Candy floss / Cotton candy
- Popsicle / Ice Lolly
- Pudding / Dessert
- Silverware / Cutlery
- Blender / Mixer
- Oven mitt / Oven glove
American vs British Home Vocabulary
- Apartment / Flat
- Elevator / Lift
- First floor / Ground floor
- Bathroom / Toilet or loo
- Faucet / Tap
- Couch / Sofa
- Stove / Cooker
- Curtains / Drapes
- Trash can / Bin
- Living room / Sitting room, lounge, drawing room, or living room
American vs British Clothing & Hairstyle Vocabulary
- Closet / Wardrobe
- Sweater / Jumper
- Vest / Waistcoat
- Pants / Trousers
- Purse / Handbag
- Overall / Dungaree
- Bathrobe / Dressing gown
- Sneakers / Trainers
- Rain Boots / Wellies
- Pigtails / Bunches
- Braid / Plait
Other American vs British Vocabulary
- Trash / Rubbish
- Cell phone / Mobile
- Subway / Underground
- Cab / Taxi
- Soccer / Football
- Movie / Film
- Binky / Dummy
- Diaper / Nappy
- Vacation / Holiday
- Baggage / Luggage
- Fall / Autumn
- Schedule / Timetable
- Downtown / City Centre
- Eraser / Rubber
- Jump rope / Skipping rope
- Drugstore / Chemist
- Driver’s license / Driving license
- College / University
- Ladybug / Ladybird
- Gas / Petrol
Ways To Improve Your English
Are you moving to an English-speaking country? Are you looking to get into an English-speaking college? Are you a native English speaker and want to learn another variation of your own language just for fun?
Whatever your reason, you might want to learn and practice your English before going to another country, getting into an international school, or getting a job abroad. Here are some tips on what to do to improve your English skills:
Tip #1
If you already speak English but want to learn another variation, you could subscribe to any language exchange website. There are many for free. These are sites in which you speak with a native person from your target language. And your native language is the other person’s target language.
You both speak in your native languages for around thirty minutes each. So both of you learn a language you’re interested in. Even if you already know English, you could try to look for someone that’s interested in learning another accent as well.
So, for example: if you’re American and want to learn the British accent, you can look for a British person that wants to improve his/her American accent.
Tip #2
Watching movies and series will help you improve your vocabulary, listening, and pronunciation skills. Even reading and spelling if you put subtitles. If you’ve decided what kind of English you want to learn, focus on watching shows where they speak that English variation. For example, if you want to learn American English, watch Stranger Things. But if you prefer British English, watch Peaky Blinders.
Tip #3
Podcasts. Are you more of an auditory learner? Then English podcasts will be perfect for you. Listen to one that has a host from the country with the variation of English you want to learn.
Tip #4
Read anything from the English-speaking country of your preference. You can read magazines from England, books by American authors, or Australian news. Whatever you like to read, do it in the English variation that you’re eager to learn.
Are you more of a British fan? Go for Virginia Woolf. Do you prefer American English? Read something from Fitzgerald. The options are endless.
Time to Enroll in TruFluency’s English Classes
When it’s the right time to take English lessons? The truth is that you can do it at any moment. If you don’t have the money for language classes, you can start on your own by applying the tips above.
But once you’ve saved enough money, we do recommend enrolling yourself in English classes. They’re totally worth it! They’ll help you improve what you’ve learned so far, and they’ll teach you new things. From grammar rules to pronunciation.
TruFluency is a great place to learn English. It doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner, or already know a few things. We can help you in your language journey.
We follow the Bellieu Method, created to help you achieve language fluency. So you’ll get to speak in every class, with the certainty that it is a safe environment. And all of our teachers are native speakers.
So they will be sure that you’ll learn vocabulary, idioms, and slang that is actually used in your target language. With us, you’ll learn the skills necessary to hold a conversation with a native English speaker.
A great advantage you’ll have with us is that all of our classes are customized. So you’ll learn according to your language goals.
Choose your own schedule and get started start now with 20% off of your first month of classes with code TF20.