Grammar resource: English vs. American spellings

English and American variations

The English language can have variations in spelling from American English. However, since you are studying in a UK higher education institution, it is important that you follow the English versions of spellings. It can be really helpful to ensure your word processor language setting it set to English UK as opposed to English US. The table below outlines some examples of English and English American spelling differences, but this is not an exhaustive list.

Notable exception

Use original spellings if you are quoting directly or giving the title of a book/journal (including in your reference list). 

Examples

These are all examples of common differences between US and UK spellings (s/z, ou/o, iou/io, re/er, ll/l, ae/e) and the rules can be applied widely.