British English and American English: Different Spellings, Different Meanings

Here are some words one must be careful while writing since these words change their meaning when spelt differently.

check – cheque: to check is to ensure; outside the US, a bill of exchange drawn on a bank payable on demand is a "cheque".

kerb – curb: In British English, 'kerb' is the edge of the road or pavement (UK) (sidewalk in the US) where 'kerbstones' can be found. 'To curb' is to limit or control in either dialect.

disc – disk: In British English, the usual spelling is disc (meaning: thin flat circular object), but in computing, disk is usually used when referring to magnetic disks, as in hard disk. In the case of optical discs, such as "compact disc", the other spelling is used.

draft – draught: In the UK, draft is a preliminary version of a document; draught is a drink or a current of air.

enquiry – inquiry: for most British writers, an enquiry is a request for information, but an inquiry is a formal investigation.

judgement – judgment: In Australian and British Law, a Judge's decision in a case is always spelt Judgment. On the other hand, the forming of opinion or conclusion by an ordinary person is usually spelt judgement.

metre – meter: in most countries other than the US, metre is the metric unit of length, and meter is a measuring device.

programme – program: In British English, the spelling program can be used for computer program. In all other cases, programme is invariably used. In Australia, program is widespread in all contexts.

story – storey: a story is a tale; outside of the U.S., upper floors of buildings are spelt "storey".

theatre – theater: Many uses of either spelling can be found in American English. Both theater and theatre are commonly used among theatre professionals. The Columbia University Guide to Standard American English states that "theater" is used except in proper names.

tyre – tire: In American and Canadian English, tire is used to refer to 'to fatigue' and the inflated rim of a wheel. In British and other forms of English, tire means 'to fatigue' and tyre is the inflated rim of a wheel.

ensure – insure: To ensure is to make sure. In British English, to insure is to take out an insurance policy. In American English, to insure is sometimes used instead of to ensure.