British Vs American Terms

Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences As more and more countries place a growing importance on its people to learn English as a secondary language, for work purposes or for general use, there is a growing debate about which is the better English to learn - British English or American English. Both versions are essentially the same Prioritise teaching "Good English" Certain students may need specific versions of English Points to consider when choosing a version to teach Exploring the differences can be an interesting lesson Don't get obsessed with minor differences Are you excited to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Max E. The argument stems from the growing influence of America in the modern world. British...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas British English versus American English always sparks a lively discussion. I have read some articles so far as to compare these 2 languages and gather the information from the online resources. Personal experience The history of English Vocabulary challenge Teaching implications and classroom problems Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Zahra J. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. I am Iranian and have many American and British friends and I have been living abroad for about 6 years. As an English speaker as a second language, it took me a while to learn what is British and what is American English....  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! The differences between British English and American English are always fun to take a look at. Below are 40 differences between the two illustrated.   Learn the difference between American English vs British English. British vs American English 1. Post ………… Mail 2. Film ………… Movie 3. Rubbish ………… Garbage 4. Football ………… Soccer 5. Chips ………… Fries 6. Rubber ………… Eraser 7. Zip ………… Zipper 8. Sweets ………… Candy 9. Biscuit ………… Cookie 10. Maize ………… Corn ...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences When it comes to learning English, non-native speakers can feel quite torn on whether they should learn British English or American English. They have their similarities, but can contrast each other strongly. The differences can be confusing for English speakers as well. The diversity in spelling, pronunciation, and vocabulary can really throw you off. In this article, I will be focusing on these three topics. Let's explore spelling, shall we? Important Spelling Differences Differences in Word Choice Same Word - Different Pronunciation Other Things to Consider Are you ready to teach English abroad? Listen to this blog post Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Tabitha C. Growing up in the USA, I learned to spell in...  [Read more]

British and American English showcase several key differences that learners should be aware of: These differences underline the richness and diversity of the English language, influenced by geographical and historical contexts. Differences in vocabulary Differences in grammar Collective nouns Have and take Prepositions Past tense verbs Differences in spelling Differences in dates Vocabulary discrepancies constitute a major source of confusion. Numerous words have distinct meanings in the two language versions. While teaching English, it is natural to focus on the words that make the most sense to you personally. However, it is important for students to be aware of alternative terms to avoid confusion later on. While the extensive list of vocabulary differences is too lengthy to present...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences American English and British English are two varieties which are taught in English teaching programs around the world. Although it is accepted that no one version is corrected, there are certainly preferences in use. Someone who can speak, read or understand one variety of English, he/she'll also probably be able to understand most of the other varieties without problem. Pronunciation differences Vocabulary differences Spelling differences Grammar differences Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sumeyra Y. The differences between American and British English can be categorized in four ways: British English and American sound remarkably different. The...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Learning English is very difficult, there are many various grammatical and spelling differences between the English spoken throughout the world. Most notably is British and American English grammar. There are also differences in the pronunciation and meanings of many words. While you would think learning English would be a simple task, it is not, after all how different can English be from English? There are a few additional factors - Canadian, Australian, South African, Indian English, etc. have their own differences, these are differences that must be taken into consideration while you study the English Language. Why Learners Have to Know Variasions Differences in Spelling Differences in Pronunciation Differences in Vocabulary Differences in...  [Read more]

British and American English differs in several ways that encompass vocabulary, grammarand spelling, and a student is not wrong if they use either version. Teachers should teach the English that they themselves speak but also have an awareness of the differences between the two. If a teacher is required to teach a course book that is in a version of English different to their own, then they should teach the English used in the book. Some of the differences in vocabulary covered in this graphic are fairly well known such as ‘pavement’ (GB) and ‘sidewalk’ (US), others not so much as in the case of ‘fortnight’ (GB) and ‘two weeks’ (US). While the differences between the two don’t generally matter, a teacher may prefer to teach one version...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas This summative essay will exam the importance of teaching the differences between American English and British English for EFL learners. I will examine the intention behind teaching these differences, and when these teachings should be applied, and to what effect and purpose. This essay will focus primarily on the problems of pronunciation and spelling, which are the two main differences. I am a British citizen, born and raised in London, England, and currently teach at a public high school in Tokyo. Spelling Challenges for Beginners and Intermediate Learners What do Students Think? Grammar Interesting Experience for Adults Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate...  [Read more]

