American vs. British spelling
When writing assignments in New Zealand most lecturers will expect you to spell words in the British rather than the American fashion. Note, however, that some lecturers only insist on internal consistency: it should either have totally British spelling or totally American spelling.
Ensure that your computer's spell-checker is set to the correct version of English or check a good dictionary.
The main differences between British and American spelling are as follows:
-our vs. -or
Most words ending in -our in British English are spelt -or in American English.
| British | American |
|---|---|
| colour | color |
| flavour | flavor |
| labour | labor |
| rumour | rumor |
| behaviour | behavior |
| favourite | favorite |
-re vs. -er
Words ending in -re in British English are usually written -er in American English.
| British | American |
|---|---|
| centre | center |
| metre | meter |
| litre | liter |
| theatre | theater |
| fibre | fiber |
-ise vs. -ize
For many verbs that end in -se or -ize, British spelling most commonly uses -ise, whereas American spelling uses -ize. Some British spelling sources, such as the Oxford English Dictionary, also prefer -ize.
| British | American |
|---|---|
| specialise | specialize |
| realise | realize |
| equalise | equalize |
| recognise | recognize |
| organise | organize |
-ogue vs. -og
Most words spelt -ogue in British English are spelt -og in American English.
| British | American |
|---|---|
| analogue | analog |
| catalogue | catalog |
| dialogue | dialog |
-ll- vs. -l-
When adding a suffix (e.g. -ed, -er, -ing) to some words ending with l British spelling doubles the l, whereas American spelling does not.
| British | American |
|---|---|
| travelled | traveled |
| counsellor | counselor |
| cruellest | cruelest |
Other words
Some other common words are also spelt differently.
| British | American |
|---|---|
| programme | program* |
| bank cheque | bank check |
| defence | defense |
| speciality | specialty |
| aluminium | aluminum |
| sceptic | skeptic |
* In British English program is used for computer software, but programme for other meanings.
References and further reading
Marriot, S., & Farrell, B. (1992). Common errors in written English. Chambers.