Differences with Adjectives and Adverbs in American and British

In this blog post, you’ll learn the key differences between adjectives and adverbs in American and British English grammar. Understanding how these words are used in both dialects will help you improve your language skills and communicate more effectively. This lesson covers the distinct usage of adjectives and adverbs, making it easier for learners to recognize and remember the variations between the two.

Table of Contents

Differences with Adjectives and Adverbs

1. Well, ill, etc

The adjectives well, fine, ill, and unwell, referring to health, usually come in predicative position.

GB/US: Our secretary is ill.

But they can be attributive, especially in America.

Mainly US: an ill man.

NOTE:

Sick and healthy can go in both positions. In Britain, to be sick means to vomit, to bring up food.

GB: Trevor’s daughter was sick all over the carpet.

2. Adjectives and Adverbs

In informal speech, we can sometimes use an adjective form instead of an adverb. Americans do this more than the British.

GB/US:

That was really nice of her.
It certainly is raining.

Mainly US:

That was really nice of her.
It sure is raining.

3. Somewhere and Someplace

In informal American English, everyplace, someplace, and noplace can be used as well as everywhere, somewhere, and nowhere.

GB/US: Let’s go out somewhere.
US only: Let’s go out someplace.

Examples of Differences in Adjectives Between American and British English

In this section, we will learn the differences in adjectives between American and British English with the help of examples and sentences. Here, we will learn the spelling differences like travelled and traveled, etc., and many more usages of the English adjectives in both American and British English. Let’s learn the differences in American and British adjectives…

1. Spelling Differences

GB: Travelled, cancelled, labelled
US: Traveled, canceled, labeled

2. Usage Preferences

GB: Cleverer, quieter, friendliest
US: More clever, more quiet, more friendly

3. Word Choice and Meaning

GB: He is ill.
US: He is sick.

4. Formality Levels

GB: He is quite tired.
US: He’s really tired.

5. Regional Variations

GB: She lives in a homely cottage. (meaning “cozy”)
US: She has a homely appearance. (meaning “unattractive”)

Examples of Differences in Adverbs Between American and British English

In this section, you’ll learn the wide range of differences in adverbs between American and British English. We’ll cover variations in spelling, usage, word choice, meanings, and levels of formality, along with regional differences. By understanding these distinctions with examples, you’ll gain a deeper knowledge of how adverbs are used in both accents. If you’re looking for simple ways to grasp these differences, check out the method below to see how we provide an easy approach to learning American and British English variations.

1. Spelling Differences

GB: Publicly, accidentally, generally
US: Publicly, accidentally, generally

2. Usage Preferences

GB: She nearly always arrives on time.
US: She always nearly arrives on time.

3. Word Choice and Meaning

GB: He drives quite fast.
US: He drives pretty fast.

4. Formality Levels

GB: He answered quite promptly.
US: He answered pretty quickly.

5. Regional Variations

GB: He lives nearby. (meaning “close by”)
US: He lives nearby.

American and British English Example Sentences

In this section, you’ll find example sentences showing the differences between American and British English in the use of adjectives and adverbs. These examples will help you memorize and better understand how adjectives and adverbs are used in both dialects. By comparing these sentences, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of the variations, making it easier to use them correctly in your daily communication.

British English	American English
She travelled to London last year.	She traveled to London last year.
The movie was the most frightening I’ve ever seen.	The movie was the scariest I’ve ever seen.
The weather is quite cold today.	The weather is pretty cold today.
He cancelled his appointment.	He canceled his appointment.
She was more clever than her classmates.	She was cleverer than her classmates.
He lives in a homely cottage.	He lives in a cozy cottage.
He answered quite quickly.	He answered pretty quickly.
He nearly always finishes his work on time.	He almost always finishes his work on time.
They labelled the packages carefully.	They labeled the packages carefully.
The team is the most determined I’ve ever seen.	The team is the most motivated I’ve ever seen.