The generally recognized acronym for the field of teaching English is ELT which simply means: English Language Teaching. Within this huge field there are a number of specialisms. One such specialism is the teaching of English to learners for whom English is not their first language. Three common acronyms that are often used when applied to this scenario are TEFL, TESL and TESOL. By defining the terms we will show that the idea of comparing one versus the other, i.e. “TEFL vs TESOL” is not particularly useful. So what do they mean? When the English teaching is to non native speakers and takes place in a country where the first language is not English. Examples would be teaching English in Peru or teaching English in Taiwan. TESL applies when teaching English to non native speakers in a...  [Read more]

SOURCE: www . lebonbon . co . uk/lifestyle/infographic-you-sound-like-youre-from-london/ Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Writing dates in English can be done in a variety of ways. Here are some common ways to write dates in British and American English.   What is the correct format for dates in English? This is something very important to teach your students when teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). How to write the date in English usually depends on the following things: Whether you write a formal letter or an informal note; and whether you use British or American English. Let's take a look at the examples below. As you can see, there are a number of ways in which you can write the same date. As a general rule we can say that the more complicated the style of date, the more formal it is. In British English (which is mainly used in...  [Read more]

Liza is a translator, freelancer and ESL teacher from Russia. She had been teaching in a Chinese bilingual school for more than two years and recently moved to Thiland to run her blog about teaching and freelance job. Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas This blog post was written by a recent ITTT TEFL graduate who considers the problem of ESL teaching materials. ✅ Read this article to find out how to create and implement teaching materials in TEFL teaching. Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas This blog post was written by a recent ITTT TEFL graduate who considers the problem of ESL classroom management. ✅ Read this article to find out how to manage any TEFL class in 7 easy steps. Elizaveta Pachina TEFL...  [Read more]

While Spain is undoubtedly a top TEFL destination in Europe, drawing teachers globally, Latin America presents unique offerings that might align better with some educators' preferences. Beyond the allure of Spain's sunny coast, Latin America boasts diverse cultures, rich histories, and often a lower cost of living in many of its countries. Delving into the specifics, some teachers find that Latin America's advantages provide a more fitting and fulfilling teaching experience. Where is the best place to learn the Spanish language? What is the cost of living in Spain compared to Latin America? How do work visas differ between Spain and Latin America? What about hiring seasons and getting a job in advance? What other advantages does Latin America have over Spain? When seeking the ideal...  [Read more]

Linda is a passionate traveler, language learner and TEFL teacher. After spending some time teaching in China, she moved to Korea in 2015. She now calls South Korea her home. Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences This blog post was written by a recent TEFL graduate who shares their thoughts on why you must take a TEFL course to teach English abroad. Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences This blog post was written by a recent TEFL course graduate who has summarized the most important differences between British and American English. Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences This blog post was written by a recent TEFL graduate who shares their reasons why they would recommend taking a TEFL course to their friends. Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences This blog post was written by a recent...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences British English (BrE) and American English (AmE) are two of the main varieties of the English language. There are other different varieties of English that exist such as Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, South Asian and African English. Language Structure 1. Vocabulary and Spelling 2. Grammar Historical Prerequisits Diplomatic Relationships Globalization Do you want to teach English in Japan? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: Although English was introduced to America through the colonization period by the British, the two varieties of English have evolved to be quite different from each other in certain areas. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Shanique H. Please note that this blog post might...  [Read more]

