– or just keeping their mouths shut next time!
1) UK -our = US -or
Examples: colour/color, humour/humor, flavour/flavor, favourite/favorite
2) UK -re = US -er
Examples: centre/center, metre/meter, litre/liter
3) UK -ise = US -ize
Examples: realise/realize, organise/organize, recognise/recognize
4) UK -que = US -ck
Examples: cheque/check, chequered/checkered
5) UK -ll before -ing = US -l before -ing
Examples: travelling/traveling, signalling/signaling
6) UK -l = US -ll
Examples: appal/appall, enrol/enroll
7) UK -ce = US -se
Examples: licence/license (noun form), defence/defense
An exception to the rule: UK practise (verb) and practice (noun) = US practice (both verb and noun). I got a ticket for this one recently, so I just had to include it.
8) UK -ogue = US -og
Examples: catalogue/catalog, dialogue/dialog, epilogue/epilog
9) UK -t =US -ed (in a select group of past tense verbs)
Examples: spelt/spelled, dreamt/dreamed, burnt/burned, spoilt/spoiled
I hope that this clarifies some of the most common spelling misunderstandings. This list is not exhaustive, and there are, of course, exceptions to some of the rules. Despite these shortcomings, I hope that I have helped by providing you with a proper defense in spelling court.
Heather Hansen, founder of Singapore-based Hansen Speech & Language Training, is an executive speech and language coach, writer and trainer. Become a star speaker! Visit her website www.hansenslt.com now for free information on how to speak clearly, correctly and confidently! Join her mailing list to receive your free special report, and as a special bonus you’ll also receive her monthly newsletter, Speak like a Star!
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