US and British English
US and British English are different but often the differences matter little.
Even if you notice that colour is spelled color, for example, you will still understand what the writer means.
The important thing is to standardise (or standardize) on one version of the language or the other. The reader certainly will notice if you keep changing the way you do things. The decision on which will depend where the bulk of your readers live.
However, there are some differences in the use of the language which are less well known.
That was quite good to an American means that was very good. To a Brit it means that was approaching good (not as good as good).
If you are writing in the version of English which is less natural for you, there are all sorts of pitfalls like this. It is therefore worth considering the predominant origin of the writers as well as the readers when you choose which version to standardise on.
This blog is in British English, but I am currently in Washington DC. Last night a waitress asked me are you getting dessert? I understood this but my first thought was that she was asking me whether I had behaved well enough to deserve a dessert. In Britain I would have been asked would you like dessert?
Suggestions of obscure differences between US and UK English gratefully received.
Even if you notice that colour is spelled color, for example, you will still understand what the writer means.
The important thing is to standardise (or standardize) on one version of the language or the other. The reader certainly will notice if you keep changing the way you do things. The decision on which will depend where the bulk of your readers live.
However, there are some differences in the use of the language which are less well known.
That was quite good to an American means that was very good. To a Brit it means that was approaching good (not as good as good).
If you are writing in the version of English which is less natural for you, there are all sorts of pitfalls like this. It is therefore worth considering the predominant origin of the writers as well as the readers when you choose which version to standardise on.
This blog is in British English, but I am currently in Washington DC. Last night a waitress asked me are you getting dessert? I understood this but my first thought was that she was asking me whether I had behaved well enough to deserve a dessert. In Britain I would have been asked would you like dessert?
Suggestions of obscure differences between US and UK English gratefully received.
Labels: Journalism, Writing tips
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