In the field of TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), the choice of English variation often depends on the specific preferences of a country: In conclusion, TEFL teachers should be aware of a country's preference and adapt their teaching accordingly. Map created by reddit user Speech500 Source: moverdb.com How exactly do these forms of English differ? Spelling Differences British Grammar vs. American Grammar Same Word - Different Pronunciation Differences in word for the same object Other considerations There are a number of major differences which we will examine. The following are in no way exhaustive and you should investigate for yourself for more examples. Mainly due to the influence of Webster (of dictionary fame) American English has focused on how words are 'sounded' to...  [Read more]

For anyone aiming to teach English in a vibrant and culturally rich setting, Latin America emerges as a top choice, especially in countries like Argentina, Chile, and Mexico. The region boasts a mix of bustling cities, tourist hotspots, and serene rural areas, catering to diverse interests. While personal research is essential to find the best fit, we present a brief list of destinations that currently offer exceptional opportunities: Mexico Chile Costa Rica Colombia Argentina Adjacent to the United States, Mexico has long been favored by American teachers due to its convenient location. The thriving tourism industry and prospects of higher-paid jobs in the USA make Mexico a sought-after destination. Private language centers and private tutoring opportunities provide avenues for...  [Read more]

Among the many attractions of teaching English abroad is the fact that you are free to choose not only the region where you would like to work, but also the specific country or even city. For some teachers the history and culture of Europe appeals most, while others are drawn to exotic destinations across Asia or Latin America. However, before you book your plane tickets you need to be aware that the requirements for foreign teachers vary greatly from one country to the next and these may limit your options. You should do plenty of research on whether any of the following issues apply to your chosen destination. In some cases, language schools are restricted to only hiring teachers who hold citizenship of a native English speaking country. These are generally considered to be the USA,...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas When we talk about the English language, we are referring to its base form or proper English as the Brits would say. American English is a version of British English, which has been modified over time and has thus been altered to suit the different geographical locations, different culture and so on. Lexical Differences Grammar Structure Spelling Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: There are several areas of the English language which present the most noticeable differences and these are in vocabulary, grammar, and spelling. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kristian B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. There are hundreds of...  [Read more]

When choosing a destination for teaching English abroad there are a wide variety of options available to suit all tastes. For some this choice is based on where the best salaries and benefits are offered, whilst others may be more focused on cultural aspects or simply where to find the best nightlife. Each region and individual country has its own pros and cons, so here we give a brief overview of the most popular options to help you make the right decision to suit your plans. Which is the most popular region for teaching English abroad? Where can I earn the most money teaching English in Asia? What other popular spots are there for teaching English in Asia? Where are the most popular TEFL destinations in the Middle East? What are the pros and cons of teaching English in the Middle...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Visa and Legal Destinations TEFL Information Every year, thousands of Americans embark on their adventure of teaching English abroad. Many of them dream of living in Europe but are deterred by the seemingly unfavorable visa regulations and they head to Asia or Latin America instead. While it is true that a lot of employers in European countries prefer to hire teachers with an EU passport to avoid having to organize a work visa for those from other countries, there are other ways to legally work in Europe as an American English teacher. Here is our how-to guide for Americans to teach English in Europe. Get TEFL Certified Choose the Right Location Teaching Programs for Americans in Europe Get the Timing Right Teaching Legally with the Right Visa Be Flexible and Patient...  [Read more]

In 2022/23, aspiring TEFL teachers are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a teaching destination. From locations boasting competitive salaries to places rich in culture or known for vibrant social scenes, there is something for everyone. Moreover, with the modern shift, online English teaching has surged in popularity, allowing educators the flexibility to teach without geographical constraints. Dive into our comprehensive guide highlighting the pros and cons of each top destination to make an informed decision. Which is the most popular region for TEFL? Where can I earn the most money teaching English in Asia? Where else is popular in Asia? What are the most popular TEFL destinations in the Middle East? What are the pros and cons of teaching English in the Middle East? What are...  [Read more]

