American Phrases and Their British Equivalents
| American | British |
| What’s up, dude? | How’s it going, mate? |
| I’m on vacation | I’m on holiday |
| Can I get the check? | Can I get the bill? |
| Let’s take the elevator | Let’s take the lift |
| That was awesome! | That was brilliant! |
| I’ll call you later | I’ll ring you later |
| Do you want some cookies? | Do you want some biscuits? |
| The parking lot is full | The car park is full |
| I need to buy some pants | I need to buy some trousers |
| She’s my mom | She’s my mum |
| Let’s go to the movies | Let’s go to the cinema |
| I live in an apartment | I live in a flat |
| It’s a great soccer game | It’s a great football match |
| Pass me the flashlight | Pass me the torch |
| I need a band-aid | I need a plaster |
| Check out my new sneakers | Check out my new trainers |
| I’m waiting in line | I’m waiting in queue |
| I have to take out the trash | I have to take out the rubbish |
| The mailman is here | The postman is here |
| We had a nice fall walk | We had a lovely autumn walk |
| I’ll take the subway | I’ll take the underground |
| This is a cool truck | This is a cool lorry |
| He’s a great soccer player | He’s a brilliant footballer |
| Let’s get some fries | Let’s get some chips |
| She likes jelly | She likes jam |
| I have to run an errand | I have to run an errand |
| Let’s go to the mall | Let’s visit the shopping centre |
| I need to find a restroom | I need to find a toilet |
| I’m crazy about soccer | I’m mad about football |
| He’s in 9th grade | He’s in year 10 |
| Can I borrow your eraser? | Can I borrow your rubber? |
| It’s the first floor | It’s the ground floor |
| Do you have a cell phone? | Do you have a mobile phone? |
| I have a sweet tooth | I have a sweet tooth |
| We’re going to the gas station | We’re going to the petrol station |
| I’m moving next week | I’m moving next week |
| That’s my favorite TV show | That’s my favourite TV programme |
| He loves math | He loves maths |
| She’s a freshman in college | She’s a first-year at university |
| We’re going to the yard sale | We’re going to the car boot sale |
| Let’s play tag | Let’s play it |
| The faucet is leaking | The tap is leaking |
| I got a ticket for jaywalking | I got fined for improper crossing |
| Do you have any candy? | Do you have any sweets? |
| I’m rooting for the home team | I’m supporting the home team |
| It’s a busy sidewalk | It’s a busy pavement |
| Let’s go hiking | Let’s go rambling |
| He’s a janitor | He’s a caretaker |
| This is my schedule | This is my timetable |
| It’s a one-way ticket | It’s a single ticket |
| I’m going to the DMV | I’m going to the DVLA |
| It’s a two-week vacation | It’s a two-week holiday |
| I need to use the bathroom | I need to use the loo |
| He’s in a fraternity | He’s in a university society |
| Can you pass the corn? | Can you pass the maize? |
| Let’s go to the candy store | Let’s visit the sweet shop |
| I want a cookie | I want a biscuit |
| I’m going to the grocery store | I’m going to the supermarket |
| I’m in high school | I’m in secondary school |
| We’re having a barbecue | We’re having a BBQ |
| The principal is nice | The headteacher is nice |
| It’s a small yard | It’s a small garden |
| I have to change my diaper | I have to change my nappy |
| I’m taking a cab | I’m taking a taxi |
| I’m a senior | I’m in my final year |
| The mailbox is full | The postbox is full |
| Let’s play checkers | Let’s play draughts |
| It’s my favorite color | It’s my favourite colour |
| Do you like my new sweater? | Do you like my new jumper? |
| We’re going to the fair | We’re going to the funfair |
| The pharmacy is open | The chemist is open |
| I’m feeling sick | I’m feeling ill |
| We’re having a garage sale | We’re having a car boot sale |
| It’s a busy freeway | It’s a busy motorway |
| Let’s take a walk | Let’s go for a walk |
| It’s a cool fall day | It’s a cool autumn day |
| I have to mail a package | I have to post a parcel |
| The faucet is dripping | The tap is dripping |
| It’s a one-way street | It’s a single-carriageway |
| Can you lend me a dollar? | Can you lend me a pound? |
| It’s a cozy apartment | It’s a cosy flat |
| The elevator is out of order | The lift is out of order |
| It’s my favorite restaurant | It’s my favourite restaurant |
| Let’s play soccer | Let’s play football |
FAQs About American and British English Differences
- What’s the main difference between American and British English?
They differ in spelling, vocabulary, pronunciation, and sometimes grammar. Example: color (US) vs colour (UK).
- Is "sweets" American or British?
"Sweets" is British English. Americans usually say "candy."
- Why does British English use 'S' instead of 'Z'?
British English favors 'S' in words like organise and realise, while American English uses 'Z' (organize, realize).
- Should I learn British or American English?
Both are correct! Choose British English if you're in the UK or taking exams like IELTS. Choose American English for US studies or the TOEFL exam.
- Which English accent is better?
There’s no "best" accent—choose the one that suits your needs or the one you're most familiar with!
- Should I choose UK or US English?
Pick UK English if you're living or working in the UK or Commonwealth countries. Go for US English if you’re heading to the USA or studying there.
- Is British English more polite than American English?
Not really! British English often sounds more formal or indirect, but both are polite in their own ways.
- Is the Cambridge Dictionary American or British?
The Cambridge Dictionary is based on British English but includes American English entries too—perfect for comparing both!
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