American vs British English: Which Should You Teach?

English isn’t just one language—it’s a whole world of variations. From the sidewalks of New York to the pavements of London, how people use English can shift dramatically depending on where they’re from. For TEFL teachers, that means one big question often looms before stepping into the classroom: should you teach American English or British English?

Both versions are widely accepted, deeply rooted in culture, and globally influential—but they differ in spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. And while neither is “more correct,” choosing one over the other can affect your lessons, materials, and even job opportunities.

Understanding how this divide came to be—and how it plays out across classrooms and continents—can help you make the best choice for your students, your career goals, and your teaching style.

Why the Debate Exists

The divide between British and American English didn’t emerge overnight. When the English language crossed the Atlantic in the 17th century, it began to evolve independently in the American colonies. Without today’s standardized education systems or instant communication, both varieties developed their own quirks—and by the 18th century, the separation had become official.

One key player was Samuel Johnson, whose 1755 dictionary set the spelling standards for British English. Across the ocean, Noah Webster published his own dictionary in 1806, deliberately simplifying many British spellings in an effort to promote a distinct American identity. That’s where we get differences like colour vs. color and theatre vs. theater.

Beyond spelling, grammar and vocabulary started shifting too. The two nations were growing apart—not just politically and geographically, but linguistically.

Meanwhile, British colonialism spread British English across Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. But fast-forward to the 20th century, and American pop culture, business, and media began to dominate the global stage. Movies, music, fast food, tech—these weren’t just cultural exports; they were language lessons in disguise.

Today, millions of English learners grow up watching Stranger Things and listening to American pop music—while also using British curriculum textbooks in school. The result? TEFL teachers often walk into classrooms where students know a blend of both varieties, and choosing which version to reinforce becomes a key teaching decision.

Spelling Differences That Matter

One of the most noticeable differences between American and British English is how words are spelled. While the meanings are usually the same, the extra letters, swapped endings, or unfamiliar structures can confuse learners—especially when they’re reading from mixed sources.

Common Patterns

• -our vs -or
  British: colour, honour, labour
  American: color, honor, labor

• -ise vs -ize
  British: organise, realise, recognise
  American: organize, realize, recognize
  (Note: British English can accept -ize in formal writing, but -ise is far more common.)

• ae/oe vs e
  British: aesthetics, encyclopaedia, manoeuvre
  American: esthetics, encyclopedia, maneuver

• re vs er
  British: centre, metre, theatre
  American: center, meter, theater

• Double L in verb forms
  British: travelling, cancelled, labelled
  American: traveling, canceled, labeled

These patterns are often systematic—but they’re not always intuitive for new learners. When students ask why "color" is wrong in one book but correct in another, they’re not just being picky—they’re trying to make sense of English’s global identity.

How to Teach It Clearly

Instead of presenting British and American spellings as a memorization task, treat it as a real-world observation exercise. Here’s how:

• Choose one standard for your teaching materials and stick to it consistently.
• Explain the differences early on, especially if your students are likely to encounter both.
• Use side-by-side comparisons of common words in class handouts or whiteboards.
• Make it visual and fun—turn it into a spelling matching game or quiz.
• Reassure your students: both spellings are valid depending on context, and mixing them is common when learning.

Ultimately, the goal isn’t to eliminate variation—it’s to help students navigate it with confidence.

Pronunciation and Phonology

Spelling might trip up a reader, but pronunciation hits every skill: listening, speaking, and even how students process grammar. The differences between American and British pronunciation are often bigger than people expect—and they can affect student confidence if left unaddressed.

Rhotic vs. Non-Rhotic Speech

This is one of the biggest distinctions:

• American English is generally rhotic, meaning the "r" at the end of words is pronounced (e.g., car, teacher).
• British English—especially the southern varieties—is often non-rhotic, dropping the final "r" sound (e.g., cah, teachah).

Word Stress and Intonation

Many multi-syllable words are stressed differently:

• British: adVERtisement

• American: adverTISEment

• British: conTROVersy

• American: CONtroversy

Even intonation (the rise and fall of the voice) can shift. British English tends to have a more neutral or falling tone, while American English often uses rising tones in statements that may sound more casual or emphatic.

