When it comes to vocabulary, there are very many differences between British and American English. Each sentence given below contains an italicized word. That is the keyword you have to look for. State whether the keyword is in British English or American English.
1What is the dialling code for London?
Wrong!
The spelling and word choice in "dialling code" are typical of "British English".
2Turn off the faucet when you are not using it.
Wrong!
"Faucet" is typical of "American English"; British English usually uses "tap".
3That’s it. Can I have the check?
Wrong!
"Check" for a restaurant bill is typical of "American English".
4She has bought a flat in upmarket London.
Wrong!
"Flat" for an apartment is typical of "British English".
5Have you got a torch?
Wrong!
"Torch" for a flashlight is typical of "British English".
6Put the garbage in the bin.
Wrong!
"Garbage" is typical of "American English"; British English usually uses "rubbish".
7This car runs on petrol.
Wrong!
"Petrol" is typical of "British English"; American English usually uses "gas" or "gasoline".
8He had black pants on.
Wrong!
"Pants" for trousers is typical of "American English".
9His nasty remarks made me angry.
Wrong!
"Nasty" meaning unpleasant or unkind is especially typical of "British English".
10Who invented the zipper?
Wrong!
"Zipper" is typical of "American English"; British English usually uses "zip".
Answers
- What is the dialling code for London? — British English
- Turn off the faucet when you are not using it. — American English
- That’s it. Can I have the check? — American English
- She has bought a flat in upmarket London. — British English
- Have you got a torch? — British English
- Put the garbage in the bin. — American English
- This car runs on petrol. — British English
- He had black pants on. — American English
- His nasty remarks made me angry. — British English
- Who invented the zipper? — American English
