A very useful vocabulary comparing British and American English
Some example sentences for the vocabulary from the video. Let’s learn the difference between British and American English.
- The faucet in the bathroom is broken. (American)
- It is not a “faucet” but a “tap”. (British)
- Wow! You have a lovely garden! (British)
Did you want to say “a backyard”? (American) - Throw the garbage in the dustbin. (British)
I will throw it in the “trashcan”. (American) - Would you like to go to the movies with me? (American)
Sorry, where?
Would you like to go to the “cinema” with me? (British) - Did I tell you that I bought a new apartment? (American)
No, you didn’t. I guess you bought a new “flat”. (British) - Is there a lift in this building? (British)
I’m so sorry but I don’t know what “a lift” means.
Oh, of course. Is there “an elevator” in this building? (American) - I am washing my hands in the washbasin. (British)
We call it “a sink” here in America. (American) - Put your clothes in the wardrobe. It is in the bedroom. (British)
I don’t know what you mean.
Put your clothes in the “closet”. (American) - I am going on holiday tomorrow! (British)
Are you going on a “vacation”? (American) - How do you call a break between classes in British?
We call it “break time”. (British)
We call it “recess” in the US. (American) - My mom is making some cookies today. Do you want to come and try them? (American)
I like “biscuits”. Are they the same as “cookies”? (British)
Yes, they are the same.
