How do we differentiate between British English and American English spelling?

Two people, one common language… Sort of Center vs. Centre; Colorus vs. Colour; Realize vs. Realise. But... Why are there so many differences in British and American spelling, and how did they creep in?

Actually each word has its own unique history, but the primary mover and shaker in this transatlantic drama is the nineteenth century American lexicographer Noah Webster, he of dictionary fame. According to "A History of English Spelling" (Manchester University, 2011) by D.G. Scragg, Webster's dictionary of 1828 is largely responsible for standardizing the accepted spelling of American English.

Wait! I'm not here to tell you such a long history of these different spellings, you dreamers also need some rest before we continue to seek our dreams right? I'll make this fast, be prepared to read a long pages below!

Here is an overview of the main differences between British and American spellings:

Differentiate between each colors, British and American

our endings change to or colour > color
armour armoury behaviour candour clamour colour demeanour endeavour favourite flavour glamour harbour honour humour labour neighbour odour rancour rigour rumour saviour savour savoury splendour valour vapour vigour	armor armory behavior candor clamor color demeanor endeavor favorite flavor glamor harbor honor humor labor neighbor odor rancor rigor rumor savior savor savory splendor valor vapor vigor

re endings change to theatre > theater
amphitheatre calibre centimetre centre fibre kilometre litre louvre lustre manoeuvre meagre metre millimetre sabre sceptre sombre spectre theatre	amphitheater caliber centimeter center fiber kilometer liter louver luster maneuver meager meter millimeter saber scepter somber specter theater
Note: These words are spelled with -re in both Britain and the USA:  acre massacre mediocre ogre

ogue endings change to og catalogue > catalog
analogue dialogue catalogue epilogue monologue prologue travelogue	analog dialog catalog epilog monolog prolog travelog
	Note: -ogue can also be used in the USA

l endings do not double in US spellings traveller > traveler
cancelled counsellor equalled fuelling fuelled grovelling jeweller jewellery levelled libelled marvellous modelling panelled quarrelling revelled woollen	canceled counselor equaled fueling fueled groveling jeweler jewelry or jewelery leveled libeled marvelous modeling paneled quarreling reveled woolen
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Some British English words ending in one l may have doublell in the USA spelling:
appal distil enrol enthral fulfil instil skilful wilful	appall distill enroll enthrall fulfill instill skillful willful

ae and oe words change to e encyclopaedia > encyclopedia
diarrhoea oestrogen foetus manoeuvre mementoes anaemia caesarean gynaecology haemorrhage leukaemia palaeontology paediatric	diarrhea estrogen fetus maneuver mementos anemia cesarean gynecology hemorrhage leukemia paleontology pediatric

British ise endings change to ize apologise > apologize American		Some words are the same in both countries:
appetiser authorise capitalise characterise civilise colonise criticise dramatise emphasise equalise mobilise naturalise organise popularise realise recognise satirise standardise symbolise vaporise ************** analyse paralyse	appetizer authorize capitalize characterize civilize colonize criticize dramatize emphasize equalize mobilize naturalize organize popularize realize recognize satirize standardize symbolize vaporize ************** analyze paralyze	size capsize prize seize ************** advise surprise advertise
Note: Some British spellers do use the -ize ending - either is correct - but the American spelling is almost always -ize.

You may remember these -ce and -se words (Soft c). In some of them, the spelling depends on whether the word is a noun or a verb.
defence	defense
offence	offense
pretence	pretense
vice (workbench tool)	vise
licence (as a noun): I've lost my driving licence.	license (noun and verb)
license (as a verb) is the same in both countries: He is licensed to drive large trucks
practise (as a verb): I practise the piano every day.	practice (noun and verb)
practice (as a noun) is the same in both countries: Get some practice in these words.

