Variations in spelling exist in English words. In Great Britain and Canada, some words have spellings that differ from American spellings. Readers of books by British and Canadian publishers will note these differences. Some confusion may arise depending on the writer’s experience with these variant spellings.
Many nouns that in American English end in –or, in British English end in –our.
| American English | British English |
|---|---|
| arbor | arbour |
| behavior | behaviour |
| candor | candour |
| color | colour |
| favor | favour |
| neighbor | neighbour |
| splendor | splendour |
Some nouns that in American English end in –er, in British English end in –re.
| American English | British English |
|---|---|
| center | centre |
| meter | metre |
| specter | spectre |
| theater | theatre |
Some nouns that in American English end in –se, in British English end in –ce.
| American English | British English |
|---|---|
| defense | defence |
| offense | offence |
| pretense | pretence |
Other words also have variant spellings.
| American English | British English |
|---|---|
| check | cheque |
| connection | connexion |
| curb | kerb |
| draft | draught |
| inquire | enquire |
| maneuver | manoeuvre |
| mold | mould |
| mustache | moustache |
| pajamas | pyjamas |
| plow | plough |
| program | programme |
| skillful | skilful |
| sulfur | sulphur |
| traveler | traveller |