We love to recommend useful products & services to our readers through affiliate links. We may make a small commission at no cost to you. Here's how.
Are you feeling a bit lost when it comes to spelling in English? Don’t worry, you're definitely not alone.
Even native English speakers are unsure sometimes
Back when I first started teaching, I came across some American English teaching materials in our curriculum that left me scratching my head. I distinctly remember seeing the word "traveled" and thinking it was a typo because it just didn't look right to me. I was so used to seeing and using "travelled" with a double "l".
Even though I was always top of my class in spelling and consistently got good grades in my English exams, I find myself doubting my spelling skills these days, especially with the endless digital media we have access to from all over the globe.
That's why I put together a handy spelling list for you (and maybe even for myself!).
✔ UK (standard spelling)
✔ Australia & New Zealand
✔ USA (standard spelling)
✔ Canada
Here are a few key points to keep in mind about this list:
Although the list is extensive, it does not include all the differences in spelling. It would be far too long. However, it does contain many British and American words that happen to be different and don’t follow a particular rule.
The UK and United States word lists are the standardised forms, with some exceptions added due to the increase of popular use.
The Australian and New Zealand word lists have a lot in common with the British spelling, however in practise alternative spellings are accepted. If in doubt, use British spelling.
The Canadian word list is the most challenging. They are a Commonwealth nation and their spelling is sometimes reflected in this, but they also equally borrow spelling from their southern neighbour.
Some words from the Australian, New Zealand and Canadian lists may not be the standardised spellings but are used equally or more frequently than standardised spellings. While the list is comprehensive, it doesn’t include all the spelling differences. It would be far too long. However, it includes many British and American words that are randomly
Keep in mind language is ever-changing and that means the popularity of spelling can change over time. American spelling evolved to make spelling more phonetic, therefore easier to read and write. This means American spelling may grow in popularity in the future and has indeed been adopted in some degree by people in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and, of course, Canada.
Regardless of which spelling you use, it’s not so bad to use a combination. Just tell people you’re following the Canadian way of spelling!
It’s very difficult to avoid a mishmash of spelling, especially if you have autocorrect on electronic devices which may default to the spelling you don’t want to use.
Be consistent if you are doing formal or academic writing and stick to one standardised spelling type. The good thing is you can turn on your writing editor spell checker to keep you on the right path.
If you are being graded for your English writing, you should ask your educator which spelling you should use. Some educators are very strict and may downgrade you for not using the “correct” spelling.
Download this free spelling list, English Spelling Around the World:
✔ UK (standard spelling)
✔ Australia & New Zealand
✔ USA (standard spelling)
✔ Canada
Further recommendations
The non-phonetic aspects of many English words and non-uniform writing rules can make it tough to spell English correctly. Here are a few recommendations that may help you or someone you know:
PONS Rechtscreibung & Zeichensetzung auf einen Blick Englisch | Englisch richtig schreForiben leichter lesen, laut-Buchstaben-Zuordnung |
 |  |
The Complete Guide to English Spelling Rules | Collins Gem Spelling Guide |
 |  |
Comments