UK or US Spelling In IELTS, Main Differences

UK or US Spelling In IELTS, Main Differences: English is a global language used by a diverse group of people. However, the tone, spelling, speaking style, etc, can vary between British and American English. For test-takers preparing for the IELTS exam, one of the commonly asked questions is Should you use British or American spelling in IELTS?

Read:- How to improve IELTS Score in Writing from 6.5 to 9

IELTS Spelling UK or US

Spelling differences between British and American English have developed over the centuries. British English often preserves older spellings, while American English tends to simplify words. In the IELTS test, you can write British or American English as per your choice and convenience. 

1. Words Ending in -our / -or

British English tends to use the “-our” ending, whereas American English simplifies it to “-or”.

Tip: Pick one spelling style and use it consistently throughout your writing task.

IELTS Writing Tips, Strategy, and Practice

2. Words Ending in -re / -er

In British English, words often end in “-re”, while American English uses “-er”.

Common Mistake: Don’t write “theatre” in one paragraph and “center” in another. Choose one style and stick with it.

3. Words Ending in -ise / -ize

This category can be tricky because British English sometimes allows both forms. However, the “-ise” ending is more commonly used in the UK, while “-ize” is the standard in the US.

Note: IELTS accepts either, but you must be consistent across your writing.

IELTS Writing Scoring, Marking Scheme and Score

4. Words with Double ‘L’ vs. Single ‘L’

British English often doubles the “l” when adding suffixes, while American English usually does not.

Example: Writing “travelling” in one sentence and “canceled” in another will seem inconsistent to the examiner.

5. Past Tense Differences (-t vs. -ed)

British English often uses the “-t” ending for some past tense verbs, whereas American English prefers “-ed”.

Tip: Familiarize yourself with both forms and choose the one that matches your selected spelling system.

IELTS Online Coaching 2025

Tips and Strategies for IELTS Spelling

Spelling mistakes are common among IELTS candidates for non-native speakers. Here are practical ways to improve your IELTS Spelling:

1. Choose One Variant: Decide whether you want to use British or American English in your test and stick with it. 

2. Use a Consistent Dictionary: If you're following British English, use dictionaries like Oxford or Cambridge. For American English, use Merriam-Webster. 

3. Read Widely: Read books, newspapers, and websites in your chosen English language. 

4. Practice Spelling Lists: Make a list of commonly misspelled words in IELTS and check their correct form.

5. Use Spell Check Wisely: When using word processors, set the language settings to either “English (UK)” or “English (US)”.

Also Read:

• IELTS Writing Task 1 
• IELTS Writing Task 2 
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer, Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

IELTS Spelling UK or US Real Examples 

Imagine you’re writing an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay:

Correct (British English):
“Neighbourhood safety is a significant concern. The colour of street lighting may influence behaviour.”

Correct (American English):
“Neighborhood safety is a significant concern. The color of street lighting may influence behavior.”

Incorrect (Mixed):
“Neighbourhood safety is a significant concern. The color of street lighting may influence behaviour.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following common mistakes to improve your IELTS band score:

• Switching between “-ise” and “-ize” without realizing

• Using UK spelling in Writing Task 1 and US spelling in Task 2

• Letting autocorrect change your spelling without checking

• Learning vocabulary from mixed sources without awareness

Guidance of PW IELTS

Physics Wallah offers multiple online IELTS courses for all students. Follow the IELTS pages to better prepare for the exam.