Some more examples of spelling differences:

Spelling change	British	American
ph > f	sulphate  sulphide  sulphur	sulfate  sulfide  sulfur
ugh > f or w	draught  plough	draft  plow
y > i	tyre (on a wheel)  gybe	tire  jibe
ou > o	mould  moult  smoulder	mold  molt  smolder
mme > m	programme	program
que > ck	cheque (money) chequer (game)	check checker
ge > g	acknowledgement ageing judgement	acknowledgment aging judgment
Miscellaneous:	aluminium	aluminum
	axe	ax
	cosy	cozy
	kerb (edge of road)	curb
	furore	furor
	grey	gray
	carat	(gold) karat
	liquorice	licorice
	moustache	mustache
	nought	naught
	pyjamas	pajamas
	sceptic	skeptic
	phial	vial
	whisky	whiskey

The lists above show the most common spellings that are different in Britain and the USA. With the growth of the Internet, it is likely that the American spellings will become the most used - despite any British objections!

Vocabulary - Restaurant

In the previous post, we saw a video tutorial and conversations about How to Order in a Restaurant. Do you know that there are some words/terms that are used in a restaurant? If you don't know about it, why don't you take a look at them by scroll down the page, but if these words are commonly used by you then we can review it again together. Are you ready Dreamers? Lets scroll-down to read the Vocabulary.

Appetizer: The small dish before your main course.

Bill: Also called “the check,” this tells you how much you need to pay for your meal.

Booster seat: A child’s seat placed on a chair to allow the child to sit at the table (see also high chair).

Bus boy: The person who cleans the tables and dishes off of the table.

Check: The check is also called the bill. It tells you how much you have to pay for your meal.

Dessert: The last sweet dish of the night, after your entrée. (Notice that it is spelled with 2 “s”s.)

Entrée: The main course.

High chair: The chair a baby sits in (see also booster seat).

Hostess/Maitre d’: The person at the front of the restaurant who greets you and seats you at a table.

Menu: the list of food and drink options available to order.

Party: The number of people who will be sitting at your table.

Tip: Usually 15% (20% in New York City) of the bill. Waiters and waitresses rely on this money as their income. Also called gratuity.

Waiter/Waitress: The person who takes your order and serves you food

Wine List, The: The menu showing all of the wine options you have.

See? Does it hard to memorize these words? Write down on your paper or personal dictionary to make a note of each vocabulary that you ever found today. See you later!

Credits: elemental english

How to Order in a Restaurant

We meet again Dreamers!

Have you ever go to restaurant? I mean a restaurant which has English speakers employees there, if you have never encounters that situation before, this could be a good opportunity to practice your English Speaking in a Restaurant.

Lets watch a video below which is related to our topic. The main purpose of the topic this time is to Discover how to read an English menu and never worry about count or uncountable nouns again when ordering at a restaurant again in the future! Please make sure to listen it carefully and don't miss any seconds of the video, don't forget time is running fast!

Speaking English - How to Order in a Restaurant*

If you still confused with the tutorial and explanations from the video, you can read the Phrases below.

At a Restaurant*

*Click The Link

Credits: YouTube.Com ; SpeakEnglish.Co.Uk; 

Word Grammar - For

Hello!

Today we will learn about grammar. Yeah grammar, actually I'm not very good in grammar, but I will do my best to share you about it.This time I will show you one of the common word that is used in grammar, the Word Grammar of For.

What is For? For has three different functions: 1. For as preposition or post-position; 2. For as Complement; and 3. For as Conjunction (Grammar).

The 'for' that I will explain in this blog is For as Conjunction. Before that, what is conjunction? Conjunction is a Grammar use in a small class of words distinguished in many languages by their function as-connectors between words, phrases, clauses, or sentences, as and, because, but, however.

Now we're back to 'for', below here you can read the definition of 'for' and also the example sentences of for in different meanings and its functions.

for

—used to indicate the place someone or something is going to or toward—used to indicate the person or thing that something is sent or given to—used to indicate the thing that something is meant to be used with

Word Grammar - For (Part 1)*

We can sometimes use for + ing to talk about the purpose of a thing. When we do, it means the same as to + infinitive.

• What is that for? It is for opening envelopes
• This bell is for calling the waiter.
• This bell is to call the waiter.

When we talk about the purpose of somebody's actions, we cannot use for + ing.

• I went there to ask for help.
• You will have to queue a long time. to get tickets.

However, it is sometimes possible to use for + noun for this.

• I went there for help.
• You will have to queue a long timefor tickets.

We can also use for + object + infinitive to talk about a purpose.

• I gave her a notebook for her to write down new English words she found.
• They sent a form for me to sign.

