Level A2 · Lesson 3
In earlier lessons you learned about the "r" and "a" differences. Here are two more common differences between British and American English.
| Feature | American English | British English |
|---|---|---|
| The "t" between vowels | Often softens to a quick "d"-like sound: butter → "budder" | Stays a clear "t": butter |
| The "o" in words like hot, stop, box | Open sound, closer to "ah": hot | Short, rounded sound: hot |
Click each speaker to compare the same word in both accents.
Green = American voice, purple = British voice.
A few common words are pronounced completely differently in each accent, regardless of any general rule: schedule, tomato, vitamin, garage, herb. Worth learning individually if you notice them!
Click the speaker to hear the word. Then click which accent you think it was.
Click the speaker to listen. Then click the word, and click the box with the accent you heard.
Click the speakers (green = American, purple = British) to compare each word, then drag it into the box for the rule it demonstrates: the T rule or the O rule.
Click the speakers (green = American, purple = British) to compare each word before answering.