UK and US Writing

      The writers need to be vigilant about the region for which they are writing for. English is used all over the world. But, writers need to be aware of the variations between UK and US English in a document. British English is used in the United Kingdom while American English is used in the United States. In this article, I am trying to highlight few differences.

      
      Spelling:

      Major difference that writers can find in both the writing is SPELLING. There are so many words in English which are spelt differently in both the regions. 

•       Words that end with “our” in UK writing, end with “or” in US writing
•        Words that end with “re” in UK writing, end with “er” in US (In British English, only some of them ends with “er” like- September, October, November, December, enter, parameter, tender, chapter, powder, proper etc.)

British English (UK)	American English (US)
Colour	Color
Harbour	Harbor
Humour	Humor
Labour	Labor
Neighbour	Neighbor
Centre	Center
Fibre	Fiber
Goitre	Goiter
Metre	Meter
Theatre	Theater

    

•     In American writing, spellings like Organize, Realize, Recognize, Minimize end with “ize” whereas in British writing it can be written in both the ways by using “ise/ize” i.e. Organise/Organize, Recognise/Recognize.
•       There are many words in British writing that includes “ae” and “oe” are changed to “e” in    American writing. 

British English (UK)	American English (US)
Diarrhoea	Diarrhea
Foetus	Fetus
Anaemia	Anemia
Paediatric	Pediatric

•        Some other examples of spellings are-

o   “ogue” changes to “og”

o   “ll” changes to “l”

o   “ce” changes to “se”

o   “yse” changes to “yze”

British English (UK)	American English (US)
Dialogue	Dialog
Prologue	Prolog
Catalogue	Catalog
Fuelling	Fueling
Cancelled	Canceled
Jewellry	Jewelry
Woollen	Woolen
Defence	Defense
Offence	Offense
Analyse	Analyze
Paralyse	Paralyze

      These were some spelling differences. In the next topic, I would discuss some grammar differences in both the writing.

Hard to Find

It has been now almost 12 years that we haven’t met,beyond the belief, but the bitter truth. We have completed our schooling, graduation, got a good job and now stepped into the most crucial part of our life. Even the big day “Marriage” was held without you.

When we look back, especially, the good old days, we don’t even realize that we have lost you. It is like, you have gone somewhere and will soon come to meet us. But yes, there are some times when we actually realize that you won’t come now. We have treasured the beautiful memories and pictures, but were unable to save you.

At times, I wish why you don’t show your presence when we actually need you.  From where ever you are, I want you to cover me against some people.  I want to talk you, have desire to discuss so many things and to share all the good things, need to show so many things and even want to complaint. I want to stand beside you like I found myself in the pictures that I have treasured. But failed every-time.

 Again, again and again- It is hard to find you.

I Am Looking for You Again

It was my board examination; I reached at school gate.

I was nervous and trying not to be fazed.

Found most of my mates with their father,

Suddenly, the queasy feeling changed in to somber.

I was catching the words while passing from the notice board;

“To do and not to do” - they were advising to their wards.

Trying to pay heed simultaneously diverting my mind,

Looked at my watch and caught the correct time.

The bell rang and I was in the corridor;  
Started looking for my hall on each floor.

Dealing with that disheartened feeling, I stepped in the room.

Penned down my roll number with trembling hand.

Exams were over and the result got declared,

I was looking for you to share some words.

Years passed and I completed my degree.

With innumerable talks and news, we were alone many time.

Now it was an interview and I stepped out with the same anxiety,

Got my first job and rushed towards my bike.

On the way, I had so many things in my mind;

Uttered everything in front of mum, Again I missed you; it was also your right.

Bad! The day was same, when the god cast his greedy eyes upon us and took you away.

With the mixed emotions and I moved on again.

I am looking for you again with innumerable talks and news. 

A Cup of Tea

Whether attended a tedious meeting or after a long tiring journey,
Returned from the office or just ended up an urgent document,
Had any hot discussion or enjoyed the first rain,
Met someone after long time or completed any chore,
Mystified in a query or gratified from a feedback,
Suffering from cold or gossiping with friends,
A Cup of Tea- its mellow taste and aroma would accompany all.
It can add flavor between two friends’ chat,
Can contribute an effective conclusion to the document.
Succor in the hard time,
Yes! The delicious taste would release the stress taking your mood at prime.
Just tilt the cup to the mouth and have a sip
It would take you far from all dins.
Indeed, a samosa would be a compliment
I have experienced, so you too have.

Early Morning Sleep

Cool weather, warm bed, clock stuck five;
No bad dreams and worries dwelling on unconscious mind.
Curtain drifting over the face; Wind coming from the windowpane.
Suddenly the alarm rang; it’s time to rise again.
Oh! The bitter sound and an indolent move to turn off the alarm.

Sleepy-eyed and dropping eyelids, a lethargic step putting down the bed;
Reached the sofa and pillowing again.
Experienced pleasant, comfort cushion and logs Z’s once again.
Its doorbell turn now and my sleep disappeared;
Finally awaken, leaving the sweet early morning sleep.

Monsoon Arrived

Bright and sunny days with scorching heat; coolers & AC all conked out.
And the muggy evening taking the breath out.
Shower and swim not giving relief,
Now the sweating weather making me weak.

Standing in the balcony in hope of fresh air
Exhausted and fired look, everybody wear.
The tin shed roof of some market shops,
Had kindled, if few more sun beams would have tumble on.

Unexpectedly, sensed the earthy smell and cool breeze
Eventually, it rained bringing in please.
Heavy sky making the roads wet,
Within a minute everything looks refreshed.

Clattering sound of the drops mixed with thunder
Reminding the school rhyme “I hear Thunder”.
Tired people, last seen, furiously wiping their sweat
Now, enjoying the water dropping from their threads.
Cool shower slapping on the face,
Rain water on the glass door appearing as drape.

Mother's Day

Mother’s day it is a right time to express your love and appreciation towards your mother. I am baffled what to present her.
My mother-a perfect blend of mother and friend…

Now I am tired, what should I present you?
Browsing the search engines, I am bemused.
Or it was lack of keywords, I don’t know.
Oh mom! Love and gratitude, how would I show?
Finally, I am here to pen down my thoughts.
Days are passing and your love is becoming deeper,
Anything I will buy it would be cheaper.
You gifted me honesty, approach and success towards the life,
Jewelry or a dress gift would be futile.
When I was in pain, you hold me like a pleasure,
Gifts like flowers and gadgets all are worthless.
Every success of my life, you treated as a treasure,
Cards and books would not at all favor.
At last, I am here to share my feelings.
It cost me nothing…
Neither I roam in the market nor I asked anybody.
But a small gift from my side….
Be always with me.
HAPPY Mother’s DAY