We also use the pattern for + object + infinitive in sentences after is or was.

• The plan is for us to get to Barcelona by lunchtime.
• The objective was for them to get the work finished by the end of last month.

We can add details to a noun by using the pattern for + object + infinitive

• That is an expensive place for them to stay.
• There is a lot of work for us to do.
• There is no need for you to be so aggressive.

We also use the pattern for + object + infinitive after certain verbs and adjectives.

• I am waiting for him to make the first move.
• I have arranged for you to see the bank manager tomorrow morning.
• We are keen for you to take the job.
• I think it would be good for you to take a break now.

Word Grammar - For (Part 2)*

We can use for to mean ‘because’. We only use this in very formal English.

• The divers have to be careful for a sudden change in conditions could be dangerous.
• Read the instructions carefully for you will only get one chance to enter the information.

We can use for to talk about a purpose or a reason.

• What did you that for?
• What is that for?
• Thank you for your letter.
• I don’t have enough money for the ticket. 
• I need treatment for my bad back.

For can mean that you are in favour**/favor*** of something.

• He is for the idea of cutting taxes.
• I am for this change in the way we do things.
• You need to stand up for what is right.

We can use for with expressions of time and distance.

• I walked for miles.
• I waited for a long time.
• We will be away for the next week.

Sometimes we can omit the for completely in these expressions without changing the meaning.

• I walked miles.
• I waited a long time.

With the present perfect, for refers to a length of time. Since refers to the starting point.

• I have studied English for seven years.
• I have studied English since I was 12.

Here are some useful expressions using for

• I enclose a cheque**/check*** for 100 euros
• What’s another word for stupid?
• I’ve known him for ages.
• I am all for making this change.
• Get ready.  -What for?   -Anne is coming.

*Direct Link to Video Tutorial

**British Spellings

***American Spellings

Credits: English Grammar Lessons ; Dictionary.Com ; YouTube.Com ; Merriam-Webster.Com ; Wikipedia.Com.

So... Here are the explanations about Word Grammar 'For'. Still confused with it? I am available to explain more, just type them on the comment box.

The -ing form

Hello! We meet again, guys!

Today I'll explain about The use of -ing form.

Well... -ing is a suffix used to make one of the inflected forms of English verbs. This verb form is used as a present participle, as a gerund, and sometimes as an independent noun or adjective.

Here are the examples of -ing form.

The –ing form can be used like a noun, like an adjective or like a verb.

• Smoking is forbidden.
• I have a long working day.
• I don't like dancing.

When it is used like a noun it may or may not have an article before it.

• Marketing is a very inexact science.
• The marketing of the product will continue for a few months yet.

It can also be part of a 'noun phrase'.

• Speaking to an audience is always stressful.
• Swimming after work is very relaxing.

In formal English, we would use a possessive with the –ing form. In informal English, many people do not.

• I'm angry about his missing the meeting.
• Do you mind my coming?

As an adjective, the –ing form can be used before a noun.

• I was met by a welcoming party at the airport.
• Let's go to the meeting room.

The –ing form is used after prepositions.

• Before leaving, you need to speak to Sarah.
• After discussing it with her, I've changed my mind.
• Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, do some work for charity.

Notice that when 'to' is used as a preposition, it is followed by the –ing form.

• I don't object to working this Sunday.
• I'm looking forward to seeing him again.
• I'm used to working long hours.

There are many verb + -ing combinations. Here are some common ones:

• I admit telling her.
• I appreciate having the raise.
• I avoid speaking to him.
• I consider blowing your nose in public to be wrong.
• I delayed coming until the last possible moment.
• He denied telling her.
• I detest going to parties.
• I enjoy dancing.
• I feel like having a party.
• I've finished writing the report.
• I've given up going to the gym.
• I can't help thinking about it.
• I can't imagine ever leaving this company.
• I don't mind doing that.
• He put off talking to her as long as he could.
• I can't stand drinking beer.

Some verbs can be followed by either the infinitive or –ing form but with different meanings. Here are some common ones:

• I stopped smoking last month. (I no longer smoke.) - I stopped to smoke a cigarette. (I stopped what I was doing and had a cigarette.)
• I remember telling him. (A memory of the past.) - I must remember to tell him. (Something to remember for the future.)
• I'm interested in finding out more details. (Interested about the future.) - I was interested to read his report. (Interested in the past.)