Vowel Shifts

From bath to dance to schedule, the vowel sounds change noticeably between versions. British English often leans toward shorter or flatter vowels, while American vowels can sound more drawn out or nasalized.

Teaching Tips

• Use mixed audio/video content to expose learners to both styles—then discuss differences openly.
• Encourage imitation games, shadowing, or karaoke to practice stress and intonation.
• Let students choose which accent they prefer to emulate, unless your school or client specifies otherwise.
• Reinforce listening comprehension by checking for understanding in both varieties.
• Use phonemic transcriptions only if your learners are ready—don’t overwhelm beginners with IPA symbols too early.

Whether your students sound British, American, or somewhere in between, your job is to help them speak clearly, confidently, and contextually.

Grammar and Syntax Differences

While grammar rules are largely shared between American and British English, there are some subtle—but important—differences in usage and syntax that can trip up learners or lead to conflicting corrections from different teachers or coursebooks.

Present Perfect vs. Simple Past

One of the clearest distinctions is how the two varieties use the present perfect and simple past:

• British English prefers the present perfect for recent actions with present relevance.
  “I’ve just eaten.”
• American English often uses the simple past in the same situation.
  “I just ate.”

This can confuse learners who are taught one version but hear the other in movies or everyday speech. Neither is wrong—it’s a matter of context and regional preference.

Collective Noun Agreement

• British English often treats collective nouns as plural.
  “The team are playing well.”
• American English typically treats them as singular.
  “The team is playing well.”

Again, both forms are correct. What matters is consistency and clarity.

Preposition Variations

• British: “at the weekend”, “in hospital”, “different to”
• American: “on the weekend”, “in the hospital”, “different from”

These shifts might seem minor, but they can cause hesitation in speaking and writing if learners aren’t exposed to both forms early on.

Teaching Tip

Don’t over-correct your students if they’re using a legitimate variation of English grammar. Instead, make it a mini-lesson:

• Explain both options.
• Mention where each is used.
• Let students decide which one they want to stick to—unless your curriculum specifies one.

Grammar is not about being “right” or “wrong.” It’s about being understood in context—and teaching that makes your classroom a more inclusive space for global English.

Vocabulary and Idioms

When it comes to vocabulary, the differences between American and British English are often more surprising than expected. Many students think they’ve mastered basic words—until someone calls a diaper a nappy, or a cookie a biscuit.

Common Vocabulary Differences

Here are just a few everyday mismatches:

You’ll also find unique words for clothing, food, school systems, and more.

Slang and Expressions

• Americanisms: dude, awesome, take a rain check, hit the books
• Britishisms: mate, brilliant, fancy a cuppa, knackered

Slang is a moving target—it evolves quickly and is often tied to age, region, and pop culture. Teach it with that context in mind.

Idioms That Don’t Translate

Some idioms just don’t make intuitive sense to non-native speakers:

• British: “Throw a spanner in the works”
• American: “Throw a wrench in the works”

Others are more cryptic:

• “I could care less” (American) vs. “I couldn’t care less” (British)
  The latter actually makes more logical sense, but both are used to mean the same thing.

Fun Classroom Ideas

• Matching games: Match UK and US terms.
• Role play: Have students act out scenes using one version of English.
• Translation challenge: Give them an American or British sentence and have them convert it to the other variety.
• Slang bingo or idiom quizzes: Great for advanced learners.

Teaching vocabulary variation is one of the easiest ways to inject energy, humor, and cultural awareness into your classroom—while helping students feel more globally fluent.

What’s Preferred (and Where)

When it comes to teaching English abroad, local preferences can vary widely—and knowing which version is favored can help you adapt more effectively. While both American and British English are widely understood, schools, governments, and exam systems often lean toward one or the other.

American English Strongholds

• South Korea, Taiwan & Japan: Both countries have long-standing ties to American English, partly due to U.S. military and business presence, and the influence of American pop culture. Textbooks and pronunciation standards tend to follow U.S. norms.
• Philippines: Due to historical American colonization and close educational ties, American English is the default in schools and universities.
• Latin America: The U.S. is the primary trade and cultural partner, so American spelling and usage dominate in both public and private education.

