How to Check for Americanisms in Your Copy

The English language is especially complex. It comes in two different forms, most commonly being American English and British English. Both have very distinctive differences and they’re used specifically for different audiences and nationalities. While British English is reserved for British speakers, American English isn’t just for the eyes of Americans. 

It’s used to communicate to international speakers also, as this is, primarily, the form of English they’re taught. That, combined with what we see in the media, is one of the main reasons why Americanisms can sometimes work their way into British English. 

While this isn’t a negative thing, it’s important that we keep Americanisms out of British English and that we’re including Americanisms in copy meant for the American or international reader. So let’s take a closer look at how to check for Americanisms in our copy, whether they should be there or not:

What are Americanisms?

According to ThoughtCo, the definition of an ‘Americanism’ is “an English word or phrase that (supposedly) originated in the United States or is used primarily by Americans”. It’s a term used by non-Americans to describe American English when compared to British English, most commonly. 

The same source also claims that the term ‘Americanism’ was forged in the late 18th century by the Reverend John Witherspoon who, according to the University of Edinburgh, was born in Gilford, East Lothian. Despite living out his earlier years in Scotland, he ended up moving to the United States with his wife and children and soon became a supporter in the American Independence movement, states the same source. 

As such, and thanks to his experience in both Britain and America, he had an excellent grasp on both English languages. This is how he coined the term ‘Americanism’. He identified specific differences in the two languages and used the term ‘Americanism’ to distinguish between the two. It’s a term that’s followed linguistics throughout the centuries and it’s not being dropped any time soon. What are the Americanisms that we should be looking out for? Let’s take a closer look:

The Americanisms to look out for: grammar, spelling, words & phrases 

There are many ways that American English and British English differ. From using a ‘z’ instead of an ‘s’ to dropping the ‘u’ in words like ‘colour’ or ‘honour’, there are Americanisms that you should be looking out for, whether you’re meaning to put them into your copy or not. Here are some of the most popular Americanisms that you should be looking out for when you’re writing for either an American or a British audience:

• Using a ‘z’ instead of an ‘s’
• Not using a ‘u’ in words like ‘honour’ and ‘colour’
• Using ‘er’ at the end of words like ‘center’, rather than ‘re’
• Using words like ‘faucet’ or ‘diaper’ instead of ‘tap’ and ‘nappy’
• Saying that they’re ‘taking a shower’ rather than ‘having a shower’
• Getting a ‘take out’ instead of a ‘takeaway’
• Saying ‘a half hour’ rather than ‘half an hour’
• Saying ‘alternate’ instead of ‘alternative’
• Using a comma to end a list of things in a sentence
• Saying ‘learned’ and ‘spelled’ rather than ‘learnt’ and ‘spelt’

Those are just a few of the word, phrases and spelling examples that you should make sure you’re either avoiding in British English or making sure you’re including in American English. However, if you’re looking for a more in-depth look at American spellings and terminology, then take a look at one of our earlier articles regarding American English. 

We have one that details American spellings and another that compares the differences between the two languages in more depth. Take a look at those two pieces of content for more clarification and detail when it comes to the Americanisms you should be looking out for, whether you’re writing for an American audience or a British one. 

Why is American English more prominent around the world than British English?

According to the Guardian, American English is making more of an impact and it is slowly creeping its way into British English, more so than ever before. In fact, Medium claims that American English is a far more efficient way of speaking the language than British English, but why is that? Why is American English becoming more prominent in the world than its counterpart? It could be down to the media, now more than ever. Let’s delve deeper into that theory. 

American English isn’t just for an American audience. Those who are being taught English, where English isn’t their first language, will be taught American English, more so when it comes to spelling and grammar, rather than pronunciation. In addition, for those who don’t speak English as their first language, they’re likely to learn how to speak English from television programmes – American television programmes, more so.

In fact, it’s almost encouraged for non-English speakers to learn English through American TV shows, such as Friends, according to FluentU. This is why American English is more prominent in popular culture than British English. However, with the BBC widening their access across the pond, for example, British English is slowly making an impact. However, American English is still the most popular form of the language, especially for non-English speakers who are still learning. 

How to write for an American audience

When it comes to writing for an American audience, there are several things that you need to keep in mind and consider, aside from the grammar, spelling, words and phrases examples we have detailed in the section above. When it comes to writing American English, the things to consider are as follows:

• Audience – establish who you’re writing for before you begin. Are you American writing for a British audience or are you British writing for an American or even an international audience? Sometimes, it’s easier to use American English, but not if you’re writing for a British audience. Think about who you’re writing for before you decide to run with American English or British English
• Authenticity – you need to check your copy regularly for mistakes. If you’re American writing for a British audience, then don’t include Americanisms. However, if you’re writing for an American audience, make sure the copy aligns perfectly with that form of the English language. It’s what makes that content as authentic as possible. Your aim is to ensure that no one questions the nationality of the person who has written it, and that comes with making sure your copy is as authentic as it can be
• Consistency – make sure you’re going back and checking your copy for Americanisms. This works both ways; whether you’re American writing for a British audience or British writing for an American audience. Ensure your copy doesn’t contain anything that it shouldn’t by way of spelling and grammar. But at the same time, it needs to contain everything that’s relevant to the English language you’re trying to execute
• Expectations – here in the UK, we read more American English than British English, simply because of the number of American companies that operate in and around the UK, such as Netflix. Arguably, this makes American English the safer option, whether you’re writing for an American audience or a British one. While this doesn’t mean that you should choose American English over British English when writing for a British audience, you still need to consider the nationality of the audience you’re writing for

If you’re struggling to write for an American audience, or if you’re finding it somewhat of a challenge, given the amount of time and attention it requires to make sure the job is done right, then you should look to a digital marketing agency to do it for you. Here at Kumo, we have content writers and copywriters available who are qualified and experienced in the art of the English language, both British and American. If you’re looking for specialist content writing, then look no further than Kumo. 

If you’d like more information about the content writing services we have available, especially when writing for an American audience, then you’ll always be able to look to Kumo for help. In addition to copywriting services, we also have SEO, PPC, graphic design and website design services available. Get in touch with a member of our friendly, expert team today for more help – we’re pleased to operate throughout the UK, regardless of the industry you work in.