Some verbs can be followed by either the infinitive or –ing form but with the same meaning. Here are some common ones:

• I love to go shopping - I love going shopping
• I'm afraid to fly - I'm afraid of flying
• I started to learn English 5 years ago - I started learning English 5 years ago

How was it? If there's some question about this topic or something, feel free to ask. I'm on your service.

Credits:

• Definition of –ing
• Examples of The -ing form

Train your listening skill through a song

Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening/Night everyone!

I got a song for you to train your listening skill.

The title of the song is If You're not The One by Daniel Bedingfield (*click the link to listen)

You can fill the missing lyrics on your paper.

Enjoy the song everyone!

If you’re not the one then why does my **** feel glad today?

If you’re not the one then why does my hand *** yours this way?
If you are not mine then why does your heart **** my call
If you are not mine would I have the ******* to stand at all

I'll never know what the ****** brings
But I **** you're here with me now
We’ll make it *******
And I hope you are the one I share my **** with

I don’t want to run away but I can’t take it, I don’t **********
If I’m not made for you then why **** my heart tell me that I am?
Is there any way that I *** stay in your arms?

If I don’t need you then why am I crying on my ***?
If I don’t need you then why does your name ******* in my head?
If you’re not for me then why does this distance **** my life?
If you’re not for me then why do I dream of you as my ****?

I don’t know why you’re so *** away
But I know that this much is true
We’ll make it ******
And I hope you are the one I share my **** with
And I wish that you could be the one I *** with
And I pray in you’re the one I ***** my home with
I hope I love you all my ****

I don’t want to run away but I can’t take it, I don’t **********
If I’m not made for you then why **** my heart tell me that I am
Is there any way that I *** stay in your arms?

‘Cause I miss you, body and **** so strong that it takes my ****** away
And I ******* you into my heart and pray for the strength to stand today
‘Cause I love you, ******* it’s wrong or right
And though I can’t be with you *******
You know my heart is by your ****

I don’t want to run away but I can’t take it, I don’t **********
If I’m not made for you then why **** my heart tell me that I am
Is there any way that I ***** stay in your arms

Is the listening session was difficult or easy? Perhaps you did enjoy the song, hahaha~

Check your answer.

Troubled in writing Essays?

Hi everyone!

The 1st May is arrive! It means that assignments are overflowing your mind, doesn't it?

I just found this thread few minutes ago and I think its good to share what I have found to everyone.
Actually I'm not good at Essays and tends to forgot the structure in writing essays, anyway here are the steps and the example of it.

How Do I Write an Essay?

• Why essay writing is important at tertiary level

• The essay writing process

• • Step 1: Analyse the question

  • Step 2: Research

  • Step 3: Plan

  • Step 4: Write

  • Step 5: Revising and Editing

• The basic essay structure

• • Introduction

  • Body

  • Conclusion

• Referencing (proofread) the essay

• Presenting your work

Cr: Charles Sturt University

Trouble writing Essays? Try This!

INTRODUCTION
State what you are going to achieve in the article, and how you are going to do it (this gives the teacher cues as to what is going to come... we love that!)

EG. The current professional women's volleyball uniforms are both unpractical and degrading to women. This essay will explore the reasons why this is so, and offer a suggestion for improvements. (This was for a student's HPE essay)

BODY
Go into each detail, eg:

PARAGRAPH 1
Topic sentence: Firstly, the uniforms are unpractical.
Supporting Evidence/fact 1: They ride up all the time
SE2: They don't protect the athlete's bodies from the sun.
SE3: "
Concluding statement.

PARAGRAPH 2: Secondly, the uniforms are degrading to women.
SE1: They show a LOT of flesh.
SE2: Takes the focus off the level of sporting ability.
SE3: They make women feel self conscious (especially as cameras etc are around).

PARAGRAPH 3: Suggestions for improvement- eg. have different uniforms and players pick.
Seek player input, etc.

CONCLUSION
Summarise the above
Restate the introduction.
Finish strongly.

Cr: aloha1983

Happy Learning, everyone!