Tuesday, January 20, 2009

More differences in language

I have noticed a grammatical difference between American English and British English. It can best be described through illustrations:


American: Why didn't you leave us alone? I would have if you'd written.

British: Why didn't you leave us alone? I would have done if you'd written.



American: I should have seen to him twenty years ago. I would have, too, if I hadn't believed him.

British: I should have seen to him twenty years ago. I would have done, too, if I hadn't believed him.


American: I could have reported you. Maybe I should have.

British: I could have reported you. Maybe I should have done.



Also, the British use the word 'whilst' in place of our word 'while.'


In addition, they have tyres on their cars, not tires, and they park by the kerb, not curb.

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