When preparing for the IELTS exam, one of the most overlooked areas is vocabulary (and spelling) variations between British and American English. It may seem like a small detail, but mixing these two styles can casue confusion, especially in the writing and speaking sections.
You don’t need to become an expert in both versions. And while it’s not necessarily a must, it’s a great skill to recognize the key differences and stick to one version throughout your test responses. This consistency shows language control, mastery and awareness – two things IELTS examiners are looking for.
Why IELTS Test-Takers Should Care
The IELTS test is accepted worldwide and designed to reflect a variety of English accents and usages. That means both British and American English are considered correct. However, using a mix of the two in the same essay or interview can make your responses feel a little unpolished.
Let’s say you write “labour” in one sentence and “organize” in the next. One uses the British spelling, and the other the American. While not technically wrong, this lack of consistency can be distracting and affect your coherence score, so to maximize your result, choose one version and stick with it from start to finish.
Everyday Vocabulary Differences
Many everyday words differ between the two English varieties. For example, a British speaker takes the “lift” to reach the fifth floor, while an American uses the “elevator.”
- In the UK, large vehicles are called “lorries,” while in the US, they’re “trucks.”
- Where you live can vary as well – a “flat” in the UK becomes an “apartment” in the US.
These aren’t just quirky differences. These are the types of words you’re likely to use in IELTS Speaking or see in Reading and Listening sections. If you’re familiar with both versions, you’ll also be better prepared to understand a wider range of questions.
Spelling Variations You’ll Want to Learn
Spelling is one of the most noticeable differences. British English favors endings like “-our” and “-ise,” while American English sticks to “-or” and “-ize.”
For example, British English spells it “colour,” “favour,” and “realise,” while American English writes “color,” “favor,” and “realize.”
You might also notice changes like “defence” (UK) versus “defense” (US), or “theatre” versus “theater.”
These differences show up in IELTS Reading passages, so it’s helpful to recognize them, even if you’re sticking to one form in your own writing.
Grammar and Usage Differences
Grammar rules can differ slightly too. In British English, you’re more likely to hear “I’ve just eaten,” while Americans say “I just ate.” Collective nouns also shift – British English often treats them as plural (“The team are winning”), whereas American English prefers singular (“The team is winning”).
None of these grammar variations are inherently better or worse. What matters most is that you use one style consistently throughout your answers if you want to appear consistent and confident. The IELTS test is designed to be flexible, but examiners still notice when a candidate shifts from one version to another without purpose.
How to Decide Which Version to Use
So, which one should you choose – British or American English?
If you’re applying to a UK, Australian, NZ, or European institution, it makes sense to follow British English conventions. If your goal is to study in the United States or Canada, American English might be more appropriate. But ultimately, either is acceptable, as long as you stay consistent!
You can train your ear and eye to prefer one version by reading articles, watching TV shows, and practicing IELTS questions written in that style. If you use online resources, be mindful of which English variant they follow.
And if you’re downloading apps or study guides from platforms that are region-specific or unavailable in your country, using a VPN to download those resources securely may be helpful – especially since they might not always be available where you’re located.
If you want to improve your British English listening skills, for example, you can try connecting to a VPN server in England, and browse YouTube to see videos that are currently trending in the UK.
Common Vocabulary Pairs to Remember
While this isn’t an exhaustive list, it’s worth becoming familiar with a few of the most common vocabulary differences you may encounter:
- “Lift” (UK) vs. “Elevator” (US)
- “Lorry” vs. “Truck” (US)
- “Flat” vs. “Apartment” (US)
- “Biscuit” (UK) vs. “Cookie” (US)
- “Boot” (of a car) vs. “Trunk” (US)
- “Sweets” vs. “Candy” (US)
The more exposure you have to these word pairs, the more naturally you’ll be able to understand and use them depending on your chosen variant.
Reading and Listening Tips
In the Listening section, expect to hear both British and American accents. The test is designed to reflect global English, so you might hear a conversation between a Canadian and an Australian, or a British lecturer using American examples.
Don’t be thrown off. Instead, familiarize yourself with both versions so that you can catch vocabulary variations and spelling differences with ease.
Reading passages follow the same principle. You might be asked to understand a UK-based newspaper article in one section and a US-based academic study in the next. Knowing what to expect – and being able to mentally “translate” if needed – can boost your confidence on test day.
Final Thoughts
Mastering British vs American vocabulary isn’t about memorizing two separate languages. It’s about recognizing the differences, choosing the one that suits your goals, and sticking to it throughout your IELTS journey – you’ll feel a lot more confident.
When you know how to handle word and spelling variations – and when you’re confident in the version you’ve chosen – you’ll sound more natural, more consistent, and more in control. That’s what examiners love to see!