British English Regions

• Europe: EU countries often follow British English, especially in formal education. This is reinforced by the influence of Cambridge English exams and British-authored textbooks.
• Middle East: British English is common in Gulf countries, especially in international schools and universities.
• Africa: In many former British colonies—such as Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa—British English remains the official standard.
• Southeast Asia: Countries like Malaysia and Singapore also tend to lean British due to historical ties and common use of Cambridge-based curricula.

International Schools and Exams

• Cambridge English & IELTS: Use British English spelling, grammar, and pronunciation standards.
• TOEFL & SAT: Follow American English norms.
• IB (International Baccalaureate): Aims to be neutral but leans toward British English in many schools.

How to Research Local Standards

Before starting a job—or applying—do a little digging:

• Check the website or curriculum of the school or employer.
• Ask during your interview whether they prefer American or British English.
• Look at local teaching materials, government education sites, or student textbooks for clues.

Understanding the local standard doesn’t mean you have to completely change your own usage, but it helps you teach in a way that aligns with student expectations and institutional goals.

Real-World Usage: English Is Global

Despite the regional preferences, the reality is this: most learners today are exposed to both American and British English—often without realizing it. Between Netflix, TikTok, YouTube, and global business communication, English is more global than ever.

English as a Global Language

Students might be watching a U.S. show, reading a British textbook, and taking an IELTS exam—all in the same week. The idea of “one correct version” just doesn’t reflect how English is used in the real world.

English as a Lingua Franca

Most English learners aren’t trying to sound like a Londoner or a New Yorker—they want to be understood when they travel, study, or work internationally. That means:

• Clarity matters more than accent.
• Consistency helps students build confidence.
• Awareness of variation builds flexibility and fluency.

How to Handle It in Class

Be open about the differences from day one. Explain to your students that:

• There’s no single “right” version.
• They may hear both in real life—and that’s okay.
• They can choose to follow one standard (e.g., for exams or school) while still understanding the other.

You’re not just teaching English—you’re teaching students how to navigate English in a global context. That awareness is one of the most valuable things you can offer them.

Teaching Strategies for Navigating the Divide

One of the best things you can do as a TEFL teacher is to make an intentional choice about which version of English you’re teaching—and let your students know from the start. But that doesn’t mean you have to ignore the other form entirely. It’s all about clarity, balance, and flexibility.

Choose a Primary Standard

Pick either American or British English as your main teaching variety. This helps with:

• Vocabulary consistency
• Spelling rules for writing tasks
• Grammar expectations in class discussions and exercises

Let your students know what version you're using and why—whether it's based on the local curriculum, an exam board, or your personal background.

Adapt Materials for Clarity

If you’re using worksheets, videos, or online materials that use a different version from what you teach, take a minute to localize:

• Swap spelling variations: color → colour, organize → organise
• Flag alternate vocabulary: trash can (US) = bin (UK)
• Add footnotes or side notes if you think the variation might confuse students

Many online teaching platforms now let you filter content based on spelling or region—use those tools to streamline your prep.

Teach Receptive Skills in Both Forms

Students will likely hear and read both versions of English in their lives—so treat listening and reading as bilingual skills:

• Use video/audio clips from both US and UK sources
• Include news articles, blog posts, or dialogues from a mix of regions
• Let students spot differences (e.g., “What did you notice about the accent or spelling?”)

It becomes a great way to build awareness without overwhelming them.

Encourage Flexibility

If your students are advanced—or preparing for international work or travel—help them switch between versions:

• Try simple drills where students “translate” American → British or vice versa
• Highlight exam-specific expectations (IELTS vs TOEFL)
• Roleplay scenarios that involve different varieties (e.g., calling customer service in the UK vs the US)

Helping students understand both while using one confidently is the sweet spot.

Where Teachers Slip Up (and How to Avoid It)

Even experienced teachers make mistakes when juggling British and American English—especially if they’re trying to be flexible without a clear plan. Here’s how to avoid the most common pitfalls.

