Learn English | A new lesson every week
Book your course now

T.16 - Different types of English

Best of British English

Average: 1.5 (190 votes)

Here is some vocabulary that is very common in Britain, but rarely used in other countries. Have you heard these words before? Read through the sentences below and see if you can decide which vocab. goes in which sentence.

Cheers!

Lesson by Caroline Devane

Do you speak British or American English?

Average: 3.5 (26 votes)

Chris and I are both from the UK and therefore speak in British English.

There are quite a few differences between the two, including some of the vocabulary!

In Britain if you tell someone you 'wore your new pants to work', they may give you a funny look because in British English pants are underwear (we say trousers in the UK).

Therefore, it is important to try and learn both the British and American options.

5 British English idioms

Average: 2 (167 votes)

Here are some idioms that you will only here in the UK:

Bob's your uncle

Usually used after a set of simple instructions and has the same meaning as the phrase "and there you have it". It shows that something will be successful:

'To access the site, simply enter your password here and Bob's your uncle..'

cheap as chips

When something's very cheap, it is as cheap as chips:

'These shoes are only ten pounds a pair - cheap as chips!'

Learn informal English

Average: 2.9 (47 votes)

English nicknames for places

Average: 3.3 (24 votes)

Most counties and places have nicknames. A nickname is a second, unofficial name. For example, the nickname for New York is 'The Big Apple'.

Below you will can see seven nicknames; all you have to do is match them up to the correct places.

Does you hometown or country have a nickname? What is it?

Link: Puzzle - Can you read this?

British English slang!

Average: 3.1 (50 votes)

Here are five British English words which are used in casual British English. They are all slang words that you will hear British people use in spoken English. Do not use them when you are writing and only use them when you are in an informal situation.

Culture Lesson: American Thanksgiving

Average: 3.6 (21 votes)

Read through the following information on American Thanksgiving and match up the key words (in bold) to their definitions:

British or American English?

Average: 3.3 (30 votes)

Do you know any differences between American and British English? You can test your knowledge here!

Read the following sentences and decide if they use British or American English:

Find out why. Click here!

 

American versus British English

Average: 3.3 (23 votes)

Winston Churchill said that England and America were 'two nations divided by a common language'. Today we look at some basic differences in vocabulary between British and American English.

Do you speak 'British' English? Ten words you need to know!

Average: 3.6 (982 votes)

I’m sure you know there are many types of English. Each English speaking country has its own unique vocabulary, grammar structure and pronunciation.

Today we take a look at ten words which are used in natural British English, but are not really used in American English. All of these words are very common and are used in casual spoken-English. 

Bloke

(noun) synonym: man.