British vs. American English: Why Your Audience Might Care

Because “favourite” and “favorite” are not the same thing when you’re applying to Harvard.

One of the most common questions I get when translating or proofreading documents is:
“Should this be British or American English?”

And my answer is always:
Who’s going to read it?

The difference isn’t just about spelling — it’s about tone, style, clarity, and how your reader sees you. Here’s why it matters.

🇬🇧 1. Spelling (Obvious but Important)

Yes, we all know these ones:

• Colour vs Color

• Organise vs Organize

• Travelling vs Traveling

But it’s more than aesthetics. If you're applying for a UK visa with “favorite” and “honor,” it just looks... off. Same goes for a CV aimed at an American employer — they expect “analyze,” not “analyse.”

Mismatch = sloppiness, even if your content is brilliant.

📄 2. CV or Résumé?

• In the UK, it's a CV.

• In the US, it's usually a résumé — especially for jobs in marketing, tech, and creative fields.

• In academia, a CV is used globally, but the format still differs.

If you're translating a CV and don’t adjust the layout, language, and tone to fit the country, you're not really helping your client succeed.

📢 3. Tone and Formality

• British English tends to be more reserved, indirect, and formal.

  “I would be grateful if you could…”

• American English is often more direct, upbeat, and confident.

  “I’d love the opportunity to…”

Neither is wrong — but using the wrong tone can make you sound out of place.

🧠 4. Vocabulary Differences That Actually Matter

It’s not just lifts and elevators:

• Public school (UK) = elite private school.

• Public school (US) = state-funded school.

• Pants (UK) = underwear.

• Pants (US) = trousers.

You don’t want your marketing copy, legal doc, or visa form getting lost in those details.

🌍 5. International English Exists… Kind Of

Some clients say, “Just use neutral English.”
And sure — we can avoid obvious regionalisms.
But if you’re targeting a specific audience, tailoring the English helps you connect more clearly, confidently, and correctly.

That’s what good translation does: not just swap words, but shift context.

Need help choosing the right English?

We work with individuals and organisations across the UK, US, Balkans, and beyond — especially on:

• Visa & residency paperwork

• Academic applications

• Business & marketing content

• CVs and personal statements

Get in touch — we’ll help you sound right where it matters.