As there is a strong demand for TEFL qualified teachers in many countries worldwide, most course graduates should have little trouble finding a suitable position. However, to maximise your chances of securing the best jobs there are a few things you should be aware of. Where you should look for work, how to apply for jobs, and how to prepare for that all important interview are all covered below. Where can I teach English abroad? Which is the most popular region for teaching English abroad? Where can I earn the most money teaching English in Asia? What other popular spots are there for teaching English in Asia? Where are the most popular TEFL destinations in the Middle East? What are the pros and cons of teaching English in the Middle East? Where are the most popular TEFL...  [Read more]

  Now we'll have a look at the present perfect tense. The form for the present perfect tense is again our subject here, our auxiliary verb, or helping verb, in this case it's 'have'. For subjects 'I,' 'you,' 'we,' 'they', we leave the auxiliary verb as 'have'. For 'he,' 'she' and 'it', our auxiliary verb needs to be conjugated or changed into 'has'. Following these helping verbs, we have our main verb in the past participle form. Here we have the verb 'to play'. 'To play' is a regular verb. So for regular verbs we simply add '-ed'. The result is sentences such as 'I have played football today,' or 'He has played snooker today'. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down...  [Read more]

The term TEFL is one that is often used in a general sense, although it does have a specific meaning. Generally the meaning of TEFL is some form of ‘the Teaching of English to people whose first language is not English’ and is often used interchangeably with terms such as TESOL, TEAL, TESL and many others. It is also generally used as the name of a qualification, such as a TEFL certificate, which relates to the result of a TEFL training course. Here we will look at the meaning of TEFL in these broad terms and also give its specific meaning, along with many other common acronyms used throughout the industry. The general acronym for the field of teaching English is ELT: English Language Teaching. This term applies across the board to teaching English, be it to American high school...  [Read more]

When it comes to accents we all have one no matter where in the world we were brought up. Most of us are familiar with the basic differences between British and American accents, but what about accents from Australia and New Zealand, Canada and South Africa? And within each of these countries there are dozens of regional accents, just to complicate things further. So, we all have an accent, but is it a problem when teaching English as a foreign language? What English accent should I teach my students? How do English language students learn English accents? It is important to understand that there isn't a universally correct accent. The debate typically centers on British versus American English. Historically, the British accent (often referred to as the Queen's English) was widely adopted...  [Read more]

Many TEFL qualified teachers head to Latin America as it is a region that promises endless opportunities for adventure. Teaching jobs are abundant in many areas and there are rarely any restrictions on who is eligible to apply. Whether you are a native English speaker or not, and whether you hold a degree are often irrelevant in many countries. Several countries also have clear structures in place for obtaining an official work permit, while salaries are typically high enough to afford a comfortable lifestyle. What are the requirements for teaching English in Latin America? What is the best way to apply for jobs teaching English in Latin America? When is the best time to apply for jobs teaching English in Latin America? What visa will I need to teach English in Latin America? How...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!   When you use more than one adjective, you have to put them in the right order or it will sound very strange. Do you say, "I want a big black cat" or "I want a black big cat?" Let's take a look at infographic below.   So, do you say, "I want a big black cat" or "I want a black big cat?" The first one is correct. Why? If "big" is size and "black" is color, then it should come first because size is number (2) and color is number (5) on the infographic above. You can use this chart for all orders of adjectives. A quick and easy way is to always place the adjective that is easy to change first. Number 1 (Opinion) can be changed more easily than number 6 (Origin: where something is from). It is easy for me to change my...  [Read more]

  In her ninth video diary instalment, Chantelle discusses unit 9 of her online TEFL course from ITTT. This unit covers lesson planning and the importance of being well prepared for your lessons. The unit discusses whether there is a need to plan lessons, how a lesson plan should be written and what should be included in a lesson plan. It also looks at ways to plan a sequence of lessons and how important it is for teachers to reflect on past lessons to help improve future classes. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get...  [Read more]