Mixing Standards Mid-Lesson

Switching between British and American spelling, grammar, or vocabulary without explanation can confuse learners. For example:

• Writing colour on the board, then showing a worksheet with color
• Saying I’ve just eaten (UK), then later using I already ate (US)

Solution: Stick to your chosen standard and call out exceptions intentionally when they come up.

Marking “Different” as “Wrong”

Correcting a student for saying apartment instead of flat—or schedule with an American pronunciation—can be unfair if they’re using valid English.

Solution: Know both varieties well enough to recognize legitimate alternatives, and explain them kindly. For exams or formal writing, teach what's required—but don’t treat variation as error.

Overcorrecting Based on Your Own Norms

If you’re British, you might feel tempted to fix every American spelling. If you’re American, realise might look like a typo. But overcorrecting reinforces the idea that only one version is “right.”

Solution: Use corrections to teach context: “Both are correct—this version is more common in the UK.”

Tips for Staying Consistent

• Create a mini style guide for yourself (or your school)
• Use dictionaries or spellcheck tools that match your chosen variety
• Keep personal habits in check—watch your own mix of spellings or phrases
• Encourage questions from students: “Is this American or British?” can lead to great discussions

Your job isn’t to police English—it’s to make it easier for your students to use confidently. Stay consistent, stay open, and keep your focus on communication.

Beyond UK and US English: Other Varieties

While most TEFL discussions focus on British and American English, they’re far from the only versions out there. English has evolved uniquely in many countries—and acknowledging this opens the door to more inclusive, culturally rich teaching.

A Global Language with Local Flavors

Here are just a few prominent varieties students may encounter:

• Australian English: shares roots with British English but features distinct slang and vowel sounds
• Canadian English: a blend of American and British influences (e.g., colour with a “u,” but “center” with an “er”)
• Irish and Scottish English: regionally rich with different grammar, pronunciation, and local vocabulary
• South African English: blends British conventions with local expressions and pronunciation patterns
• Indian English: often includes unique vocabulary, phrasing, and stress patterns, influenced by native languages

These aren’t “incorrect” English—they’re just different. That’s the beauty of a global language.

Teaching Multicultural Awareness

In a multicultural classroom—or even in online group lessons—students might speak with different varieties of English, or be preparing to interact with a global audience. TEFL teachers can:

• Introduce a variety of English accents through listening practice
• Include region-specific vocabulary in vocabulary expansion units
• Discuss how context shapes communication (e.g., formality in India vs the US)

Even if your curriculum is based on one variety, a few side explorations into global Englishes can be eye-opening.

Make It a Cultural Adventure

Treat global English as a fun part of world exploration:

• Compare how different countries say “hello,” “thank you,” or “how are you?”
• Use clips from TV shows or news reports from various English-speaking countries
• Ask students to “guess the region” from short dialogue samples

It builds listening flexibility, appreciation for language diversity, and a mindset that prepares students for real-world communication—not just textbook answers.

Final Thoughts: Good English > “Correct” English

When you're standing in front of a class—or behind a webcam—it's easy to get caught up in the “rules.” But your real job isn’t to pick sides between British and American English. It’s to help students communicate clearly, confidently, and with purpose.

Focus on What Really Matters

Instead of obsessing over whether organize has a “z” or an “s,” ask:

• Did the student make their point?
• Would someone from another country understand them?
• Are they building fluency and feeling motivated?

That’s the kind of “correct” that matters most.

Teach Context, Not Conformity

By helping students understand why different versions exist—and when to use each—you’re giving them a real-world skill. For example:

• A student applying to a UK university might use British spelling
• Another working remotely for an American company might adapt to US grammar
• A third who watches Australian YouTube channels might develop a hybrid style—and that’s okay

English isn't static. It's a living, evolving, global tool. Students don’t need to choose a tribe—they just need to use English well.

You Set the Tone

Be the kind of teacher who values clarity over pedantry. Who explains, not scolds. Who celebrates the diversity of English rather than gatekeeping it.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about picking a winner between British or American English—it’s about preparing your learners to thrive in an English-speaking world.